A Far Afternoon: A Painted Saga by Krishen Khanna, is a 2015 docu-drama helmed by the talented Sruti Harihara Subramanian and crafted for the silver screen by director Ashvin Rajagopalan. This cinematic masterpiece dives into the profound effect of art on society as seen through the lens of one of India's most celebrated contemporary artists, Krishen Khanna. The film showcases an in-depth exploration of Krishen's intricate life journey and his unique artistic perspective.

At the core of the movie is the creation of a canvas painting named "A Far Afternoon." Guiding us through the process, the artist himself shares his thoughts, emotions, and inspirceptions. However, this is more than just a film about a single artwork. It’s a narrative on Krishen’s life journey, his influences, and how these elements come together to shape his work, making it an intriguing watch for both art enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with Krishen's body of work.

The production infuses Krishen Khanna’s raw artistic nuances with sublime cinematography to deliver a delicate representation of the artist's memories, fantasies, and philosophies. Reaffirming the film’s commitment to showcasing authentic creativity, the production uses no script, relying instead on the spontaneous nascent ideas of Krishen Khanna, revealing his deeply pondered philosophies about life and art.

As the film evolves, it paints Krishen as a man deeply impacted by the times he has lived through. His experiences of historical events, such as the Partition of India, form recurring themes in his work. However, rather than focusing exclusively on his views about these momentous events, the film broadens its lenses to engage with universal themes such as the human condition, freedom, and identity

Apart from providing a broader understanding of Krishen Khanna’s art, the film also delves into the background of Indian arts and the Progressive Artist's Group (PAG). Krishen Khanna, who is an associate member of PAG, illustrates the valuable contributions of this groundbreaking group in forming a new identity for Indian art post-independence. The intimate anecdotes about the group, shared by Khanna, shed light on their philosophies, aspirations, and their valuable contribution to the art world.

Director Sruti Harihara Subramanian beautifully intertwines a multitude of artistic expressions, including music and dance, forming a rich tapestry that brings a distinctive layer to this biographical odyssey. A vital part of Sruti's nuances is the visual journey, capturing the minutiae of the artist at work, the dance of his brush on the canvas, the feverish haze of his eyes as he transforms blank space into living art. This interplay is further enhanced through the film's brilliant use of music, composed by Maestro A. R. Rahman's KM Music Conservatory, which adds an emotional depth to the narrative.

A Far Afternoon is not just a biographical documentary about Krishen Khanna but also a passionate homage to art and artists. Despite primarily focusing on Khanna's work, the film manages to transcend beyond individuality and delve into a discourse on art's ability to challenge, inspire, and engage with society. The movie subtly raises questions about art’s role in society, its relationship with politics, and how it can reflect and question societal norms, thus creating a nuanced piece that is both thought-provoking and captivating.

This film intrigues the audience not only with its primary subject but with its intelligent and creative approach. It allows the audience to not only witness but engage with the artistic process, presenting a deep understanding of the efforts and sentiments that go into creating a single piece of art. Most importantly, it pays homage to the artists’ timeless ability to transform personal experiences into universal narratives through creativity and passion.

In conclusion, A Far Afternoon not only provides a comprehensive portrait of an extraordinary artist, but it also manages to capture the vibrant, often unseen, world of art that takes places behind the canvas, offering viewers a deeply introspective and intimate experience. From artistic expression to the arduous realities of an artist’s life, this poignant film opens a window to the narrative of an artist’s life, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in art, creativity, and human expressions.