Monotone Short Film

As an inner movie buff who likes to challenge his creativity, Devarya from Grade 12 recently made a one-minute black-and-white short film, titled ‘Monotone’. The film addresses the serious topics of depression and body image, drawing inspiration from YouTube short films, the series Kota Factory’ and the mental health organisation ‘Let’s Talk’. We reached out to Devarya to find out more about the short film and the purpose behind it.  

Talking about depression and body-image issues hasn’t been a cakewalk in any community I’ve been in – Devarya, Grade 12  

The Monotone short film aims to address effects of body-image issues that individuals face in today’s day and age, where we tend to aspire towards idolised body types. “Hence, a failure to meet this leads one to assume themselves as unworthy of being part of society”, says Devarya, stressing how this may lead to depression. The film is a medium for the audience to engage with this issue, and experience that they are not alone and are as likely to succeed as anyone else. 

For a long time, Devarya has been engaged with poetry, and has published two collections. Moving on to film making was a great challenge to his creativity. “Poetry is a great form of expression too, but what good is creativity if one does not think differently?”, says Devarya. "Additionally, I’ve already voiced my concerns regarding mental health awareness through my poetry collection ‘Armories and Arsenals’, which is an ode to mental health.” 

Devarya is now considering starting film studies at his future university, and eventually expand into the industry. “However, I do not see myself only pursuing film. I will definitely continue to make short-films; never too late to challenge or learn editing skills”, says Devarya, who believes film making to be a tool to challenge his creativity, and eventually culminating in the growth of his personality. 

Although this film is only limited to a minute, and can express only so much in that, Devarya urges viewers to take at least a minute every day and reflect on their surroundings. “Have they been ignoring signs of dire help? Have they caused someone to feel uncomfortable and thus seek help?” To see Monotone, visit Devarya’s YouTube channel, or follow his Instagram account for more creative updates.