SYNOPSIS

Manjari, a middle-class housewife, navigates a loveless marriage with her husband Sujay. Their nine-year union is marred by Sujay’s constant criticism of Manjari’s culinary skills, particularly her inability to get the salt right. His sarcasm often makes Manjari feel lonely and unappreciated. Somewhere, in all these years, Manjari has accepted that she can never get that perfection in salt – no matter how hard she tries. However, her world is unexpectedly stirred when Manas, an old flame from her past, reaches out to reconnect. Manjari and Manas meet in a cafe. Their reunion sparks a conversation that resonates deeply with Manjari, filling her with a sense of longing she hasn’t experienced in years. As Manjari rediscovers the joy of feeling appreciated, her newfound emotions make her question her stagnant marriage with Sujay. Will her rekindled connection with Manas inspire changes in her relationship with Sujay? “Namak” explores the themes of emotional neglect. It invites audiences to contemplate the complexities of relationships and the impact of feeling valued and heard, even amidst life’s everyday struggles.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

I wanted to explore the intricacies of relationships and the profound impact of feeling seen and valued. The story revolves around a seemingly trivial detail – the salt in the food – but beneath the surface lies a deeper narrative of longing, validation, and emotional fulfilment. The character of Manjari embodies the silent struggles of many housewives who feel unnoticed and unappreciated in their relationships. Manjari’s inability to get the salt right becomes a metaphor for her perceived failures and the constant criticism she endures from her husband Sujay. This dynamic sets the stage for a subtle exploration of emotional neglect within a marriage. Manjari’s encounter with her old love Manas serves as a catalyst for the change. Manas’s return into her life rekindles feelings of being heard and appreciated, emotions long buried beneath the weight of routine. Strangely, it is this newfound sense of connection and affirmation that empowers Manjari to finally crack something as simple as seasoning a meal to perfection. Through the lens of Manjari’s journey, the film delves into the transformative power of genuine affection, and the consequences of emotional neglect. It challenges us to reflect on how our interactions, no matter how seemingly small, shape the lives and perceptions of those around us. Visually, I aimed to capture the contrast between Manjari’s mundane, monochromatic world of domesticity before she meets Manas and the subtle change in the narrative, her body language, her finding a new lens to look at the mundane kitchen chores after meeting Manas. This film invites the audience to contemplate the impact of feeling heard and appreciated in our relationships. It is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest gestures of understanding can unlock profound transformation in our lives. – Director