Bhasmasur is a film about a farmer, his son and their donkey, from who the title is derived.
Makers of an independent feature film talking about the plight of farmers in rural India, recently took to crowdfunding to successfully raise an amount of Rs 5 lakhs to finance the post production costs.
Shot against the majestic landscapes of rural Rajasthan, 'Bhasmasur' is a tale of love and sacrifice, and narrates the story of a father and son, and their donkey.
"The idea for 'Bhasmasur' came about when I read an article in a daily. Though it didn't immediately transform into a film at first, the news piece was unsettling enough and stayed on my mind," Nishil Sheth, the director of the film, said. "'Bhasmasur' is a film about people who exist on the periphery."
The plot sees Dhaanu, a debt-ridden farmer, deciding to sell off his donkey, Bhasmasur, to a buyer in the city. He wants to use the money to pay back the moneylender whom he owes a huge sum of money.
Tipu, Dhaanu's son yearns to go the annual fair in the city. Tipu also shares a very strong bond with Bhasmasur. The trio set off on their journey to the city, by foot. As their journey unfolds, father and son come closer.
The film, that raised the required funds on crowdfunding portal wishberry, essentially attempts to explore the price one must pay to provide their family a decent meal.
For Mr Sheth, a film must be able to provide the viewers some food for thought. "I believe films are not only supposed to give out a
message but also raise necessary questions in the viewers' minds. 'Bhasmasur' does the same via a simple narrative guided by a linear plot," he said.
The film has been shortlisted under the annual NFDC Film Bazaar Recommends List at IFFI, Goa, 2016.