Basav Biradar says his new film, One Foot In Front Of The Other, which chronicles the journey of 4 runners who determine to run from Bengaluru to Chennai alongside the freeway, is a political act. “There is a lot of individuality when people speak of ultra-running, including the loneliness of the long-distance runner and other clichés.” And but, what struck him concerning the folks featured within the film, Chandra Gopalan, Manikandan Seran, Krishan Dhall and Santhosh Padmanabhan, was that “they see it as a community activity.”
Unlike conventional marathoners, who practice with explicit races and outcomes in thoughts, these 4 runners, Basav says, didn’t have any such targets. “In the hypercapitalist world we live in, I found it interesting,” says the Bengaluru-based author, filmmaker and researcher. “They are not overselling individual achievements or looking at material gain, but as a lifestyle that brings people together.” The 4 runners, all of whom are a part of Runner’s High, a running group in Bengaluru, are additionally not ideologically restricted. “These people with different backgrounds find a common ground, not just in the sense of sport but life,” says Basav, who believes that this group spirit is significant right this moment, at a time when a lot alienation exists.“It gives you hope.”
Enroute to Chennai
| Photo Credit:
Basav Biradar
The film opens with a shot of the runners traversing down the darkish streets of Bengaluru at daybreak, town calm and silent, save for the occasional name of the koel and the tender, rhythmic thudding of sneakers in opposition to asphalt. From there, it strikes to a scene depicting the planning behind the Bengaluru-Chennai run, “the first time they did it (a city-to-city run), but after that, they ran many more times like this,” says Basav, who started filming in 2018, the yr the primary time the 4 launched into this run.
The narrative then segues into the backstories of every runner by way of interviews, interspersed with footage of the particular run, lingering on a number of the highlights and challenges encountered en path to Chennai. “I asked them for some time before the run for the interviews, because I knew that they may not be keen to talk after the run. It also gave me a chance to get to know them intimately because I spent hours with them.”
The film additionally highlights the connection between the 4 runners and the way they appear out for each other.
| Photo Credit:
Basav Biradar
Not solely do the interviews discover the runners’ motivation, however in addition they supply insights into who they’re, together with their vulnerabilities, struggles, and ethical frameworks by which they view the world. “I didn’t want the film to look like a sporty, running film, but bring back the idea of regular people doing this sort of thing.”
Take the story of Chandra Gopalan, the oldest within the group, at 60, and the one girl, who started running, in earnest, on the age of 45 after coming first in her class on the Standard Chartered Marathon. “Once I got that medal, I realised that maybe this is something I need to pursue.” And pursue it she did, even by private tragedy. “I admire Chandra,” says Basav. “Even though she started running when she was older, she showed what can be done, but without too many hangups.”
Besides the backstories, the film additionally highlights the connection between the 4 runners. In one a part of the film, as an example, we see Krishan struggling on the third day with blisters and ache, main Basav to count on him to surrender. “It looked untenable at that point: he was struggling.” Krishan, nevertheless, didn’t, selecting as a substitute to remain there and let the day move. Basav says it taught him a nice lesson on how one can preserve at it and depend on others to hold you thru. “That specific incident offered an understanding of the kind of love they have for each other.”
Bengaluru-based author, filmmaker and researcher Basav Biradar
| Photo Credit:
Mahesh Bhat
One Foot In Front Of The Other, which is self-funded, could have a preview screening on July 20. Basav, who has additionally despatched the film for a couple of festivals, says he’ll make the film accessible submit the competition circuit. “I am trying to find the best model for this film, and deciding where it can go.”
One Foot In Front Of The Other shall be screened on July 20, 5pm at Sabhablr, Shivaji Nagar. Tickets, priced at ₹ 300, could be bought at www.sabhablr.in
