Power blackouts these days have become a common phenomenon
across the globe and probably signaling the upcoming Armageddon of 2012 or is
it really? This video takes an interesting take from the opposite angle on the
power blackouts especially in Indian context where load shedding and power cuts
are pretty much a daily deal.
We came up with the idea of this video as a part of a class
project. In this assignment, we had to make a viral video with the time
constraint of keeping it under 4 minutes. After a rigorous brainstorming
session we decided to address some social issues by integrating them on a
satirical storyline with a frequently encountered problem of power blackouts.
The video takes a satirical/comical look at the whole situation and claims that
the blackouts might even help in creating lives, making the lives easier and
also, saving lives!
The first scene deals with the ever increasing concern of
how people have forgotten to indulge in relationships and family life because
of the fast paced work life, and increased their dependance on social media
websites instead. This scene shows a girl and a boy trapped in an elevator when
the power blackout occurs. The blackout has given this couple an opportunity
for spending some quality time together. When the power resumes they are seen
coming out with a kid, and that too over a ride of only one floor! Wonder how
long that blackout lasted??
The second scene deals with the issue of corruption and
mocks our bureaucratic system. In view of the plethora of scams being unearthed
and brought to notice by the media recently, people are wary of taking bribes
openly. However they do not miss any opportunity to do so under the covers. The
scene portrays an individual trying to get his work done by an official who is
completely unwilling to help him out. This person uses the opportunity of the
blackout to bribe the official. We see a complete reversal in the official’s
attitude once the power resumes, who is now assuring that the work will surely
get done. Wonder if we’ll ever be able to fight this plague from our nation but
in this particular case, a desperate common man could get some help, courtesy
blackout.
The third scene deals with the issue of suicide among the
youth. Academic failure, poor grades, ambitious expectations and cut throat
competition are just few of the reasons for rising suicide rates. The scene
depicts a depressed student on the brink of committing suicide. The news of not
get his dream internship pushed him over the edge. We see him battling with the
decision to drink poison. During the blackout he finally gets the courage to
drink the poison but since he couldn’t see, he drinks a laxative instead. We
see him catching his breath and running towards the toilet at the end! Its
funny how sometimes situations such as these make us realize that not being
able to reach one’s goals should not be above and beyond one’s precious life.
We have become so used to power cuts in our daily lives that
we don’t seem to mind them anymore. It
is amazing how powerful perception is in our lives. How you look at something
can make all of the difference in the world. In words of Kahlil Gibran: “The
optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns,
oblivious of the rose”.
With the whole country looking down astonishingly at the
biggest ever “power blackout” in human history, we chose to look at it in
different light as to how some not so welcome events may provide us with new
opportunities. Maybe to explore what we conveniently forget in our daily lives
or take for granted. And it makes me wonder if in fact they could be even
necessary(or zaroori!) and good for us.
Do check out the video at:
If we can find something positive in the darkest of
scenarios then there is still hope and anything is possible!!
