From Nuclear Reactors to Film Frames: Prabhash Chandra's Unconventional Path
In a world often obsessed with dramatic narratives, filmmaker Prabhash Chandra finds profound beauty in the slow, repetitive rhythms of everyday existence. A former nuclear scientist who once worked at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Chandra has made a monumental switch to cinema, creating films that celebrate stillness and intimacy. His latest work, 'Alaav', recently screened to full houses at the International Film Festival of Kerala and the Dharamshala International Film Festival, offers a meditative portrait of an ageing Indian artist caring for his mother.
Capturing the Quiet Dignity of Caregiving
'Alaav' revolves around vocalist and actor Bhaveen Gossain, aged 63, as he tends to his real-life 95-year-old mother, Savitri. The film eschews traditional drama in favor of a quiet, observational style, allowing time to pass within each frame. Small gestures and silences become the primary storytelling tools, revealing a narrative of tenderness, fatigue, and the strange beauty found in repetition. Chandra explains that he was not aiming to impart a specific message but rather to explore the quiet dignity inherent in caregiving.
"In cinema, we often look for extraordinary events. Why does love have to be dramatic? Sometimes, it is simply about staying with someone through time," Chandra asserts, highlighting his philosophical approach to filmmaking.A Scientific Mind Meets Artistic Sensibility
Chandra's journey from physics to film was gradual and unexpected. Growing up in a middle-class family in a Bihar village, he excelled in mathematics and science, eventually pursuing an MTech in Nuclear Science and Technology. However, during his research days, he spent long hours watching world cinema on lab computers, nurturing a deep interest in theatre and film. After nearly seven years at Bhabha, he made the bold decision to leave his job and PhD, much to the shock of his parents and scientist friends.
The Evolution of a Filmmaker's Craft
Chandra's debut feature, 'I'm Not the River Jhelum' (2022), portrayed the life of a young protagonist in Kashmir and was shot in a guerrilla style amidst uncertain conditions. This experience informed his more measured approach with 'Alaav', where the confined space of the characters' home guided many creative decisions. The filmmaker emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness, drawing parallels to classical music where sound and silence unfold patiently.
His process typically begins with observation rather than a fixed theme, as he spends time in a place, shoots a little, waits, and returns to capture the nuances of ordinary lives. Chandra is currently working on an untitled film with Bhaveen, focusing on a migrant worker from Bihar in Delhi, continuing his exploration of intimate human relationships shaped by larger social realities.
Challenges and Hopes for Independent Cinema
Despite acclaim at festivals like DIFF, Chandra laments the limited resources and uncertain distribution avenues faced by independent filmmakers. He notes that in an era dominated by reels and short videos, reflective cinema often struggles to find its place. However, he remains steadfast in his artistic vision, refusing to surrender completely to market demands.
"There may be repercussions, but that has always been part of independent filmmaking. In some way, that struggle is also part of the process," he concludes, embodying the resilience required to capture the beauty in life's slow frames.'Alaav' is set to be shown at the 5th edition of 'INDIAINDIE' in Barcelona, followed by screenings in Madrid and Spain, further cementing Chandra's unique voice in the cinematic landscape.
