Watch Bhasmasur

Bhasmasur is a 2017 Indian film directed by Nishil Sheth. It's an intricate tale that follows the journey of a father, Dhaanu, and his son, Tipu, through the scenic, yet unforgiving landscape of rural India, showcasing the stark realities of life in these remote areas where traditional livelihoods are diminishing. The film opens with Dhaanu, potently played by Imran Rasheed, who is deeply ingrained in the rural fabric of India's vast territory. Dhaanu is a man with simple ambitions but burdened by financially pressing circumstances. He is determined to solve his monetary problems and believes that selling his ancestral donkey, Bhasmasur, will fetch a good price, enabling him to secure a better future for his young son, Tipu, played by Mittal Chouhan. The audience is introduced to Tipu in the early scenes, depicting an innocent and naive young boy reluctantly thrust into the harsh realities of his father's world.

With stunning cinematography, the movie immerses the audience in the rustic and arid surroundings that seem almost like another character in the story. The vast empty lands, the small settlements, and the harsh sunlight serve not only as a backdrop but also as an omnipresent force influencing the lives of the characters.

The father-son duo embarks on a journey to sell the beloved donkey at a fair in a nearby town. This odyssey is riddled with challenges that are both physical and metaphysical. Challenges that will test their endurance, their bond, and their morals. Dhaanu, though a caring father, is also depicted as a man facing his own demons, battling the relentless despair of poverty with a distressed stoicism that often borders on desperation.

The choice of the name Bhasmasur is rich in symbolism and draws from Indian mythology. Bhasmasur was a demon who acquired the power to turn anyone he touched into ashes. This allegorical reference is woven through the fabric of the film as the story unfolds, with the audience left to interpret the metaphor in relation to the donkey, the journey, and the life choices made by the characters along the way.

The character of Trimala Adhikari, whom we meet along the way, adds another layer to the narrative. She represents a piece of the outside world, and her interactions with Dhaanu and Tipu bring with them a surge of undercurrents, revealing more about the main characters – their fears, hopes, and yearnings.

As the film progresses, the relationship dynamics evolve. Dhaanu is presented as a man of few words with deep-set eyes that harbor a sea of unsaid emotions, pain, fears, and perhaps regrets. There's a tangible weariness to him, weathered by the elements and life's incessant demands. Tipu, on the other hand, while unbearably carrying the weight of his circumstances, still retains the curiosity and vivaciousness characteristic of his age. His bright eyes are full of questions, some he articulates and many more he keeps to himself as they traverse the snaking roads toward their uncertain destiny.

Bhasmasur does not shy away from showing the struggles between the haves and the have-nots. It delves into the exploitation, the subtle and overt societal hierarchies, and the barriers put up by a system that often favours the powerful. Director Nishil Sheth utilises a documentary-style approach, with an almost voyeuristic lens that brings an authenticity to the film. The camera often lingers just a moment longer than expected on a scene, inviting the audience to absorb the various textures of the setting and the complexities within the characters' universe.

The performances from the cast are commendable and Imran Rasheed, in particular, brings a brooding intensity to Dhaanu. He embodies the role with gravitas and a grounded realism that’s capable of translating the unspoken dialogue of his character’s heartbreak and resolve. Mittal Chouhan as Tipu renders an honest portrayal of innocence and resilience, effectively creating a memorable character. Their dynamic carries the film, making the audience invest in their journey and root for their success.

Bhasmasur debates the moral compass within the nuances of survival and the cost of dreams in the face of bitter realities. The movie's pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to soak in the narrative and reflect upon the systemic and personal issues it is highlighting. The music and sound design complement the visual storytelling, ensuring a sensory experience that fully immerses the viewer in the world of the film.

While Bhasmasur does not offer a grand spectacle in terms of lavish sets or bombastic soundtracks, it instead presents a profound narrative—a visual poem about life, loss, love, and the inevitable transformations that arise from the pursuit of something better. It is an exploration of human strength and frailty, hope in the face of overwhelming odds, and the intertwined destiny of man and beast in a world where everyone and everything can be bought or sold, but at what cost.