In the evolving landscape of cinema where stories of love, heartbreak, friendship, and family dominate our screens, the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention remains conspicuously absent. This gap sparked the imagination of director Aditya Kripalani, leading to the creation of his poignant film, “Not Today.” Now, the project has received substantial backing from acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who recently launched its trailer ahead of the movie’s YouTube premiere.
Decoding his fourth feature film, Aditya Kripalani elaborates, “The idea was to make a film that makes people feel less lonely. When you have a break-up, you listen to heartbreak songs. When you split with friends, you watch Dil Chahta Hai. There should be films that help you through suicidal thoughts. We need to feel heard, understood. There are 400,000 people who feel this every year. There should be movies for hope.”
“Not Today” centers around a day in the life of a young Muslim woman who secretly begins working as a suicide prevention counselor. By depicting the emotional and psychological challenges she faces, Kripalani aims to shed light on the often-taboo subject of suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles. The film will be available for free on YouTube, with viewers offered an opportunity to contribute to a Mumbai-based suicide prevention center through a QR code provided during the movie.
Kripalani emphasizes, “We have all lost friends and family to suicide. I want people to invest in understanding suicidal thoughts. We want to donate everything from this to a suicide prevention center.”
The film has garnered support from various notable figures in the industry, including actors Sobhita Dhulipala, Vasan Bala, and director Shonali Bose. The backing from these industry stalwarts validates the importance and timeliness of the film’s message. Kripalani feels particularly fortunate about the overwhelming support, citing it took just one call for Anurag Kashyap to come on board. Kripalani notes Kashyap’s personal connection to the project, revealing, “He went through two years of depression. I went and met him.
. He was there for me when my films have not been able to find release.”
This partnership underscores the critical role creativity and art can play in addressing serious societal issues. Kashyap’s involvement brings a noteworthy weight to the project given his stature in the film industry and his public candor about his struggles with mental health. By lending his name and platform, Kashyap not only amplifies the film’s reach but also reinforces the destigmatization of mental health discussions.
The relevance of “Not Today” transcends its narrative. The film highlights an urgent public health crisis, evidenced by chilling statistics. According to the World Health Organization, close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which equates to one death every 40 seconds. This statistic signals a global public health concern that necessitates immediate attention and action.
Through his unique storytelling approach, Kripalani combines art and advocacy, encouraging audiences to confront and understand the nuances of mental health issues. The choice to make the film accessible for free underscores the inclusive strategy to drive maximum impact. The associated QR code for donations signifies a move beyond mere awareness—a call to action, providing tangible support for those battling mental health issues.
Furthermore, the film’s narrative power is amplified by its grounded depiction of lived experiences. The protagonist’s journey, her struggles, and victories, offer a relatable and resonant portrayal of the complexities surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.
The reception from the film industry, fans, and mental health advocates has been promising. Discussions sparked by the film and its trailer are already creating ripples, paving the way for a broader, more meaningful conversation.
As “Not Today” prepares for its YouTube release, anticipation is high. The film stands as a beacon of hope and a significant step toward normalizing mental health discussions. The collaborative effort from Kripalani, Kashyap, and others highlights the power of community and collective action in addressing critical social issues.
Ultimately, “Not Today” is not just a film; it is a call to recognize, understand, and actively participate in the fight against the global issue of suicide. It beckons viewers not only to empathize with those suffering but also to act, affirming that addressing mental health is a shared responsibility.
