It is often said that you are what you wear. But what if you are disguising into a character and it becomes your biggest enemy. Ravinder Siwach’s upcoming short film ‘The Turban’ explores this theme and uses ‘turban’ as a metaphor to symbolise equality.
Cast: Kartikeya
Director: Ravinder Siwach
Where to watch: OTT release planned for 2022
Rating: 4/5
Do you think what you wear speaks about your personality or reveals the truth about your religion? Religion and dressing sense might go hand in hand but it certainly cannot give an overview of your beliefs and values. Especially for those who identify themselves as an Indian instead of their religion. The Turban shares the same story involving a boy whose belief in equality and turban on his head is disguised as a threat.
The film also highlights the flaws in society where people are misinterpreted for their clothes and not heard for the values they inhibit. The film is set against the backdrop of the 2020 North East Delhi riots involving CAA and NRC protestors. It carefully explores patriotism through the eyes of a college student (played by Kartikeya). But it is this belief that lands him in trouble when an attack involving a bunch of Muslim protestors misinterpret the turban on his head as his Sikh and kill him.
Ravinder Siwach has boldly used turban to highlight it as a symbol of equality instead of a mere headgear. The film is produced by the national award winner Sandiip Kapur, who has previously made Bhonsle, Anarkali of Aarah and Jugaad.
In terms of the technical aspects, the cinematography is done brilliantly. The screenplay is smooth and the editing is sharp, which justifies its duration of seven minutes. The film was shot in December 2021 and was completed within three days.