Yashasvi Juyal's film 'The Ink Stained Hand and the Missing Thumb' is a captivating exploration of folklore, personal experiences, and the impact of infrastructure on human lives. Juyal, an Indian filmmaker, weaves a unique narrative that blends the supernatural with the very real anxieties of his characters. This article delves into the making of the film, Juyal's creative process, and the influences that shaped this intriguing cinematic journey.
A Personal and Folkloric Journey
Juyal's fascination with the supernatural stems from his upbringing in the upper Himalayas, where ghost stories are as common as the mountains themselves. He shares, "Ghost for us is something which exists. We don’t believe that it’s in stories. Many times we just talk about it naturally that, ‘Oh, you saw a ghost yesterday?’ My friend say, ‘Oh, I saw day before yesterday.’ So, it’s like as common as that, and we all have had our experiences in the upper Himalayas."
This connection to folklore is deeply personal, inspired by his grandmother's tales. Juyal explains, "It’s also a tribute to my grandmother, because my grandmother used to live in a village in the upper Himalayas, and she had this relation with the supernatural that she used to tell me very naturally."
Real-Life Inspiration and Anxiety
The film's central character, Rajji, is a toll booth worker in North India, whose lover, Santosh, dies in a truck accident and returns as a spectral presence. Juyal's own experiences with toll booth workers and the constant threat of accidents on India's highways influenced this creation. He recalls a conversation with a real Santosh, who, despite the danger, continued working, stating, 'I am not that, I have died and I am a ghost.' This encounter sparked the film's unique blend of humor and grief.
Juyal's personal commute between Dehradun and Delhi, where new highways reshape his hometown, further fueled his exploration of infrastructure's impact. The memory of a truck accident near his house, where workers taped up the booth, left a profound impression, symbolizing the film's theme of people caught in transit.
A Blend of Humor and Grief
Juyal's approach to storytelling incorporates humor as a powerful tool to understand his characters. He states, "I strongly felt that humor is the most… strong tool to identify the character."
Spending time with toll booth workers during their off-hours, including their moments of drinking, significantly influenced the film's tone. Juyal's interactions with these workers shaped the script and the overall atmosphere of the film.
Influences and Collaborations
Juyal's influences extend beyond his homeland. He cites Apichatpong Weerasethakul for their shared interest in regional folklore and man-animal relationships, and Scott Barley for his experimental approach to image and sound. Documentarian Shaunak Sen, an executive producer, also played a pivotal role, offering mentorship and a working model for the film's production.
A Journey to Funding and Recognition
The film's journey to the screen was a collaborative effort. Juyal secured funding through various stages, starting with a Take Ten grant from the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum introduced the team to the Red Sea Fund, and a mentorship with Spike Lee through the Red Sea Directors Program followed. The Red Sea Post-Production Fund, the Prasad Lab DI Award, and Visions Sud Est further supported the film's development.
A Star-Studded Cast and Crew
'The Ink Stained Hand and the Missing Thumb' features Dheeraj Kumar as Santosh and Bhumika Dube as Rajji. The film is executive produced by Sen, produced by Khan & Kumar, Viraj Sikand, Bhavna Kankaria, and Neha Kaul, who have also produced acclaimed films like 'The Songs of Forgotten Trees' and 'Cactus Pears'.
In conclusion, Yashasvi Juyal's film is a testament to the power of personal experiences and folklore in cinema. It blends humor and grief, real-life anxieties and supernatural elements, creating a unique and captivating narrative. Juyal's journey, from his upbringing in the Himalayas to his collaborations with renowned filmmakers, showcases the transformative nature of the cinematic arts.
