A SHORT MOVIE TO LAUGH & LEARN

Ah yes! A short film for people to laugh and learn. "The Fastest Indian" is a comedy and fictional documentary mashup that has some deep thought put into it. Written and directed by Faiz Sharif, the movie starts with some disclaimer to notify the reason behind the film, "to entertain and not to hurt anyone."

The cinematography is good, considering it is a budget film. The music is also good showcasing India's unique musicality. The narrator has a BBC-esque voice quality that can captivate the listener, coupled with some timely edits and cuts, it becomes more engaging. The only drawback is that the subtitles are inaccurate and can create some confusion. So for the viewers, be aware of that.

The acting is somehow good, considering they are amateurs. They truly reflect the culture of India well. As a fellow Asian, I admire foreign filmmakers that take the opportunity to highlight their own cultures and showcase them to their viewers.

The narrator starts off telling the viewers about India and her people. Showcasing the richest, the tallest, the shortest, the strongest, and ends with the fastest- Gopidas (Hemanth). The plot revolves around the character of Gopidas and how he became the fastest Indian to his retirement and the search for the next "Fastest Indian" to replace him. Gopidas is a Go-Kart racer that has dominated the sport for five consecutive years. Considered as the One-True-Champion of a proud 12-year history racing industry, Gopidas' backstory is inspiring. Starting in the slums of Mumbai, Gopidas was an Auto Rickshaw driver. His father was a butcher that has earnings enough for his family's basic needs. Even in poverty, Gopidas learned values from his father to work hard and become a champion. From a poor driver to being the undisputed and undefeated champion in Go-Kart history, is nothing short of a miracle. Alas! Like all good things, his run as champion must come to an end upon his retirement. Gopidas will be entering another chapter in his life and career as an actor in Bollywood, which then takes the viewer to the next focus of the film, finding his successor.

The Go-Kart racing world is looking for the next champion, and all contestants look promising. There is Andi (Andi), a sports enthusiast and a friend to Gopidas; Eugene (Eugene), a stuff-toy loving guy; Jeevan (Jeevan), a Bollywood actor; Kishore (Kishore), a professional Cricketer with many accolades; Kiran (Kiran), a professional chef; Raghuram (Raghuram), a play-station racer; Shiva (Shiva Kumar), a fitness enthusiast; Sam Matthew (Sam Matthew), a CEO and a Board of director to some companies; Shantakumar (Shanta Kumar), a professional photographer; Santosh (Santosh), a happy-go-lucky dude with some pretty s*** in his background; and Raghu (Raghu Venkatrangaiah), who loves racing and video games. He is supported by Gopidas to win the championship and be his successor, making the other racers jealous and angry at Raghu.

On the day of the race, Raghu started at the back of the grid due to unforeseen circumstances. This is a tall order for Raghu because no one ever won a race starting from the back, not even Gopidas himself. Here, the film depicts how an underdog Raghu won against all odds to claim the championship and become the "Fastest Indian." The ending leaves the viewers with a perspective in life.

"Champions are made from something they have: skill and will."

No matter what circumstance we are in, be it at the lowest or the highest. Even when people doubt, dismiss, or hate us, just believe, have faith, and do the best in everything. Fastest Indian teaches us to laugh and learn our way through life. I recommend you to watch this short film. Let us laugh and learn together.