Dhruv Harsh’s ‘Elham’: Of trust and friendship

A scene from the film ‘Elham’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Personal loss often results in powerful cinematic experiences. Dhruv Harsh’s story is also no different.

Young director’s latest film, Elham (Revelation), It is a touching story of the relationship between a boy and a goat who is brought home for ceremonial sacrifice. Set against the backdrop of Eid celebrations in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, the children’s film looks at the rituals through the eyes of a child and leaves a message for all age groups.

“The film offers an interesting perspective on childhood and faith. In the film, Faizan believes in God, but his relationship with his goat Dodu is even stronger,” says Dhruva. elham It has been selected as the opening film of the upcoming Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival and is also a part of the ongoing Jagran Film Festival.

Dhruv, who loved animals since childhood, remembers three major incidents where he lost a parrot, a rabbit and a dog, all of whom he loved very much. “I cried for each of them. Although I felt guilty for months because I couldn’t save any of them, I had no way to improve. Later, during my exposure to Korean cinema, I watched Kim Ki-duk’s arthouse film Spring, summer, fall, winter… and spring And I was inspired to weave a story around my life and childhood memories.”

This inspired him to create a story about a child and a goat “based purely on love and trust that transcends boundaries.” The film has an old-world innocence that we miss in children’s cinema these days. “A story with a moral has the power to impact society and as storytellers we must take that responsibility seriously,” says Dhruv.

He underlined that every child in this country, regardless of religious background, has grown up hearing the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. “These stories are rooted in our heritage, but unfortunately, we no longer make children’s films that uphold these values.”

Dhruv says, children’s faith goes beyond dogma and ritual. “Children don’t evaluate things the same way as adults. The character of the Hermit in the film is inspired by Ibn Arabi, a Sufi poet and philosopher, who helps Faizan maintain his faith. The Hermit believes that Faizan’s faith is linked to his soul and he does not want to see it tarnished by something the boy does not believe in.

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Hailing from a village in UP, Dhruv was drawn towards literature during his stay at Allahabad University. After dabbling in writing poetry and plays, he discovered European and Iranian cinema, which has influenced his work. Additionally, he has completed his PhD in English on Mahabharata and is pursuing post-doctorate from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

“Art empowers me, allows me to live without being bound by communal identity. Growing up in a small village in UP instilled different values ​​in me. Later, I studied and traveled in cities, where I was exposed to diverse viewpoints. I am greatly indebted to Allahabad University, where I learned to challenge the dogmas prevalent in everyday life.”