Engineer-Turned-Filmmaker Targets Economic Burden on Commuters
Mysuru-born engineer Nehesh Poll has launched a groundbreaking cinema project titled 'Save the World,' directly confronting the economic toll on everyday commuters. The film questions the justification for rising fuel prices, heavy taxation, and relentless toll fees in the face of visibly crumbling public infrastructure.
Project Highlights Economic Disparities
Poll, who earned his engineering degree in Mysuru, uses his technical background to bring a data-driven perspective to filmmaking. According to the filmmaker, the project aims to expose how ordinary citizens bear the brunt of policies that favor corporate interests over public welfare. 'The roads we pay for are falling apart, yet taxes and fuel costs keep climbing,' Poll stated in a recent interview.
Cinema as a Tool for Social Change
'Save the World' blends documentary and narrative elements to illustrate the daily struggles of commuters. Poll believes cinema can spark conversations that lead to policy changes. The project has already garnered attention on social media, with a teaser posted on Instagram drawing thousands of views.
Economic Impact on Common People
India's fuel prices have seen a steady rise, with petrol crossing the ₹100 mark in several states. Combined with high GST rates and toll charges, the average commuter spends nearly 15% of their monthly income on transportation, according to recent studies. Poll's film highlights these statistics through real-life stories of auto-rickshaw drivers, daily wage workers, and small business owners.
Call for Accountability
The filmmaker calls for greater transparency in how tax revenues are utilized for infrastructure projects. 'We need to ask why tolls exist on roads that are already paid for by our taxes,' he said. The project also explores alternative models like public-private partnerships and community-funded maintenance.
Future Plans
Poll plans to screen 'Save the World' at film festivals and community centers across Karnataka before releasing it online. He hopes the film will pressure policymakers to address the disconnect between taxation and infrastructure quality.
