Not Today

Heart Wrenching 💘💔💕 We all can relate to the unbearable agony of losing people in our lives.... Given the nothingness and futility of life, there are times when we all feel suicidal. Director and Actors work are beyond commendable. The way the characters bring the spectators into their lives is highly emotionally charged even if some of them do not have such experiences in life. Cinematography is amazzzzzzing, the kind of darkness that hounds a suicidal person is reflecting in every shot till the end of rolling credits without music. Not Today is among the best of Indian cinema in 2024.

This is cinema, Life as it is.

More than the film itself, I love the idea for which it stands for. I mean, the film is not bad; it's just that the core idea is far better than the overall product. NOT TODAY is a poignant and intimately told story about Alia, a young suicide prevention volunteer who gets a call on her first day from a middle-aged suicidal man who happens to also be a veteran in the same line of work. From there, the story is told through several anecdotes by both characters while desperately trying to connect with each other in search of belonging and meaning. The entire film is constructed through both characters talking to each other in a single eventful night with only diegetic sound in the background, thus lending a very realistic and organic ambience. The acting is also good, I mean both characters are subtle yet effective in their respective roles. My only gripe is with the writing; it's good, but somewhat broad stoked and could have used some more nuance and creativity to flesh out the story a little more.

All in all, NOT TODAY is a very well-intentioned and must-watch drama about a very relevant topic that's rarely talked about in the mainstream but, deserves a more urgent and deeper discourse. Well done ADITYA KRIPALANI and team! I can't wait to catch your other works.

Couldn't had been a better way to show this scenario depicting both the characters from their different backgrounds and who have their different stories. This film shows awareness on a lot of subjects but mainly the life of a suicide counselor. Also how much of this world needs people like them and how much of this people too needs people like them. I hope this movie helps people in the world facing same kinds of issue and people who watch this know how important it is to be sensitive towards people going through a hard time and get them the right help they need.

Overall a great movie. Loved it.

We often hear and read about suicide victims or about those who have attempted suicide. It's not often that we get to know about the people who work at suicide prevention hotlines. For me, this is the main USP of this film - its unique angle that's often overlooked.

While Harsh Chhaya is an established actor and essays his role really well as expected, I really liked Rucha Inamdar's performance as the suicide prevention counselor. Both actors are vulnerable with their emotions and their natural, organic style of acting helps take the story forward.

The pacing, however, was a bit of a letdown for me. The movie gets off to a great start - it had me engaged, the lead character of Aliah was interesting, and so was the premise. But after the 30 minute mark things suddenly slowed down and the tension that was built in those first 30 mins almost seemed to vanish. It started to feel more just like a chat between two people exchanging stories from their life. While it was interesting to uncover the lead characters' backgrounds, I felt the sense of urgency that was required in a story like this was lost.

As expected from a story that revolves around suicide, things do come to a head at the end, but I felt a little reminder here and there during the major chunk of the runtime would've been effective in keeping the audience on its toes. But maybe this wasn't the purpose that the writer and director, Aditya Kripalani, had for this piece. Maybe he meant for it to be a character exploration rather than a tale of trepidation and suspense. In which case, he definitely succeeded.

Nevertheless, it's a story that needed to be told and needs to be watched, so I'd definitely recommend you do. I'd like to thank the team at Mumba Devi Motion Pictures and also Aditya Kripalani for giving me access to the preview screener for this film and allowing me to freedom to give an honest review. Hope to see more thought-provoking films like this one being made by you!

This movie is a perfect example of storytelling that focuses on substance over style, without unnecessary frills or distractions. Right from the start, it captivates the audience by presenting a narrative that is both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. Aditya, the director, has managed to deliver a film that feels both raw and real. The movie digs deep into the complexities of human emotions, and in doing so, it invites the audience to connect on a deeply personal level with the characters.

One of the strongest aspects of this film is the sheer honesty with which it handles human emotions. Often, movies that attempt to portray raw emotion end up feeling forced or overdone. However, this film avoids such pitfalls entirely. The portrayal of each character's journey feels organic, and the emotional depth is so authentic that it resonates strongly with the viewer. Aditya's direction ensures that the movie never veers into melodrama, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels genuine and poignant.

Another aspect that deserves special mention is the balance between the film's darker moments and its sense of hope. There are certainly times when the story dives into heavy and challenging emotional territory, reflecting the hardships and struggles that are all too familiar in real life. Yet, even in these darkest moments, the film never feels bleak or despairing. Instead, there is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of love that shines through and keeps the audience invested. This balance is masterfully maintained throughout, ensuring that the film is emotionally layered without being overwhelming.

One of the key successes of the film lies in its ability to move the audience. Not many films manage to create a lasting emotional impact, but this one does so effortlessly. Whether it's the quiet, reflective moments or the intense, heart-wrenching scenes, the film has a way of staying with you long after the credits roll. This is largely thanks to the powerful performances of the cast, who bring a sense of vulnerability and strength to their roles. Each actor delivers a performance that is subtle yet powerful, creating characters that feel fully fleshed out and relatable.

The script is tightly written, with every scene serving a purpose and contributing to the overall narrative. There is no unnecessary dialogue, no scenes that drag on for too long-everything feels deliberate and meaningful. This precision in storytelling allows the film to maintain a steady pace, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. The dialogue, in particular, stands out for its simplicity and authenticity. It feels like real conversations between real people, which only serves to enhance the emotional depth of the film.

The cinematography is subtle yet effective, using natural light and simple framing to highlight the emotions of the characters rather than distract from them. The use of shadows and light is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the film's overarching theme of finding hope and love even in the darkest moments. Every shot is carefully composed to add another layer of meaning to the story, creating a visually immersive experience.

The music also plays a crucial role in elevating the emotional impact of the film. The score is understated, allowing the emotions of the characters to take center stage, yet it enhances the overall atmosphere in just the right way. It's the kind of soundtrack that complements the story without overpowering it, further enhancing the film's sense of realism and authenticity.

In conclusion, this movie is a triumph of storytelling that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. It's a film that isn't afraid to tackle difficult emotions head-on while still offering a message of hope and resilience. The entire team, from the director to the actors to the technical crew, deserves immense praise for creating a film that is both deeply moving and incredibly engaging. It's the kind of film that stays with you, not because of flashy visuals or elaborate plot twists, but because of the honesty and heart at its core. I sincerely hope that more people have the opportunity to experience this film-it's truly something special.