The story behind the video: Blackouts Zaroori Hain!

Power blackouts these days have become a common phenomenon across the globe and probably signaling the upcoming Armageddon of 2012 or is it really? This video takes an interesting take from the opposite angle on the power blackouts especially in Indian context where load shedding and power cuts are pretty much a daily deal.

We came up with the idea of this video as a part of a class project. In this assignment, we had to make a viral video with the time constraint of keeping it under 4 minutes. After a rigorous brainstorming session we decided to address some social issues by integrating them on a satirical storyline with a frequently encountered problem of power blackouts. The video takes a satirical/comical look at the whole situation and claims that the blackouts might even help in creating lives, making the lives easier and also, saving lives!

The first scene deals with the ever increasing concern of how people have forgotten to indulge in relationships and family life because of the fast paced work life, and increased their dependance on social media websites instead. This scene shows a girl and a boy trapped in an elevator when the power blackout occurs. The blackout has given this couple an opportunity for spending some quality time together. When the power resumes they are seen coming out with a kid, and that too over a ride of only one floor! Wonder how long that blackout lasted??

The second scene deals with the issue of corruption and mocks our bureaucratic system. In view of the plethora of scams being unearthed and brought to notice by the media recently, people are wary of taking bribes openly. However they do not miss any opportunity to do so under the covers. The scene portrays an individual trying to get his work done by an official who is completely unwilling to help him out. This person uses the opportunity of the blackout to bribe the official. We see a complete reversal in the official’s attitude once the power resumes, who is now assuring that the work will surely get done. Wonder if we’ll ever be able to fight this plague from our nation but in this particular case, a desperate common man could get some help, courtesy blackout.

The third scene deals with the issue of suicide among the youth. Academic failure, poor grades, ambitious expectations and cut throat competition are just few of the reasons for rising suicide rates. The scene depicts a depressed student on the brink of committing suicide. The news of not get his dream internship pushed him over the edge. We see him battling with the decision to drink poison. During the blackout he finally gets the courage to drink the poison but since he couldn’t see, he drinks a laxative instead. We see him catching his breath and running towards the toilet at the end! Its funny how sometimes situations such as these make us realize that not being able to reach one’s goals should not be above and beyond one’s precious life.

We have become so used to power cuts in our daily lives that we don’t seem to mind them anymore.  It is amazing how powerful perception is in our lives. How you look at something can make all of the difference in the world. In words of Kahlil Gibran: “The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose”.

With the whole country looking down astonishingly at the biggest ever “power blackout” in human history, we chose to look at it in different light as to how some not so welcome events may provide us with new opportunities. Maybe to explore what we conveniently forget in our daily lives or take for granted. And it makes me wonder if in fact they could be even necessary(or zaroori!) and good for us.

Do check out the video at:

If we can find something positive in the darkest of scenarios then there is still hope and anything is possible!!