Onir’s ‘Bas Ek Pal’, which intricately weaves together the lives of five individuals, celebrates its 19th anniversary. The film stands apart as a unique artistic creation, showcasing Onir’s distinctive approach to storytelling. It departs from traditional Indian cinema, embracing the director’s bold vision, much like his earlier work, ‘My Brother Nikhil.’
The film opens and closes in a pub, a setting where the characters’ intense and often volatile encounters unfold. Nikhil (Sanjay Suri) encounters Anamika (Urmila Matondkar), whose allure leads to a dramatic shift in his life. The film attempts to portray the intensity of Nikhil’s love for Anamika, although the depth of these emotions doesn’t always fully translate on screen. The characters, navigating a web of relationships, are often defined by their pride and hurt.
The complexities of the characters’ relationships are highlighted, with ambiguous connections between Nikhil and Rahul (Shergill). A moment of confession reveals a past trauma, while the narrative also explores the dynamics of Steve (Rehaan Engineer) and Ira (Juhi Chawla). The film delves into the theme of guilt across the relationships.
Anamika’s choices reveal her compassion, adding a new dimension to the story. The film examines the dark aspects of each character’s conscience. The characters, driven by desire, struggle to find solace. Nikhil’s obsession with Anamika intensifies, mirroring the structure of a Hollywood slasher film. The ending, in the style of Shakespeare, sees the demise of three characters. The contrast between human desire and nature is subtly presented.
The film lacked a detailed exploration of Nikhil’s passion for Anamika. The impact of the story, especially in Juhi Chawla’s character, is evident. The cinematographer skillfully captures the characters’ conflicts. All five actors offer strong performances. The characters are driven by their desires and it is this that leads them down a path to disillusionment. Certain scenes such as Suri’s reunion with Urmila are thought-provoking, especially in the pub. The narrative explores the drive to love in human beings, creating an air of doom.