
'An Insignificant Man' (2016) is a fascinating documentary that traces the movement of an idealist-activist into the political sphere. Unlike anything we have seen before, the camera follows Aam Aadmi Party's Arvind Kejriwal and other cadres into rallies, offices and TV appearances, and even - in a tragi-comic moment - to the modest pink bedroom of Mr. Kejriwal while he is on a hunger strike.
The film does a commendable job of showing the pitfalls, dangers (an AAP candidate's murder by goons is given considerable showtime) and compromises demanded by the circus that we call democracy in India. Commendably, Mr. Kejriwal's flaws and authoritarian streaks are not swept under the carpet by the film's makers, Khusbhoo Ranka and Vinay Shukla. The complacent arrogance of the Congress candidate, which is representative of the state of the party today, and the single-minded pragmatism of the BJP also comes through, although not as much as needed perhaps.
Excellent editing make what could have been a dry documentary into a riveting experience, and through it all the larger question of what our democracy could and should be shines through in a reminder to the viewer that the political act does not begin or end with casting a vote: it demands constant awareness, civic consciousness, and the courage to criticize and hold accountable any government that abuses its power. A timely film and an important watch in an age where loving one's country has been conflated with unquestioning obedience to those that take a vow to serve its people.
Genre: Documentary
Language: Hindi
Runtime: 1h 36min
Year of release: 2016
Streaming platform: YouTube, Vice
Hot take is a series in which I offer my first impressions of films from India and around the world.
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