POV Season 19 Episode 5 The Tailenders

The POV season 19 episode 5 is titled The Tailenders. This documentary film explores the power of radio in bringing education, information, and entertainment to remote communities in the world. The film focuses on two different worlds- that of a cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and another of Sanjaya, a mechanic from a remote village in the Bengal region of India. Both are connected through their love for cricket and an unlikely medium of radio.

Harsha Bhogle is a world-renowned cricket commentator who has built a career on his love and knowledge of the game. He has traveled the world, covering some of the biggest cricket matches. But this documentary sees him in a different role- that of a teacher. Harsha volunteers to teach a group of people in rural India the nuances of cricket commentary on radio. He explains how to paint a picture through words so that the listener can visualize the match, the players, and the atmosphere of the game.

Sanjaya, the other protagonist of this documentary, leads a simple life in a remote village. He listens to cricket commentary on a handheld radio. Through it, he understands the complexities of the game, the players' stories, and the rules. He dreams of tuning into FM radio, which he believes will take his experience to another level. The film beautifully captures how the two worlds meet, where Harsha imparts radio commentary skills to rural Indians, including Sanjaya. He teaches them to use language to paint a picture for the listeners' ears in a game that can go on for days.

The film takes you on a journey through remote India, with Harsha visiting villages and towns that are far from any major city's reach. The people there lead simple lives, with minimal access to education or healthcare. But they have something powerful- their love for cricket and the radio. The radio serves as a window to the world, where they can experience new cultures, learn about different people and listen to cricket commentary that they love. It's a medium that connects them to the outside world, and the film showcases the power of that connection.

As Harsha continues his workshops, he gets to interact with people from different backgrounds and ages. Teenagers and elderly men listen intently as he explains the intricacies of the game. The film shows how this experience is not just about learning cricket commentary- it's about bringing education, building community, and bridging the gap between two disparate worlds. The power of radio can transform lives by empowering people with knowledge and opening new doors for them.

The Tailenders is a fascinating documentary that highlights the importance of radio and the role it plays in connecting communities. It showcases the power of knowledge and how it can bring about a positive change in people's lives. The film is not just about cricket commentary- it's about the human connection, and how that connection can change the world. It's a poignant reminder that there is so much to learn from people who come from different backgrounds and cultures. The Tailenders is a must-watch for anyone who loves cricket, radio, or wants to be inspired by the power of human connection.