Petropolis

It is a simple and heartfelt journey narrating the struggle of two characters, Seema and Dinkar. While Dinkar has just come out of prison, Seema lives in an open prisoners camp. She is a struggling Mehendi artist whose art is gaining popularity day by day. Initially Dinkar has big plans for himself. He has pursued his higher education in prison and has acquired multiple degrees. With his level of education he dreams of getting a respectable job and provide his parents a respectable status in the society. But the stamp of a prisoner on his identity, acts as a foil to his dreams. Everybody is impressed by his skill but nobody offers him a job. Even Dinkar's father advises him to skip that part of his life but this time he is determined to live truthfully. On the other hand, Seema who has already crossed the initial stage of her struggle is dreaming of starting a new chapter in her life where she aspires to provide her child the education that Seema always dreamt of and also pay for the treatment of her mother's illness. The struggle from having nothing to making a difference in the society has not been easy but she did not give up. When she is on the verge of entering her dream world, trouble trespasses upon her life. She feels that she will have to begin her struggle anew. Her days are filled with agony and nights with sleeplessness. Both of their stories end with a heartfelt message and give us a vivid insight into the struggling lives of the prisoners. —Urmilanshu