Rating: 2.5/5
Zee5 is bringing a unique set of films with exciting themes as part of its Short Film Festival. As part of the series, we take a look at Heartbeat. The short stars Rajeev Khandelwal and Anupriya Goenka.
The nearly twenty minutes short features only two artists in its entire duration. It increases the responsibility on the actors, Rajeev Khandelwal and Anupriya Goenka to engage with their act. Similarly, the writing has to be extraordinary to hook the viewer. The direction takes a little backseat here.
Heartbeat is about a crashed out Mig pilot Abhimanyu Singh (Rajeev Khandelwal) who is in a coma for the past three years. The short is about his wife, Saanvi Jain (Anupriya Goenka) who is still in hope for a miracle. She is battling with her inner-self (projected as the soul of her husband) to let go the emotional attachment. Only by letting go could she become free of her thoughts (internal).
So, as one can see, a lot is happening within a confined space. The message is poignant and heart-touching one. It is the only way to overcome a personal tragedy. One cannot be grief-stricken forever with any hope in sight.
While, all that is important and beautifully and simplistically visualized through the talking-with-soul conceit, the actual writing is where Heartbeat fails to hit the mark. The conversations lack the depth and appear phoney and manipulative in parts. Anupriya overacts at times. The final result is the whole effort falls a few notches down in totality.
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