WORLD OF CINEMA: Nothing is accidental in ‘Ship of Theseus’

Anand Gandhi's 2013 film 'Ship of Theseus' marks its 13th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its enduring impact on audiences. The film, celebrated for its philosophical depth, delves into complex themes of life, art, identity, meaning, justice, and death. It uniquely tackles these profound inquiries through three seemingly unrelated narratives.

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filmmaker makes only one film in their life; they then break it into pieces and make it again.

Gandhi's approach, which he has often linked to finding answers in biology, manifests in 'Ship of Theseus' as it grapples with ancient paradoxes and classic debates in a remarkably somatic way. Unlike many regional films that provide straightforward resolutions, this movie challenges viewers, leaving them with a multitude of questions and prompting introspection about their own convictions. The film's power lies in its characters' choices, dilemmas, actions, and even their inactions.

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Ship of Theseus is the very manifestation of this notion, it approaches the centuries-old Greek paradox, as well as the classic debates in the Bharatvarshiya domain, in perhaps the most somatic manner possible.

The film features three compelling main characters: a blind photographer, an ailing monk, and a materialistic stockbroker. These individuals serve as the anchors for the film's most profound explorations. Contrary to the common screenwriting notion that characters need not be bound by real-world limitations, Gandhi's characters are depicted with striking realism. They are portrayed as vulnerable, flawed, resolute, fixated, loving, empathetic, and, crucially, contradictory.

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throws a heap of questions that stifle its viewers. It compels people to leave theatres with a curious mind, questioning their own beliefs.

One such character is Aaliya, a photographer who lost her sight but developed a unique way of capturing images through auditory cues and tactile feedback. Despite regaining her vision after a cornea transplant, she finds herself disliking her own work. Aaliya's story prompts contemplation on an artist's control over their creations and the role of intuition in art. Aida El-Kashef's debut performance as Aaliya is noted for embodying the character's essence with a documentary-like authenticity.

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people in Ship of Theseus are as real as possible, they are vulnerable, flawed, stern, fixated, loving, empathetic and, most importantly, contradictory.