Directed by: Vikkramm Chandirramani Written by: Vikkramm Chandirramani Genre: Comedy Length: 14 minutes |
Destiny
On an emotional high over a guy she has been on 2 dates with, Tanya (Nikita Vijayvargia) is devastated to hear he doesn't see a future for the two. On top of that, Derek (Bhupendra Jadawat) has also blocked her from all the dating apps they both use. As Tanya's best friend Richa (Monika Panwar) attempts to console her, Tanya decides a heaping teaspoon of revenge is in order; and sets out to show Derek what it's like to be rejected. "Destiny" is a cautionary tale of relationships in the modern world: Quick and easy to start with just a few taps on your phone. Just as quick to finish and easier to offend. It's a story of scorn, ego and yes - destiny.
I wrote about this being a cautionary story above and stick to that statement; although the devil is in the details. This is a cautionary story for the men of the world, as our anti-hero Tanya is the really scary character of the film. Vikkramm Chandirramani's film is the poster child for the crazy, scary people of the world. The only real difference between this story and many others of a similar nature? Here, it is the woman who is the crazy aggressor. Had the story been reversed, and it was Tanya that decided against seeing Derek, she would have felt right and justified. She would have done the right thing. In this title, it's Derek that comes straight out and says things are not working. He doesn't play games. He doesn't waste valuable time and emotions trying to drag things out. So why would Tanya be so upset? It's only been 2 dates and on his end, it's just not working. Why 'would' she want to attempt to drag it out? Emotionally, that would be the cruel thing to do. More importantly, Tanya's character knows what she is doing is wrong. That's why she does the things she does in secret. In "Destiny" it's the lady who is all kinds of crazy. Even her best friend Richa know this, and tries to persuade Tanya to stop in a subdued way. Perhaps Richa tries to do this 'gently' because she is scared what her friend will do to her? However you look at it, it 'is' an interesting take on a classic story. It's interesting to see that girls can be just as crazy as guys. It's also fun to be rooting for the male of the story, for once, instead of the female. Derek is presented as a normal, every day guy. Looking to hookup? Sure. But not sleazy like most guys in the real world. This is even stated at the start, when Tanya reveals the 2 hadn't even kissed yet. It could have been a lot worse. If Derek had tried to 'bed' Tanya, her anger would be justified. But he didn't. That says it all. The only other thing I noticed was the incorrect genre listed for this title. It says "comedy" when in fact, there was nothing funny about any of this. No funny situations. No jokes of any kind. Maybe "Destiny" is amusing, in the same way as a long tailed cat in a rocking chair factory could be. Just not funny. Chandirramani's title should be listed as a straight up drama. Unless you think standing someone up, multiple times is a laugh out loud moment. I did not. Had funny things happened as Derek waited for these mystery girls, that would be different. Things didn't happen. Except maybe during the ending scene. That was a funny way to allow this title to live up to it's name. Funny and smart. "Destiny" is a good looking, well acted short film that may not be funny in the Ha-Ha way, but strong in the story it tells. It's not cheap or gimmicky, but styled and narrative driven. There's a lot to be said about a title that dares challenge the stereotypical thinking, that it's always the men in the world that are the bad ones. I also liked the smart twist of fate at the end. That point where "Destiny" really lives up to it's name. Where can you find this film? Just click on of of our links. It's free to watch, making it so much better. Quality at an unbeatable price. |
