Publication

Abstract : Through his acceptance speech at the Oscars earlier this year, Joaquin Phoenix urged people to be compassionate and mindful in our relationship with all living beings, particularly those that are systematically ignored and marginalised, including animals. The essence of this message is reflected in Chopsticks (2019), a coming-of-age Netflix Original film in Hindi that follows the misadventures of a young professional whose new car gets stolen. Nirma Sahastrabuddhe’s path crosses with Artist (a con man), Faiyaz bhai (a criminal), and Baahubali (a champion goat). A central question that is masterfully woven into the narrative is: Do we truly treat animals as our friends while we continue to eat them?