This is a story of Tyagi Sir - a biology teacher just 2 years away from retirement. The film starts on 21st Mar 2020 - the day India announced 1 day of lockdown and then extended it for 5 months.

In the film, Tyagi sir's world changes overnight, as schools go online. We see him struggling. His family tries to help and keep him happy. He is hoping for lockdown to end so that he can go back to school. The day lockdown is removed, he gets to know that online school will continue for 6 more months. This is the day when all his hopes are shattered and he types his resignation letter. He receives a call from one of his ex-students, who is now a doctor thanking him for his contribution in his life. Shaken, Tyagi sir, decides to master technology and new ways of teaching.

The film was shot in Banaras - a city that is believed to be older than history. Situated on the banks of holy river Ganges, Banaras is the heart of India's Hindi Heartland.

We picked Banaras as a location to show an average middle class Indian family. The story is filled with topical events unique to India like the lockdown date, ringing vessels to celebrate the first day of lockdown, and many more.

The film is also filled with cultural nuances like family coming together over food. A seeming tiff between father and son. Elder daughter shown as more responsible and caring. The role of the lady of the house. Importance of food in celebrations. The dynamics of the family - all an integral part of India's culture making this piece of work uniquely Indian.

With Cinematography, we brought Tyagi Sir’s story of resisting change alive.

Use of Block Shots

We used static camera to show stillness. Nothing has changed for Tyagi Ji in years.

He has been living in the same city, teaching in the same school.

Juxtaposition with River

Tyagi sir was framed many times in reference to river. One never meets the same

river twice. River symbolises change and Tyagi sir is resisting it.

Framing

We framed Tyagi sir through windows, curtains and others in a clever way to

highlight his feeling of being trapped/imprisoned.

Anamorphic Lens

Anamorphic lens created distorted wide shots. Expansive wide shots highlighted

feeling of trapped even more. Slight distortion on edges showed the now distorted

world of Tyagi sir.

Distance From Camera

Close ups shots with Wide lenses, wide shots with close lenses created a unique

feeling of distance. It made character looked smaller, helpless.