Unpaused is a wonderful collection of five beautifully crafted short movies that underlines the struggles, confusion, fear, helplessness, anger, loneliness, distress, vulnerability and cowardice that struck our lives once the COVID-19 induced lockdown was announced. the anthology, knitted by a slew of terrific performances, is a pertinent commentary on a pandemic and its depredations.
Cinematography is excellent in all segments, with near perfect production production colouring that is among the best in 2020 Indian cinema. Editing is crisp and neat, making sure none of the five segments drag unnecessarily even one bit. Production design, costumes and makeup were very decent in all segments. Directors Nikkhil Advani, Avinash Arun, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Krishna D.K, Nitya Mehra, Raj Nidimoru have really put in a great effort to ensure good quality returns in their respective segments. Music was subtle and calm throughout the segments depicting the tone of events unfolding within. Acting is generally very good overall, armed with some very good performances by a host of well seasoned actors.
With Geetika Vidya Ohlyan performance in Vishaanu segment being the best of the lot.
Overall, Unpaused is important because it serves to chronicle this slice of history, that we all took part into. It helps that it is also an enjoyable, insightful affair where we get a peek into the lives of others, during the pandemic, both rich and poor and see how they conquered their vulnerability. At a run time of 114 for five segments, Unpaused is a breeze that will remind us of our own fear & helplessness during March & April 2020. 7.7 stars out of 10 for the beautiful presentation of heart touching stories.
