Guppy

Set in a contemporary era, reflecting present-day rural life in India as a government infrastructure project disrupts daily routines.

The story unfolds in a rural Indian village built around canals, where Guppy breeds ornamental fish to support his disabled mother and the local economy revolves around small stalls by the roadside. The upcoming railway over-bridge project dominates village life, bringing both anticipation and anxiety. The environment is intimate and tightly knit, with everyone knowing everyone else's business.

🚧 Development vs Livelihood

A government railway project promises progress but threatens the village’s fish trade and street economy. The push for construction triggers clashes between Guppy, the engineer, and local authorities, highlighting how large-scale development can imperil small, artisanal livelihoods. The story questions whether progress justifies displacement and destruction of livelihoods, and whether authority can be redirected to protect the vulnerable.

🕊️ Guilt and Redemption

The project engineer’s presence devastates families and triggers a cycle of fear and retaliation. Thejus eventually forgives Uppooppa and seeks to make amends by supporting Amina’s education and rebuilding Guppy’s livelihood. The film frames forgiveness as essential to healing collective pain and restoring trust within the community.

🕰️ Memory and Loss

The jus’s past and Guppy’s longing for his late mother frame the emotional core of the story. The revelation of Thejus’s personal tragedy casts the bridge project as a coping mechanism rather than a mere technical achievement. Memories of Malu, carried through time, guide the characters toward peace and reconciliation.