Private Project

Time Preys On Us

What can you do when you lose your income, your faith, your will to live?
This is a documentary about that helplessness on a mass level.

The temple of God Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini is the center of all activities - social, cultural and economic - in Pandharpur.

As COVID struck India in March 2020, a strict lockdown was imposed. The 800-year-old tradition of the Wari (pilgrimage) was broken. Life came to a standstill; at a time when it's usually bustling with the presence of 2.5 million people.

This documentary explores the ordeals faced by the locals of this temple-town as they pour their hearts out; because for once, somebody was listening to their troubles.

An account of how the COVID pandemic has brought about crushing loss whose effects will be felt for decades to come yet, the documentary delves into the culture and traditions of Pandharpur to present the significance of the Wari.

'Kaal Dehasi Aala Khau', translating to 'Time Preys on Us', is a psalm in praise of the God Vitthal and the Wari written by St. Namdeo Maharaj approximately 800 years ago; appropriate for what the local people are going through, although in a different context.

  • Rajeshwari Shriniwas Patwardhan
    Director
  • Rajeshwari Shriniwas Patwardhan
    Producer
  • Rajeshwari Shriniwas Patwardhan
    Cinematography
  • Rajeshwari Shriniwas Patwardhan
    Editor
  • Vinod Shendge
    On Location Recording
  • Rajeshwari Shriniwas Patwardhan
    On Location Recording
  • Ajivasan Sound Studio Nitin Kayarkar
    Sound Mixing
  • Virendra Vikram Moholkar
    Director's Assistant
  • Niyanta Vinod Shendge
    Director's Assistant
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    काळ देहासी आला खाऊ (Kaal Dehasi Aala Khau)
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    28 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 19, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    350 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Marathi
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Government Law College, Mumbai
Director Biography - Rajeshwari Shriniwas Patwardhan

Small bird. Huge world. Strong wings.

A first-time filmmaker exploring the world through real people and visuals and words, Rajeshwari Patwardhan is an exuberant storyteller and an avid listener. A multitalented personality who believes in passion, profession and perfection, she realises the importance of connecting with the community and the change it can bring about.

She has received her Bachelor's degree in the field of Mass Media. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Diploma specialising in Film, Television and Digital Video Production. Currently, she's pursuing her double-graduation degree in Law (LLB) from the Government Law College, Mumbai as well.

At present, she works with UNICEF Maharashtra and their partners as their Media Consultant.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Whenever we mention the Wari (pilgrimage), we think of the Warkaris (the pilgrims). What about the local people? Their entire world is based on these four Waris.

When the pandemic hit, the casualties weren't limited to COVID infections. Corona's impact will be felt in the decades to come yet.

This is my attempt in telling the story of those people who are often invisible in the huge social event that is a Wari.