Event Overview
Rasika Agashe’s Ticha Shahar Hona premiered at the Reborn India Film Festival 2024, held at Cinepolis, drawing an audience of 148 people. The film explores the stark realities of class and societal hierarchies in contemporary India, focusing on the disconnect between the privileged and the marginalized.
Narrative and Themes
The film centres around Archana, a middle-class IT professional, whose routine life takes a dramatic turn after an incident involving her house help, Kiran. Ticha Shahar Hona examines
the intersection of class, power, and morality, presenting the stark contrasts between the lives of those in affluent urban spaces and those struggling in slums. The story dives deep
into the discomfort that the privileged class often experiences when confronted with the harsh truths of the working class. Rasika Agashe’s direction focuses on the struggles of the underprivileged, capturing the complex emotions of her characters without relying on melodrama. The film emphasizes that societal norms often perpetuate the division between different classes and challenge viewers to question their positions within these structures.
Performances and Direction
Sonali Kulkarni shines as Archana, portraying her journey from ignorance to awareness with nuance and depth. Hemangi Kavi’s portrayal of Meena adds another layer of authenticity,
with her character as a strong and grounded presence in the film. Prasad Oak also delivers a memorable performance, contributing to the film’s overall emotional impact.
The film’s cinematography, led by Harshvardhan Waghdhare, deserves special mention for its striking visuals. The detailed representation of slum life juxtaposed against the more sterile
environments of the upper class enhances the narrative’s depth. The fire sequence, in particular, stands out for its intensity and realism.
Audience Response
The audience was deeply moved by Ticha Shahar Hona, with many praising its unfiltered approach to depicting class struggles. The film sparked meaningful conversations among
viewers, particularly around the themes of privilege and systemic oppression. One attendee mentioned that the film provided a rare glimpse into the daily struggles of the working class,
which are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Another viewer noted that Ticha Shahar Hona challenges societal norms by giving voice to stories that are rarely heard, emphasizing that such films have the power to start important conversations about class and social justice.
Director’s Insights
During a Q&A session, Rasika Agashe shared her experiences of working closely with the slum community during the film’s production. She spoke about the strong sense of
cooperation and support she received from the locals, which allowed her to capture the essence of their lives authentically. Agashe also discussed the challenges she faced in
getting the film released, noting that while the production went smoothly, navigating the distribution landscape was a different story. She expressed her gratitude to the Reborn India Film Festival for providing a platform for her film, enabling it to be showcased at Cinepolis, a venue she had long dreamt of seeing her work in.
Conclusion
The screening of Ticha Shahar Hona at the Reborn India Film Festival was a resounding success, with the film receiving praise for its powerful storytelling and compelling performances. The film effectively brought attention to issues of class disparity and prompted viewers to reflect on their own roles within the societal structures that perpetuate these divides. As one of the standout films of 2024, Ticha Shahar Hona has the potential to inspire change and encourage deeper conversations about the realities faced by marginalized communities.