Directed by Washington area-based Ganesh Bhat, “Chained” revolves around two characters.
Often times, independent films do not get enough credit. Audiences tend to be focused largely on the “big spectacle” films – movies that get large-scale theatrical releases and feature big stars.
However, the real gems of filmmaking really come from those filmmakers who pursue only what creatively satisfies them. This is something that the commercial market does not afford. These independent films feature unique ideas, great performances and are not afraid to take risks. This past weekend, I saw such a short film, Chained, which thoroughly impressed me. Written and directed by Washington area-based Ganesh Bhat, let’s analyze the film…
The film revolves around two characters, played by Vigil Bose and Motti Tadmor. Without giving specifics of the plot away, Bose’s character is imprisoned in a mysterious room and tormented by a mysterious man, played by Tadmor. Why is this character in this room? What is the mystery of this relationship? Will Bose be able to get out? Or is there something more than what meets the eye? To find out, watch Chained!
From a performance standpoint, Bose, who is a Northern Virginia-based filmmaker and actor, puts in a restrained and natural performance as the tormented victim. You can feel his pain and his desperation and anticipation only heighten the tension of the proceedings. Tadmor puts in a menacing performance as the tormentor. He keeps just the right amount of mystery and ambiguity in his performance, making the audience question this man’s motives.
Writer-director Bhat has done a fine job in crafting a short but quite suspenseful thriller. The ultimate message of the film is one that audiences will not see coming and is a novel way to present the theme of the movie. The film moves forward quickly and does not lag at all during its running time.
From a technical standpoint, the film is also superb. It is glossy, clear and the locations are perfect for the mood and ambience for the movie. Great attention to detail!
If you are looking to see this film, you can catch it on July 13 at the Reel Deel Short Film Festival, hosted by the Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW). For more details, please visit https://reeldeal.kagw.com/ .
The film is also poised for further success as it has been submitted to the Clifton Film Celebration, VA World Music & Independent Film Festival, DC Vegas Movie Awards, LV Common Good International Film Festival, CA Queen City Film Festival, MD SR Socially Relevant Film Festival, NY Great Message International Film Festival, and Pune (India) Ocean City Film Festival.
If you get the chance, don’t miss this wonderful film! I give it a 4/5. See it for its unique theme, performances and visuals. Don’t miss!