Shoaib Shawl skilfully depicts the driving forces compelling a man into a frenzied pursuit, resulting in a futile existence that resonates with the sentiments expressed by the sculpture, writes Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
Beads of Breath (SansonKi Mala) is a cinematic creation by Shoaib Shawl, a Kashmir filmmaker. The film delves into the poignant journey of a man whose heart has been fractured by love, as he embarks on a quest to decipher the true essence of this complex emotion. Shifting through the delicate balance between superficial piety and genuine spirituality, the narrative peels away layers of perceived madness concealed within spiritual devotion to unveil a profound portrayal of authentic love.
The story follows Ghulam, portrayed by Usman Shawl, who is venerated as the Saint in his village. Internally, Ghulam grapples with the pursuit of genuine love while outwardly embracing a saintly existence. Villagers endeavour to entice him with offerings of jaggery, which he accepts willingly, bestowing blessings, prayers, and seemingly miraculous fulfilments of their desires in return. Amidst this adulation, Ghulam’s attention is diverted upon encountering Hakim, an enigmatic recluse immersed in mysticism, residing in a modest abode on the outskirts of the village.
Hakim’s keen insight into Ghulam’s façade unsettles the latter, prompting a reflection on the superficial adoration he garners. This discomfort leads Ghulam to engage in a series of unconventional acts—ranging from disrobing and traversing the forests to ecstatic dancing and embracing the earth—to deepen acceptance and uncover the elusive truths of authentic love.
The film intricately captures the interplay between Ghulam’s outward portrayal of sanctity and his internal turmoil, culminating in a nuanced exploration of the inherent complexities in the pursuit of genuine love within the illusions of spirituality.
Amidst the narratives surrounding Ghulam’s saintly image, whispers of alleged deceit emerge. Mureed (Javaid Khan) stands as a dissenting voice, rejecting Ghulam’s saintly persona and accusing him of masquerading to deceive. Bearing the weight of a broken heart, Ghulam catches a glimpse of his former lover, tears welling in his eyes, as he yearns for answers about the nature of true love.
The film’s narrative intertwines with a revered text titled A Lover’s Dream, owned by Hakim. In a fervent quest for insight into genuine love, Ghulam resorts to breaking into Hakim’s residence and pilfering the book. This illicit act results in a conflagration, with Hakim’s anguished screams echoing as the dwelling succumbs to flames.
Haunted by a profound disquiet in the aftermath of Hakim’s demise, Ghulam is forced to confront the stark reality. A consequential incident unfolds where he accidentally harms a child, inadvertently exposing his pretence of saintliness to the villagers. This revelation lays bare Ghulam’s facade, crafted to fulfil the desires and needs of the community through the exchange of gifts and blessings.
News of Ghulam’s deceit circulates to Mureed, leading to collaboration with villagers seeking retribution for Hakim’s death. However, upon arriving at Ghulam’s residence, they discover his absence. The following morning, Ghulam awakens in a weathered monument, where a stone sculpture beckons him with his name alongside the book A Lover’s Dream. The sculpture unravels the harsh reality of Ghulam’s futile existence, entangled in a web of love and deception.
The inscription on the sculpture reads:
Your childhood was a trauma
Youth a fraud
Now you waste your youth waiting for love
And your old age shall be lamination.
In a cruel turn of events, Mureed discovers the book in Ghulam’s possession and derides him by reading aloud the chapter title. However, as the execution approaches, the ropes binding Ghulam unexpectedly break, causing him to fall to the ground. Simultaneously, Hakim reemerges, amused by the spectacle. Witnessing Hakim’s return to life, the humiliated villagers depart in silence.
Ghulam eagerly opens the book, seeking The Secret of Love. Frustrated, he directs his ire towards mortal existence, imploring God for enlightenment on the true essence of love. His desperation culminates in an act of self-inflicted physical anguish, striking his head and falling unconscious. He later regains consciousness to find villagers and Mureed in a menacing presence. They apprehend him, subjecting him to a brutal haircut and a merciless beating, preparing for execution by stoning.
The film’s thematic exploration centres on the concept of true love, offering diverse perspectives. Shoaib Shawl’s portrayal of love through a lover’s lens underscores that authentic love blossoms when one transcends worldly distractions, immersing oneself in a realm beyond mere lustful desires.
Noteworthy scenes depict Hakim imparting wisdom to Ghulam about the essence of genuine desire, characterised by exquisite beauty. These moments prompt viewers to acknowledge that living with purpose holds greater significance than mere existence without passion. Hakim’s words echo this sentiment:
“A lover is akin to a thirsty man amid an endless desert. Choosing a direction, he embarks on a journey in search of water. Despite the absence of visible water, it is his thirst that propels him forward. He may taste the morning dew… Yet, it never quenches his thirst. Water is his beloved, thirst is his love, and dew drops represent his ecstasy. The extent of his journey is dictated by his passion.”
The film delicately invites viewers into the realm of true love, exemplified through the purloined book Lover’s Dreams, acquired by Ghulam from Hakim. This book navigates chapters such as Al Hawa (Attraction), Al Najwa (Heartburn), Al Wasab (Pain), and Al Hoyam (Madness).
Shoaib Shawl skilfully depicts the driving forces compelling a man into a frenzied pursuit, resulting in a futile existence that resonates with the sentiments expressed by the sculpture. In a pivotal exchange, Hakim queries Ghulam, asking, “What do you desire?” to which Ghulam responds, Love. Hakim calmly provides a remedy to his desperation, stating:
“Never is a reflection seen in an aggressive stream
Similarly, the fraudulent can never see reality.”
The film’s musical score seamlessly intertwines with the intensity of each scene, infusing them with a tranquil rhythm. Notable tracks like “Na jannat di te na bakshish di talab menu” and the climactic Sanson Ki Mala transport viewers into a mystical journey, enriching the ambience as the secrets of love’s true nature unfold, rendering it a captivating experience.
