Céline Roustan
Over the course of one night, two old friends catch up while roaming the streets of Kolkata during the festivities of Durga Pujo. Past, present and future collide as the night unfolds and silent moments carry the emotional weight of their relationship. With Madhu (Honey), directors Tanmay Chowdhary, also credited as the cinematographer and editor, and Tanvi Chowdhary, who wrote the film, crafted a subtle yet deeply emotionally compelling story between two protagonists unable to express their true feelings amidst the hectic atmosphere of the city.
“The story was born on a Ferris wheel ride”, Tanmay reveals discussing how the inspiration for Madhu struck during their own Durga Pujo celebrations in Kolkata. As the energy of the city triggered a sense of nostalgia, it sparked a reflection on the nature of time, leading them to question: “Whether our experiences and emotions ever truly fade, or if they remain suspended in the ether, always a part of us, quietly shaping the present”. Conceived, written, cast and shot within an impressive three-day span, the directors had to act fast to ensure their shoot took place in the midst of the festival.
The ridiculously limited time they had to prepare for the shoot prompted the directors to adopt a documentary-like visual style, reminiscent of cinéma vérité with its handheld shots. This approach truly transports us to the streets of Kolkata, giving the film an immersive quality. Placing its viewers amidst the chaotic energy of the crowds at the festival, this approach allows us to focus on the two protagonists, placing us in the middle of the intimacy they share.
“We did not want to define the pair on the basis of gender” – the directors reveal when discussing their story.
By offering glimpses into both the past and future, Madhu questions the idea of how we process emotions, and if we can ever truly let go of feelings, especially when they can’t be properly expressed. The power of the screenplay lies in its subtlety and gentleness, as what’s left unsaid carries more weight than the words spoken. This makes the silent moments between the characters all the more powerful, as they speak less and less, their silence says more than words ever could.
“We did not want to define the pair on the basis of gender”, Tanmay shared as we discuss the creation of their narrative. Originally writing the pair as a man and a woman, when their male actor backed out at the last minute, they quickly recast the titular character with a woman, giving the film a new direction. A forbidden love is always compelling on screen, but the way Satakshi Nandy and Madhyama Halder capture the nuances of their relationship is incredible. As their characters wander through the night, the way they occupy the frame reveals much more than their dialogue. Their chemistry is captivating, magnetic and vital to the story, as it enhances the emotional weight that was woven in the screenplay.