‘Blue Jean Blues’ conveys a message to the depressed

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 14

‘Blue Jean Blues’ – a film exploring the problem of depression among youngsters – is all set for release in the city. With Ludhiana boy Raj Thakur playing the lead role, the film comes with a message: “When nothing seems to work your way, anchor your mind on something that touches your heart. Refocus on what holds meaning for you, in whatever small measure. Let go of the past.”

It is an independent feature film produced under the banner of Popcorn and Candy productions, Pune. “We completed the film in 2017 and it has been to about 10 film festivals since then. In June 2017, it won the “Best Debut Director” award at the Mexico International Film Festival,” says the film director Dr, Nitin Mahajan, who has also scripted the film. Though it is not an autobiographical film, it has “bits and pieces” drawn from his life.

The film is about Krishna (Kris), played by Raj Thakur, who withdraws from his family and friends following a series of unfortunate incidents. His family and friends try, unsuccessfully, to help him find a way out of depression. The film looks at the problem of depression with compassion, sans any melodrama. The subject of the film is serious, but the treatment is not heavy, says Dr Nitin. “I believe that the feeling of depression, in some sense, is a necessary process of getting over painful phases of one’s life. No stigma should be attached to the problem of depression, clinical depression included.”

Why the first commercial screening of the film in Ludhiana? “Ludhiana is the home town of Raj, the actor who plays the lead role. Besides, Ludhiana is a metro city and the film addresses the concerns of city youth. In fact, anyone who faces issues of identity will find a connection with the film,” says the director.

The film was a semi-finalist at the Delhi International Film Festival 2017. It has recently been nominated for the prestigious Gollapudi Srinivas National Award-2018, given to Debut Directors. Aamir Khan had won this award in 2008 for his film ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

‘Blue Jean Blues’ releases this Friday in Ludhiana at PVR Silver ARC.

About the movie

• The film was a semi-finalist at the Delhi International Film Festival 2017. It has recently been nominated for the prestigious Gollapudi Srinivas National Award-2018, given to Debut Directors. Aamir Khan had won this award in 2008 for his film 'Taare Zameen Par'.
• 'Blue Jean Blues' releases this Friday in Ludhiana at PVR Silver ARC.

City connect

The director the film says that the first commercial screening of the film will be in Ludhiana because it is the home town of Raj, the actor who plays the lead role. Besides, Ludhiana is a metro city and the film addresses the concerns of city youth. In fact, anyone who faces issues of identity will find a connection with the film.