Countless films delve into themes of love, heartbreak, friendship, and family, yet the cinematic world often overlooks a critical issue: suicide prevention. Director Aditya Kripalani aims to address this gap with his latest project, Not Today. The film, which focuses on the importance of mental health support, has recently garnered significant support from renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.
Kashyap, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, has further amplified the movie’s reach by launching its trailer ahead of its YouTube premiere, scheduled for tomorrow. This endorsement brings a spotlight to a subject that is seldom discussed, yet affects millions globally.
Kripalani, discussing the inception and goals of his fourth feature film, stated, “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 narrates a powerful story that spans a single day in the life of a young Muslim woman who secretly works as a suicide prevention counselor. Through her journey, the film aims to shed light on the complexities and emotional challenges faced by those dealing with suicidal thoughts.
One of the groundbreaking elements of Not Today is its distribution model. Understanding the sensitive nature of its subject, Kripalani decided to make the film available for free on YouTube. This allows for wide accessibility, ensuring that as many people as possible can benefit from its message. To further enhance its impact, the film includes a QR code that viewers can scan to make donations. All proceeds generated from these donations will be directed to a suicide prevention center based in Mumbai.
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“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,” Kripalani emphasized, highlighting a personal connection to the cause.
The film’s cause has drawn significant support from other notable figures in the film industry such as Sobhita Dhulipala, Vasan Bala, and Shonali Bose. Kripalani expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support the film has received, mentioning that it took just one call to bring Anurag Kashyap on board.
Reflecting on his discussions with Kashyap, Kripalani shared, “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.” Kashyap’s personal experiences with mental health challenges lend an added layer of support and understanding to the project, further amplifying its significance.
Kashyap’s backing of Not Today is not just a professional endorsement but a heartfelt support towards breaking the stigma around mental health and creating resources for those in need. His involvement is expected to not only boost the film’s visibility but also encourage others in the industry to support more meaningful and socially relevant content.
As the world continues to grapple with increasing mental health issues, films like Not Today emerge as vital tools to foster understanding, compassion, and dialogue. By blending storytelling with actionable support mechanisms, Kripalani’s project sets a precedent for how films can contribute beyond their narrative arcs.
Furthermore, the unique aspect of facilitating viewer donations through a QR code exemplifies how the film industry can integrate modern technology to create tangible social impact. This initiative isn’t merely about raising awareness but actively contributing to solutions by funding organizations that provide crucial support services to those affected by suicidal thoughts.
With its YouTube premiere on the horizon, Not Today holds the promise of not only moving audiences but also making a significant difference in the real world. As more individuals view and support the film, the collective effort could lead to increased awareness, better understanding, and more substantial resources for suicide prevention.
Aditya Kripalani and his supporters, including Anurag Kashyap, have embarked on a mission that transcends conventional filmmaking. By shining a light on a challenging topic and offering a pathway for viewers to contribute directly to a cause, Not Today exemplifies the powerful role that cinema can play in fostering social change and enhancing public welfare.
