Film: Side A Side B
Cast: Rahul Rajkhowa, Shivranjani Singh
Director: Sudhish Kamath
OTT: YouTube
Rating: 3.5 Moons
If you are from the generation of tape cassette buyers you would definitely understand the logic and symbolism behind the title of the film Side A Side B. The cassettes generally had 4-6 different songs on each side which according to the mood and the flow of the film will tell the story. Usually Side A featured happy and peppy songs that were included in the first half of the film and Side B had more grim numbers that would eventually lead to the climax of the film. Sudish Kamath’s directorial Side A Side B also follows the same pattern and is the perfect name for the love story featuring Rahul Rajkhowa and Shivranjani Singh in the lead with ample amount of songs that take their tale forward.
Aiban “Joel” Gogoi (Rahul Rajkhowa) and Shivi (Shivranjani Singh) are two musicians and young couple on a train ride from Guwahati to Mumbai. Their train journey is also metaphorical about the changes that are going to take place in their lives. As the 21-year-old Shivi leaves Shillong for Mumbai for an internship/corporate job her boyfriend Joel decides to accompany her on the 40-hour train ride with her cat, Lou (which he gifts her). The train ride see them singing songs of their own making while also sharing details about their feelings for each other, their dreams and unravelling never-said words about their relationship.
Their songs also shed light on their contrasting viewpoints about love, the role of the army in North East, the alienation of the states from the rest of India, perception of the North Eastern people by others, capitalism, corporate slavery and love as well. Their conversations has only one listener in the form of Lou, Shivi’s cat which is a Valentine’s Day gift from Joel and who aptly travels in his very own Schrodinger’s cage. However, we also come to know that the Shivi’s internship is also a kind of ploy to ‘be someone’ and get away from her overbearing boyfriend and the fact that she never wanted a cat.
Side A Side B is a simple story that depicts two individuals with their own minds and set ideals. They converse through self-composed songs that give the viewers an insight into their viewpoints. The film has lots of layers but lacks good execution and is riddled with shaky camerawork probably because it is shot inside a train. However, the editing could have been crisper as the abrupt flashbacks hinder the narrative. Sudeep Swaroop’s music is commendable and the songs help in furthering the story. The songs show different range and style and even use varied languages to convey the protagonists’ emotions. The songs sung by Rahul and Shivranjani themselves also give a glimpse of where they are in the relationship and what they feel and perceive about each other. Shivi’s constant refrain is that Joel keeps changing her song while the latter feels he is just a backup for his girlfriend.
Director Sudhish Kamath does a swell job of spinning a love story in such a short time. His directorial brings a breath of fresh air but also acknowledges the fact that even though we believe that we know everything about a person, it may not be true. Although the ending is a bit abrupt but you eventually realise that along with the audience, Shivi and Joel finally understand each other’s POV, dreams and their importance in each other’s lives.
Side A Side B is a bittersweet musical film that brings out individual differences in a romantic relationship through different notes.
PeepingMoon.com gives Side A Side B 3.5 Moons
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