The rote

A clueless shepherd & sheep at the signal,
Halted third time, I wait there, helplessly.
Missing my time with loved ones again,
I keep thinking about the rote.

“It was my husband’s birthday today!”
Said my recently wed colleague, sadly.
Wondering why her leave was denied,
She started with the rote.

“Are we even building anything interesting?”
Asked my talented colleague, sarcastically.
Accepting mediocrity of his work,
He continued with the rote.

“You’ll take over another project tomorrow”
Briefed my manipulative boss, smilingly.
Knowing futility of any reasoning,
I succumbed to the rote.

None of us doing what we would’ve loved,
Consumed by insignificance, repeatedly.
Spending long days at work nevertheless,
We continue to follow the rote.

I wonder what do these long days yield?
Satisfaction, or joy of creation, occasionally?
Or just some money in my bank account?
Why must I chase the rote?

“Why am I really doing all this?”
Ruffled by these questions, frequently.
Turning away from the hustling herd,
I challenge mandate of the rote.

© Manish Hatwalne
(Circa December 2018 – April 2019)

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Featured images – ‘the rote’ by stuart_roger_miles from Pixabay and ‘Do not conform’ from Pinterest are used here with gratitude.

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The cycle of tiny changes: ‘L’ & Chaakori

I had seen “Chakori” (चाकोरी) long ago in one workshop by the director duo, Sumitra Bhave & Sunil Sukathankar itself. Recently when I saw “L” by Amit Masurkar (Newton, Sulemani Keeda), it reminded me of Chakori once again.

Here are two short films – with unmistakable strong undercurrent that connects them together – watch and see it for yourself.

 

 

‘L’ is probably better in terms of acting and production, but I think in terms of screenplay and underlying concept “Chakori” (चाकोरी) is better, though it is much longer around 30 mins. “L”  puts it succinctly under 5 mins. Both brilliant in their own ways, and exemplify power of short-films. What do you think?