Review: SHORT FILM JUSTAJU Has Prakash Jha At His Finest

Urban loneliness is a real thing. And no body can know it better than the one who may have experienced it.

As Indian films are fast churning, thought-provoking, important subjects, the short-film category is another booming space that is seeing some commendable work.

The just released Justaju - the longing, directed by Mudassir Mashalkar tackles a seldom discussed reality. In the world of high-glam cinema where every event takes the proportion of a party, it is sometimes difficult to imagine the truth of loneliness. But when you have a veteran such as Prakash Jha taking the lead, you know that the story told will make an impact.

The film documents a day in the life of Valmiki, (played by Jha). The protagonists' wife has expired 15 years ago and with a lot of time on his hand, his social circle only comprises of his lone friend -- a doctor. Supported in his act, Jha also has a solid line up of actors such as Sarika, Shishir Sharma and Onkar Das Manikpuri.

While Valmiki is advised by his friend to get a life, the actual possibility of making sense of loneliness is the most difficult part. How can one just get up one morning and decide that his life would be full? It is these existential answers that the films conveys through a lot of symbolism. Prakash Jha is at his finest when he lends both depth, meaning and empathy to the role given to him.

A sign of meaningful cinema is always when the audiences are left questioning existence and everything that life offers. Justaju precisely manages to evoke that sentiment. Even without detailing too much, the short film lays bare the realities that are unspoken.

No wonder that the film has been gaining international attention. It was shown and appreciated at the New Jersey Indian and International Film Festival and also the DadaSaheb Phalke International Film Festival.

So, even though it is the holiday season and party mode is the mood of the moment, do spare some minutes watching this real cinema. Because often below the veneer of celebrations lay the bitter truths of life, which we must confront.

Justaju the longing has been released on The Short Cuts channel on You Tube and is available for all to watch

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