In conversation with Betelgeuse (2023), short filmmaker, Sunder Konar

Betelgeuse, a short film by Sunder Konar is the tale of the undaunting spirit of a young girl whose ambitious life comes to a standstill after an accident. She feels depressed and her family members get worried about her. A trip to the mountains of Himachal Pradesh brings a positivity in her life.     

Betelgeuse has participated in various film festivals around the world including the 21st Indian Film Festival Stuttgart & 12th Annual DC South Asian Film Festival 2024.     

In this interview, Konar shares the motivation behind making the short film, the challenges of shooting and his plans.     

What was the inspiration behind the idea of the short film?     

The inspiration behind the short film came from my concern over mental health after the pandemic, where there are lots of people grappling with psychological issues of depression. My short film Betelgeuse is the story of Chitra, a young woman whose life is shattered by a tragic accident. As a result, had to lose her career and dreams.     Betelgeuse is the brightest star in the constellation Orion. In the short film, it symbolizes the strength and resilience that humans can find through the support of others. Chitra encounters obstacles in the journey of her life. But with the help of her family and encounters with strangers, she can overcome all the difficulties of her life. Through the story of the protagonist, I want to raise awareness about mental health and emphasize how understanding and support play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges of our lives.     

Why did you use a song within the narrative?     

I have used the song to bring hope and encouragement in Chitra's life during moments sadness. Whenever in the film, she is overwhelmed by despair the lyrics in a third-person perspective are used to uplift her spirits. It conveys the message that she is valued and cherished, like a gem to the stars. She should continue to smile and fight through her challenges. The music, composed by Arun Raj and sung by Sukh Amarit Soin, enhances the emotional impact of these scenes. It helps in making the scenes into a powerful and moving part of the story.     

How was your experience of shooting in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh?     

It was both a challenging and rewarding experience. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape made every camera angle appear visually stunning. The local people were incredibly welcoming and caring which made the shooting easy for the crew. But the cold climate, especially at night, posed some difficulties for the crew. Shooting at Chandratal Lake was an amazing experience due to its serene and captivating environment. Working with non-actors from the local villages and the nuns from Kawang Monastery also helped me to bring authenticity to the story, making it even more special. The good food and the warm hospitality of the Spiti Valley community also enriched our overall experience.     

What was your brief to Gayatri and Ankit for playing the role of Chitra and Raghav respectively?     

For the role of Chitra, my brief to Gayatri Datar was to keep her focus on portraying a character who is deeply depressed. In her life, Gayatri is a jolly person. So, to maintain a state of depression over more than a month was a difficult task. She managed to pull it off with great dedication. I emphasized to her that Chitra's dream of becoming an Astro scientist, which was shattered by a tragic accident, needed to be deeply felt in her performance. Her emotional scenes with Raghav was so powerful that it gave us goosebumps from the first take.     

Ankit Nayar was a last-minute choice to play Raghav after we auditioned many actors. I told him not to "act" but to be himself. I wanted him to bring his real-life demeanour into the role, and approach Chitra as if she were his blood sister. I wanted their interactions whether they were fighting, joking, or having a simple conversation to be genuine. Ankit naturally embodied the character of Raghav.     

What are you planning to do next?     

Currently, I've written a feature film script and am actively pitching it. I am also planning to create more short films this year and continue to explore narratives that make a difference.