DHUAAN A Film by: Aarfain Haider

Abstract

In the cinematic world recreational drugs and alcohol have been predominantly portrayed as a part of life for an ailing protagonist or an emotionally broken character (Cape, 2003). Hollywood and the western media has blamed the ghetto world for infusion of drugs and violence in the society (Poyntz, 1997), however it has nothing to do with the social status of an individual rather more towards relief and distraction from pain. As a result of frequent consumption the user becomes “high” and loses control of his consciousness and remains in a state of euphoria (Maryanne Looney, 1972). This short film aims to explore the life of a youth (Junaid) infused in drugs and alcohol, the effect on him and his peers. It explores the personality of the main lead and his relationship with people close to him, the film further peals the more complex behavior when it dives down further in the dark and lonely self of the protagonist questioning his reality. It explores the paradox of conflict between his love for drugs and a newly found interest.