Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated with great enthusiasm. However, in their personal celebrations, people often overlook the true meaning behind the festival. Diwali is a time to worship goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha. Regrettably, in their materialistic pursuits, people tend to forget the path to reaching God, which is through kindness towards others. Kirti Mahadik and Rugved Jambhavdekar’s award-winning short film portrays the life of a young girl named Rupa.
Summary
The film opens to a scene of Rupa who is a young orphan adopted by a family of beggars. She is watching other children her age walking home from school with their mothers. Feeling lonely, left out, and disconnected from ordinary life, Rupa observes this scene with a sense of longing and isolation. The narrative then shifts to Rupa running into a man who kindly apologizes to her for accidentally knocking her over. Despite this unpleasant incident, Rupa surprisingly walks away feeling happier and more affirmed. This is because it is probably one of the first times she has felt acknowledged as a person. She reflects on her past interactions with people around her, which have often made her feel insecure and dejected. Her encounter highlights the stark contrast to the newfound sense of being seen that this recent encounter has provided.
She is also curious about why people treat women with indifference and if that could be the reason she lives with an adopted parent. To help her with her constant sadness, the lady who has adopted her makes her realize the importance of women. She reminds her of Laxmi and how the goddess resides in each woman. Throughout the film, Rupa experiences some mean interactions between herself and her companions. She also runs into troublesome people who force her into helplessness stemming from coming from a poor family. However, one thing that remained constant is Rupa’s effort in not only being a good person but also accepting her fate and making peace with it. Despite the hardships and challenges she faces, Rupa maintains a resilient spirit. She strives to find positivity in her life, taking inspiration from the divine feminine represented by the goddess Laxmi.
Rupa: Take Away
This short film conveys a powerful message about the importance of empathy, kindness, and embracing one’s identity as a woman. It encourages the audience to look beyond the materialistic aspects of the festival. And, instead focus on the deeper spiritual and social significance it holds. The film’s portrayal of Rupa’s resilience and inner strength in the face of adversity serves as an inspiring example of how women can overcome societal challenges and find fulfillment in their own self-worth. By highlighting the character’s journey of self-discovery, the film encourages the audience to celebrate the real Laxmi within themselves and others, fostering a happier and inclusive celebration.
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