Ringan

Ringan, translated as 'The Quest', is a 2017 Indian Marathi drama film directed by Makarand Mane. The film, enriched with deep elements of raw emotions and unflinching harsh realities of life, brings an amalgamation of simplicity with a deep human story. Shot primarily in rural Maharashtra, it is rich in regional milieu and cultural ethos. The film is set against the backdrop of farmers' suicides, depicting an arduous journey of a father and his young son looking for a sliver of hope amidst profound despair.

At the forefront of this poignant tale, we meet Arjun (played by Shashank Shende), a downtrodden farmer laden with multiple adversities. The film beautifully portrays his emotional struggle, reflecting the grim reality of thousands of farmers in the region. His troubled past is shrouded in curtains of sadness and despair that dwells upon him like a dark cloud. The role of Arjun is played immaculately by Shashank Shende, bringing a certain rawness and simplicity to the character that leaves us deeply connected with him.

The complex character of Arjun is brilliantly juxtaposed with the fresh innocence of his seven-year-old son, Abhimanyu, portrayed by child actor Sahil Joshi. Despite the unforgiving circumstances, Abhimanyu remains hopeful and resilient, embodying the unyielding spirit of childhood. Sahil beautifully portrays Abhimanyu's character, encapsulating the charm of a blissful childhood played out in the stark reality of despair.

This father-son duo embarks on a journey in search of Arjun's wife and Abhimanyu's mother, which turns into a soul-searching quest for both. The landscape of the story largely remains sorrowful, echoing the grief-filled lives of its central characters. However, there is an underlying note of hope and perseverance, as portrayed by Arjun's unyielding spirit. He remains determined not to become a statistic in the wave of farmers' suicides plaguing the rural heartland.

One striking aspect of Ringan is the manner in which it conducts its narrative. The storytelling does not rely on drastic plot turns or shocking events to arouse emotions; rather, it is in the small and quiet moments, the subtle expressions of sadness, desperation, and hope that the film presents its poignant narrative.

Running parallel to this heart-wrenching tale of survival, Ringan also explores the essential human quest for faith and the ways it shapes our perceptions and actions in life. Arjun’s desperate attempts to find his lost wife and the hope to restore a ‘normal’ life for his son soon turn into a spiritual exploration of the divine. On their journey towards uncertainty, they come across a spiritual guide (played by Abhay Mahajan), who enlightens them about the sacred town Pandharpur and the deity, Vitthala. This subplot acts as a ray of hope in their bleak journey, adding an extra layer of complexity and depth to the main narrative.

The film’s realism is further enhanced by the authentic locations and the rustic cinematographic techniques. The rich landscapes of rural Maharashtra and the warm tones prevalent throughout the film capture the emotions and intricacies of the narrative perfectly. From the dusty roads of the village to the crowded pilgrimage of Pandharpur, the cinematography paints a vivid and captivating picture of rural India.

Throughout, Ringan is enriched with a compelling background score & simple yet meaningful songs that greatly enhance the depth of the narrative. The songs are beautifully woven into the narrative, shedding light on the characters’ inner lives and marking crucial turning points in the story.

Despite its grim theme, the film is far from being a disheartening tale of grief. It is a beautifully crafted human drama that explores the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of paternal love, and the innocence of childhood, all set within a socio-economic framework of rural India. Ringan embodies a gripping blend of struggle, hope, faith, and redemption, creating a powerful commentary on the socioeconomic situation of many Indian farmers. It’s a film that leaves its audience deeply moved, making us pause and reflect long after the credits roll.