Meel patthar

Meet patthar is a film maker's wet dream. A poignant character sketch that stands tall. I watched this right after watching Nomadland and the latter doesn't even close to what this film is. It's most striking feature is its sound design and production that really comes out as there is no background score as such. The Foley work is top notch and the sound really holds you in an embrace (highly recommend using good quality headphones while watching this to appreciate Gautam Nair's amazing work). The quietness really adds to the cold winter mood of north India. The carefully subtle treatment of the character is breath of fresh air amidst the overtly loud and heavy treatment currently being dished out as content. Chopin's Nocturne No. 20 in C sharp minor in the ending credits is icing on the cake.

This deserves the Academy award more than Nomadland.