Getar Hero

This short film follows a man (Shashank Arora) through the streets of Bombay as he searches for a guitar after his has been stolen. The guitar plays a vital role in helping him make a living, and part of the act involves dressing up as a cowboy in a red suit with light tassels and wearing a bright white Stetson. He seeks help from many individuals as he tries to make the gig he is due to perform that night. It is clear that the money he will earn is paramount to his survival.

The visual picture of a man walking through the streets of Bombay dressed as a cowboy is particularly striking. It is not an image that you’d expect to see. The music adds to the effect, combining traditional Indian music with a cowboy western sound. The film's highlight is a unique performance of the Song “Ring of Fire.” Again, the music mixes traditional Indian music, including the Sitar and drums, along with the Western acoustic guitar. The musical score deepens the sad story and complements its desperation. Teddy Stern composes the music throughout the film.

This appears to be a breakthrough film for Teddy Stern, and he is heavily involved in the direction, writing and musical score. The film clearly shows Bombay's influence on him, as he previously created Bollywood commercials in India for nearly a decade. He is from New York, and in this short film, viewers can see a blend of Western and Indian culture. This makes for a visually stunning piece. Combining so many elements and playing a major role in every aspect of the film is a challenge, and the result is a success.

The dialogue is predominantly in Hindi with some English. English subtitles appear throughout, although the film isn't dialogue-heavy and the acting makes it easy to follow. Shashank Arora gives a strong performance and conveys the melancholy his character feels as he tries to find a replacement guitar. The audience also hears his desperation as the cowboy seeks help from anyone who crosses his path. As previously stated, the rendition of “Ring of Fire” stands out. Rajesh Balwani adds some humour as the cruel friend dressed as Elvis. It is clear that the cowboy has wronged others as he tries to survive. Some don’t easily forget.

This is a story of survival, not just for the cowboy but for many others working and living in Bombay. The ending is poignant and leaves the viewers with the answers to their questions. Overall, this film was created by someone who understands life in Bombay and appreciates Indian culture. The characters add layers to the plot, thanks to the writer's talent. This story could be developed further as a feature film, as there are still so many aspects of the cowboy’s life to explore. I would definitely be interested in seeing more.