Mask(2022)
Praveen Tewari, a Bank watchman, resides in Kolkata with his wife Shikha and daughter Tukai. His salary is usually stalled for months like a number of government employers. When the Corona pandemic emerges, everybody is buying and wearing masks, except Praveen. He simply denies wearing one, and regularly finds various propagandas from a YouTube channel. He has been so extensively tortured by the people nearby that he even dreams of people forcing him to wear a mask. The story takes a twisted turn when he gets into an argument with a customer which ultimately leaves him jobless. Broken and dejected by the family and society, Praveen turns alcoholic along with a bus conductor who eventually denies providing him more alcohol unless he wears a mask. Haunted with the desire to consume more alcohol, he puts on his mask.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- MX Player
- Theatrical Release
- 1 December 2022
- Director
- Ashish Kumar
- Language
- Hindi
- Rating
- 7.0/10
Storyline
A bank watchman in Kolkata refuses to wear a mask during the pandemic, influenced by online videos. He faces harassment from others and loses his job after an argument with a customer. Broken and turning to alcohol, he finally puts on a mask when his drinking partner refuses to give him more liquor unless he does.
“A man's refusal to wear a mask costs him everything.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was shot entirely in Kolkata, capturing the city's streets and local atmosphere during the pandemic.
- Director Ashish Kumar also wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from real-life incidents of mask-related conflicts.
- The actor playing Praveen, the watchman, reportedly spent time with actual security guards to understand their daily routines.
- The film had a limited theatrical release and gained more attention through streaming platforms after its festival run.
- Some scenes were improvised to reflect the spontaneous tensions people faced over mask-wearing in public.
- The YouTube channel Praveen watches in the film is a fictional creation meant to represent misinformation spread during the pandemic.
- The movie's budget was relatively low, relying on natural lighting and minimal sets to create a realistic feel.