In the Venn diagram of online dating, it's pretty much agreed on that blind dates spell out disaster, no matter what probabilities they're paired with, especially when they materialise as a result of the newest vehicle in the dating game: the internet. In Amen, Andy and Harry, two diametrically different singletons (or so they think) showcase just how excruciatingly awkward and path breaking this whole dating game and getting hooked up can be.
Written, Produced and Directed by Ranadeep Bhattacharyya and Judhajit Bagchi, this 23-odd-minute film is well-directed and shot, however it definitely could have benefited from some more crispness.
Amen opens with Harry (Karan Mehra) waiting in anticipation for his online date Andy (Jitin Gulati). Harry is different from most blokes. Different in the sense that he knows and accepts deep down that he's gay, a sexuality that is hardly one to shout about. As the film unfolds, one gets to see that Andy is, contrastingly, at different tangents to Harry, struggling to come to terms with his real self as yet. What follows is a raw and violent "encounter", questions hurling themselves at the characters and the audience alike and both the protagonists fighting tooth and nail for what they believe is the core of their existence.
This script takes a surprisingly variant and far grittier approach to the coming out scenario, having chosen to depict the difficulties of being true to thyself within the macho social environment. It is a work that depicts the reality of gay sex. In just under half an hour, the story examines the dynamics of relationships quite well and the story succeeds in being a gripping tale of a young man coming to terms with his homosexuality, a vibrant mix of raw sex and seeming violence, desire and of finally being able to say it - like it is!
Amen's main character Harry is especially well drawn and richly layered. A brilliant performance by actor Karan Mehra shows a talented individual capable of matching the requirements of the script, which demands of him some considerable emotional gymnastics to make him a vulnerable and likable character. Andy played by Jitin Gulati excels as someone who has to tiptoe with excruciating care through environments that could turn viciously hostile with one indiscreet gesture, all complete with his rugged handsomeness.
The film's music has been composed by Jonathon Fessenden. Needless to say, it is heart-warming, building into us at the right moments. One cannot really underestimate the importance of music in this short film which succeeds in adding an emotion and rhythm to it. It foreshadows the various changes in mood and heightens the emotional attitude towards the story and the characters depicted. Varun Sud as the cinematographer excels. Although the directors have the ultimate control over the visuals, Varun has meticulously translated the directors' ideas and created the atmosphere and the look of the film by capturing the overwhelming emotions and expressions with ability. One can say that the film is shot in split-screen with each half trained on one of the actors each and that takes mettle. One has to give it to the director duo, Ranadeep and Judhajit, who have managed to (and with much sincerity and poise) to portray these two perspectives and at the same time, making the film both stylistically and dynamically appealing, allowing reactions from each character to be seen at all times. When those perspectives almost merge in certain portions of the film, the method becomes evocative and more than surmounts any early discomfort. They have hugely succeeded in taking up a not-so-comfortable subject and made it into a breezy affair on celluloid where one does not feel like they have just watched a 23-odd minute film.
A simple and elegant ending to Amen helps the short film feel organic, affirming that this was never meant to be a blossoming love story, but rather the tale of a young man (Andy) and how his hidden sexuality creates conflicting situations and how his interaction with Harry brings out much-needed answers and peace to his whole existence.
Although it may be less traumatic for young gay men to come out to their friends and families today than it was 25 years ago, this films suggests that acknowledgment of one's own homosexuality in a predominantly straight society is still no picnic even in a supposedly liberated era. Congratulations to the entire team who have effortlessly woven this beautiful piece and managed to come up with flying colours.
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