Naya Safar: A Review of the 5-Story Pandemic Anthology

Plot

Naya Safar consists of five stories that revolve around the pandemic. The first story, "The Couple" directed by Nupur Asthana, follows the lives of a well-off married couple played by Shreya Dhanwanthary and Priyanshu Painyuli, who struggle to keep their marriage intact after the pandemic hits and the former loses her job. The second story, "War Room" directed by Ayappa KM, stars Geetanjali Kulkarni as a widowed woman who helps people find Covid-19 beds through a government-run helpline. The third story, "Teen Tigada" directed by Ruchir Arun, showcases the bond between three young friends and how they cope with the pandemic. The fourth story, "Gond Ke Laddu" directed by Shikha Makan, follows a woman who creates a side hustle selling sweets during the pandemic. The final story, "Vaikunth" directed by Nagraj Manjule, follows a man's journey to reunite with his family during the pandemic.

Acting

The acting in Naya Safar is impressive, with each actor delivering a powerful performance in their respective roles. Shreya Dhanwanthary and Priyanshu Painyuli's chemistry as a couple is believable and natural, while Geetanjali Kulkarni's portrayal of a grief-stricken mother is heart-wrenching. The young cast of "Teen Tigada" also stands out, showcasing their talent in a heartfelt performance.

Cinematography

The cinematography in Naya Safar is visually appealing, with each director bringing their unique vision to the screen. The use of lighting and camera angles help capture the mood and emotions of the characters, especially in "The Couple" and "War Room".

Direction

Each director brings their own unique style and perspective to their respective stories, resulting in a diverse and engaging anthology. However, some stories feel rushed and could have benefited from more fleshed-out narratives.

Overall Verdict

Naya Safar is a poignant and timely anthology that explores the various ways in which the pandemic has affected people. While not every story is equally strong, the anthology as a whole is a good watch that showcases the talent of emerging filmmakers in India.

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