‘Korona’, a different view
Asinister tune plays in the background as Debjyoti Saha’s latest animated video unfolds. The short film, which spans less than 60 seconds, shows the stark differences between the lives of the privileged and the migrant workers and has gone viral with over 22 lakh views on Instagram alone. A split-screen video on one panel details everyday happenings of life during lockdown, including the latest Internet fads, like whipping up Dalgona coffee, and on the other portrays the worry of the workers travelling thousands of kilometers to get home safe.
Its creator, Saha, has been portraying the “deep-rooted issues” of India including the countrywide migrant crisis, xenophobia and the plight of healthcare workers through his ongoing series — Korona. “The word ‘Korona’ in Bengali means ‘Don’t’. It is a play on the word ‘Corona’ and depicts all things people shouldn’ be doing during this coronavirus pandemic,” says the 25-year-old.
Speaking about his lates creation, he says, “This video was created to spread the message of acknowledging our privilege and using it to better the lives of the unfortunate in our own way ” and adds, “Public emory is short and ews fades away, but I ope the message stays”. Being inspired by the ocio-political nvironment”, Saha says s work “has always een an honest mmentary on our ciety”. He is also ankful that the world got “breather” with the ckdown, but admits that reative blocks can get ugh to deal with”. He dds, “But, perhaps when e realise our greater role orytellers, this gets a little easier to handle.”