Synopsis
The short film 'The Prayer', featuring Aaditi Pohankar and Makarand Deshpande, explores the theme of faith, highlighting its transformative power. Directed by Nivedita Pohankar, it tells the story of a woman's struggle to save her brother while navigating the emotional turmoil of prayer and hope.Key Takeaways
- The film explores the essence of faith beyond religious boundaries.
- It represents Makarand Deshpande's debut as a producer.
- The narrative focuses on the emotional battle between despair and hope.
- It emphasizes how prayer can alter one's mindset rather than external circumstances.
- Amit Roy's cinematography enhances the storytelling visually.
Mumbai, Feb 4 (NationPress) The newly launched short film ‘The Prayer’, featuring Aaditi Pohankar, Makarand Deshpande, and Smita Jayakar, delves into the theme of faith.
It examines the life-altering influence of steadfast faith. This film also represents the production debut of acclaimed actor Makarand Deshpande. Written and directed by Nivedita Pohankar, it narrates the journey of a woman grappling with her brother’s survival, torn between the anguish of an unpredictable destiny and the strength of prayer.
In discussing the film, Nivedita expressed, “Faith is something deeply personal. It isn’t bound by religion, it’s the silent cry of the heart when everything else seems out of control. This film is an exploration of that raw, human emotion.”
She added, “Directing ‘The Prayer’ was a profound experience. It gave me an opportunity to work with a brilliant team and tell a story that resonates deeply in the world we live in today, one filled with uncertainty, but also immense hope.”
Amit Roy serves as the cinematographer, capturing each moment through remarkable visual storytelling. The editing is expertly handled by Deepa Bhatia, ensuring a compelling and seamless narrative. The sound design, along with the precise re-recording mix, is crafted by Kunal Mehta and Parikshit Lalvani, enhancing the film's ambiance and inviting the audience deeper into its narrative.
‘The Prayer’ presents its message with an open ending. It does not assert that prayer alters situations but implies that it can change the mind, substituting fear with courage. The film embodies the spirit of faith—how it leads, supports, and ultimately heals.
Makarand has performed across Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil cinema, and Indian theatre. He is frequently seen in crucial and supporting roles in films such as ‘Jungle’, ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘Swades’, ‘Makdee’, and ‘Satya’. He has also directed five films.