Onkar Diwadkar’s short film Still Alive brings about the much-needed conversation around mental health
Writer-director Onkar Diwadkar puts the spotlight on mental health in his Marathi short film
Still Alive (with English subtitles). Recently screened at the 51st International Film Festival Of India (IFFI) and the 26th Kolkata International Film Festival, the 27-minute film delves into the psychological state of a woman with depression and suicidal thoughts. The protagonist Meera (played by Pooja Raibagi), in an emotional state of mind, stands on the beach and decides to take her life.
Unable to bear the breakup with her boyfriend, she is frustrated and tries to call him, then her mother and even dials Manas Foundation, a suicide prevention helpline. Although Meera is listening, she is not receptive. She walks into the water but a high tide throws her back to the shore. Meera realises how precious life is and starts humming the lines