Kolkata based freelance photographer and blogger Subhajit Naskar pulled out an ace from his creative sleeve when he put together a most Uncommon photo essay series titled ‘Filmy Reality.’
These incredibly well-timed street shots combine the ‘reel’ and the ‘real’ world. The juxtaposition of reality and film posters has made for some stunning photo tales that need no explanation.
Subhajit explains his motive behind this personal photo project that he had undertaken.
In India movies not only represent a mere art form, it constitutes a virtual alternative lifestyle. Film posters have always fascinated me with their surreal like imagery. In a third world country like India, the presence of these illustrations on the streets certainly adds multiple dimensions to the cityscape. In a multilingual country, the existence of different film industries serves to enhance those dimensions further.
More than 2 million people of the country live on the streets and that makes me question my romantic aspirations. I was born and brought up in Kolkata and naturally fell in love with a city. But that’s the thing with love – you can’t undo your feeling even when you despair some certain aspects of it.
The people abiding most of their daily regime in the streets go on to make a special bond with film posters.
I started this project with a simple vision to capture the contrast between the film posters that dominate the streets with its all radiant glory and between those who live on the street. The disparity among that of motion picture romanticism and that of grinding truth inspired me to capture my idea of a “Filmy Reality”.
#1 Dreamscape
Titled Dreamscape- the photo essay commences with this capture. Besides the candid capture that is so typical of street photography, note the subtle implication of the title, as indicated by the dozing man against the backdrop of a more comely but illusory reality. And much like a dream, the incoherence also makes its presence felt.
#2 Hate Luv Storys
Titled ‘I hate luv storys’- the contrast between the rosy dreams of the silver screen and stark reality is nowhere more apparent than in this capture.
The new hopes of the young, the disillusionment of the old, and two worlds divided by this huge chasm are all encapsulated into one frame!
#3 Kya Tumhe Yakeen Hai ?
More captivating than the enigmatic caption is the tagline of the film poster- ‘Kya tumhe yakeen hain?’ – Do you really believe? The poster actually offers itself as a question to or defining statement on the human subject, whose body language can be interpreted either way.
#4 Inception
A dream within a dream within a dream- that is how many recall Inception and this capture is an absolute stunner in terms of its caption. The more one looks, the more one is drawn in!
#5 Pride & Prejudice
The busy street scene with its stark elements in the form of human subjects offers an interesting application of the caption ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
Note the invisible thread connecting two non-human subjects in the frame 🙂
#6 Split
Simply titled ‘Split’- this frame says so much, in various layers, if one pauses to seek more than the obvious. The presence of that all-seeing hand in between the two subjects makes for an intriguing comment on the mood of the photograph.
#7 The Disturbance
Another perfectly timed shot from Subhajit- the outsiders seem an annoying interruption- as indicated by the expression of the lady in the poster. This candid capture could really not get more candid than this!
#8 The Kiss
Absolutely perfect! Needs no words to explain the incredible shot- the perfect placing of the human subject adds another dimension to this photograph!
#9 Trash
There are times when the insides of our heads look quite like this- cluttered, incomprehensible and a lot of unnecessary thoughts which just add up to the trash.
#10 Gamer
Titled Gamer– so what do you think made the photographer title this as such? Can you cross the barrier of language and time, and send in your interpretations of this picture? The best interpretations – (there will be a variety) will get a special shout-out on our Instagram handle and Facebook page and a Facebook group as well. Write into us theuncommonbox@gmail.com with your responses!
We are sure that this photo essay has been the most intriguing for you, as it has been for us. Uncommon photographer Subhajit Naskar has made us think, ponder and muse – just like all good Art should make us do. We congratulate him on this very special and definitely labour-intensive project. To capture a poster with the human subjects that add another perspective to the frame requires patience and skill – Subhajit definitely has it all.
About Subhajit- in his own words:
I’m a Kolkata Based Freelance Photographer and blogger. I love to capture every little emotion through my lens. The ever-flowing stream of human emotions has had always moved me from inside. For me, raw emotions are much alluring than any other power or construct. I believe that every frame is not just a painting; it always conveys a story- Stories of emotions.
I completed my engineering studies and then I tried to build my career in Corporate Sector. Soon I realized that it was not my cup of Tea and from the year 2016 I stepped into the world of Photography.
For me Photography is not only a hobby or Passion, It’s a part of Politics…Its Mirror of Human life and their Emotions
You can catch his work on the following links:
Flickr | Instagram | Facebook | Blog
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