HIMANSHU GURU, OP
Produced by Revolucinema, indie movie PsycheDelhi directed by Surya Dash is certainly an experiment in terms of treatment and style of narration. The film portrays the flip side of city life, if not a negative depiction of the national capital. While the dispassionate poetic approach of the film interests the audience, the narration is all about crimes that occur in Delhi.
A detective’s conversation with his mother is the crux of the plot. He and his mother talk about an array of historical incidents related to Delhi that took place in the second half of the 20th century. The film then showcases different stories involving a prime minister, a poet, a gay man and a Tibetan refugee.
The film begins with four friends travelling in a cab to Delhi and exploring every nook and corner of the metropolis. During the journey, the history of old Delhi is narrated. While the visuals move through the remnants of old, dilapidated forts, the narration tells about the incidents related to them. At this juncture, a trilby-wearing detective, the protagonist, enters the scene. He is investigating a series of cases among which one involving the prime minister is the most important.
The prime minister’s episode is amusing. In the introductory scene, he is astonished to find a lady in his private chamber who seems to have entered breaching all security arrangements. The lady is confident but the prime minister is befuddled.
In another episode, a Tibetan refugee girl manages to foil a rape attempt by a bunch of boys. The film also narrates the story of a gay Oriya man from Puri, who struggles to make a career as a fashion designer. His partner, a minister’s son, and friends try to molest him, but he escapes with the help of an auto rickshaw driver. Then there is the story of a writer who faces hostility because of her writings. She is narrowly saved by a woman Naxalite who thrashes a goon attempting to harm her.
PsycheDelhi is an experimental movie that can earn the appreciation of art film aficionados. Even though the presentation is complex, the treatment is commendable. The filmmakers call it a ‘new kind of cinema.’ If you are looking for a different kind of movie, then go for PsycheDelhi.
