Arkish Aftab's Short Film Uses Rats As An Allegory Of Emotional Neglect

A film by Arkish Aftab, 'Rat in the Kitchen' serves as a stark commentary on the consequences of negligence, both personal and societal, and the resulting erosion of safety and security blends elements of neo-noir, horror, and thriller genres to make a narrative that cuts to the bone of human experience. At its core, the integration of these elements resonates deeply with the viewer, drawing them into a world where the boundaries between the ordinary and the horrifying blur.

The film revolves around the everyday life of Vikram, who is a middle-aged man who recently experienced a bitter separation from his wife. This event has left him grappling with a sense of loneliness and emotional turmoil. Once a content family man, Vikram now finds himself living alone, navigating the complexities of a newfound solitude.

The film's visual tone, characterised by gritty and dark undertones, serves as a visual metaphor for Vikram's internal turmoil. Through careful cinematography and art direction, the audience is immediately immersed in Vikram's world of desolation and neglect, a world that mirrors his own psychological state. The use of darkness and shadows further amplifies the sense of foreboding, effectively setting the stage for the eerie revelations that follow.

Vikram's descent into loneliness, negligence, and alcoholism is portrayed with raw authenticity, thanks to the stellar performances by Mantra Mugdh and Aishwarya Desai. The portrayal of Vikram and his struggles evokes genuine empathy, making his journey all the more harrowing. As the audience witnesses Vikram's daily life unravel, they are forced to confront the very real consequences of personal neglect and isolation, a theme that strikes a chord with viewers on a universal level.

The introduction of the rat infestation serves as a catalyst for Vikram's awakening, a stark reminder that even the most mundane problems can fester and grow when left unaddressed. This metaphor extends beyond the literal rats, encapsulating the broader issue of societal negligence and the resulting erosion of safety nets. Vikram's decision to install CCTV cameras symbolises a desperate attempt to regain control and security in his own life, an action born out of both fear and a growing realization of the gravity of his situation.

The pivotal moment in the film, when Vikram views the CCTV footage, is filled with suspenseful storytelling. The viewer is held in breathless anticipation, their own paranoia mirroring Vikram's. What we witness on screen is a revelation that goes beyond the typical boundaries of horror. It's not a supernatural entity that haunts Vikram's safe space, but something far more sinister — a violation of privacy that strikes at every viewer's deepest fears.

The film's roots in a real-life event — the street rat problem — add a layer of authenticity and urgency to the narrative. By weaving this societal issue into the fabric of the story, the film confronts viewers with the uncomfortable reality that neglect, whether of personal relationships or broader societal problems, carries tangible and often devastating consequences.

‘Rat in the Kitchen’ is a tour de force in the realm of short films, which is releasing super soon on Jio Cinema. Its deft handling of genre, coupled with its unflinching exploration of neglected lives and the horrors they may harbour, elevates it to a level of storytelling that is as relevant as it is chilling.

Follow Arkish Aftab here.

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