Chauthi Koot

Chauthi Koot, a 2015 critically acclaimed Indian film is an endearing cinema masterpiece that tells a story of ordinary people combating extraordinarily grim circumstances amidst the turmoil-ridden Punjab in the 1980s. This Punjabi language film is a heart-wrenching exploration of human emotions and survival instincts, intricately woven into the socio-political fabric of the time.

Directed by Gurvinder Singh and showcasing breathtaking performances by Suvinder Vicky, Gurpreet Bhangu, and Rajbir Kaur, the movie is a poignant portrayal of uniquely different yet interconnected tales of common folk caught in the heart of the unrest affecting the whole region of Punjab, India at that time. The film focuses on the stories of two families whose destinies intersect in the backdrop of insurgency and its tragic impact on innocent lives.

The narrative of Chauthi Koot, which means ‘The Fourth Direction’, switches between two different yet connected strands of stories. The first recounts the experience of a small family living in an isolated house in the countryside, mainly involving a man, his wife, and their little daughter, who share their living space with their loyal pet dog, Tommy. A dog who has been ordered to be killed. On the other hand, the second plotline follows three Hindu men traveling to Amritsar from the countryside who end up sharing a harrowing journey in a jeep driven by a Sikh.

One of the noteworthy aspects of Chauthi Koot is the meticulous observation of the director Gurvinder Singh on the dynamics of fear and how it controls the characters as they navigate through their daily life. The atmosphere is thick with fear and suspicion, whether it is within the confines of the house or the journey through the densely foggy night. The viewers are drawn into an unsettling sense of uncertainty and discomfort, underlined by a heartrending feeling of empathy for the characters.

Suvinder Vicky, Gurpreet Bhangu, and Rajbir Kaur bring alive the roles of ordinary citizens, giving a credible performance which enhances the depth of their characters. They perfectly convey the everyday people who are crushed under the weight of tense political atmosphere, yet strive to retain their humanity in the midst of chaos. There are no melodramatic theatrics; instead, the cast portrays their roles in a remarkably understated manner, keeping in line with the bleak ambience of the film.

An important element of this film is its cinematography that underscores the eerie quietude and somber palette of the Punjabi landscape, which imbues a haunting charm to the movie. The camera observes the characters as if looking from a distance, creating a detached and poignant view of the lives of these ordinary people in extraordinary times.

Chauthi Koot also stands out for its immersive and evocative sound design. As in many places, the film uses ambient sound to create a sense of looming terror, enhancing the suspenseful build-up and amplifying the atmospheric tension.

Based on the short stories ‘The Fourth Direction’ and 'I Am Feeling Fine Now' from Indian author Waryam Singh Sandhu's 2005 collection 'Chauthi Koot', the film is a complex human drama. The film is enriched by creative adaptations incorporating multiple narrative techniques resulting in seamless storytelling, encompassing many emotional layers underneath its stark and simple narrative running across two different timelines.

Recipient of the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Punjabi, the film premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival under the Un Certain Regard section and was subsequently showcased at many internationally renowned film festivals.

The movie Chauthi Koot, while deeply rooted in the local context and language of Punjab, transcends geographical boundaries in its representation of how fear strips people of their normalcy, while hope allows them to persist. Its relevance is not limited to the historical or regional backdrop; rather, it resonates universally with regard to suppressed voices and unheard stories around the world.

Overall, Chauthi Koot is an indispensable cinematic achievement in the Punjabi film industry, worthy of being appreciated not just for its sensitive handling of a grave historical period, but also for its profound exploration of human resilience in times of profound instability.