Documentary on Ravish Kumar, Why should we not watch it?

There is a documentary made by Vinay Shukla on journalist YouTuber Ravish Kumar titled ‘While We Watched’. The film was part of the numerous prestigious film festivals like TIFF, Doc NYC, Busan and more. Now, the film is in India and is doing rounds through private screenings. However, the film got leaked on YouTube and was circulated through Google Drive links.

I have never endorsed piracy, and never would. India has a very limited market for documentary films. And, such leaks impact the buzz, and eventually the potential theatrical release.  Both Ravish Kumar and Vinay Shukla are engaging in interviews to promote the film and create the buzz. The leak would definitely dishearten them also.

There are some journalists who are tweeting the link, on X (formerly Twitter), and praising the film. I don’t know how can't they see the irony of the situation.

Piracy

Piracy impacts Indian films significantly. More than two billion dollars is lost because of the practice. It impacts the film, and people associated with it, including cinema halls, and technicians. Such piracy and leaks impact a talented filmmaker to make his next film too. For Shahrukh’s film, it might not matter much. However, for a small indie film or documentary, it matters a lot. Even, Shaunak Sen, director of Oscar-nominated ‘All That Breathes’ said, he would still have to look for funding for his next venture.

We should wait for the film, and create such hype that the national chains like, PVR-INOX release it in theatres. Later, an OTT buys the film to reach a wider audience. This would allow the makers to generate some revenue.

Till than watch the trailer

About the film

Former NDTV employee and Prime Time anchor Ravish Kumar is very popular in the media industry. And, a young filmmaker Vinay Shukla documented the fall-and-fall of the media industry, amidst the crumbling democratic institution of India. Ravish Kumar becomes the vantage point of a fight which can in many ways look like it can’t be won.

Vinay Shukla, with Khushboo Ranga, has another documentary titled, 'An Insignificant Man'. This documentary showcases the rise of Aam Aadmi Party in the Indian politics.

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