Forbidden – Short Film Review

Parents are always concerned about adolescent behaviour changes. Not every parent is aware of how to deal with it. Abhishek Ganguli, founder of “Learning System,” presented a short film named “FORBIDDEN” on this sensitive subject.

The story revolves around a single mother, “Anika,” and her only son, “Arin.” The behaviour of this innocent early teen boy has changed significantly. He spends most of his time in the bathroom. He remains busy with his laptop and mobile. He has stopped going outside to play and meet friends. Brilliant boy Arin’s academic results came out poorly. Ms. Anika, Arin’s worried mother, eventually discovered the disturbing truth that Arin has been addicted to pornography!

What should Arin’s mother do now? What can a parent do when they find out such a disturbing truth about their son? This short film can be a learning point for every parent on how to deal with a situation like this.

Apart from an educational social message, “Forbidden” is a well-made short film that is technically and aesthetically a pleasure to the eye. The film has been well received at several film festivals in Kolkata, Jamshedpur, and several other major cities.

But that’s not all; there is something special about this film. There was multi-talented and multi-state participation behind the making of this film.

Ms. Supriti, one of the lead characters who played Arin’s mother, is from Rourkela, Orissa. She is an anchor, teacher, news reader, and mother; she is a very versatile lady with her own talent and capabilities.

Siddharth Sen played the role of physiologist. He is a reputed stage and film actor from Jamshedpur. He has worked on several Bollywood productions as well. Siddharth Sen is from Jharkhand State.

The editor of this film, Hiranmay Gogoi, is a student at the Satayajit Roy Film Institute, originally from Assam, and is an award-winning film editor.  

Debapam, a young boy who has played the role of Arin, is from Kolkata, West Bengal. Mr. Abhishek Ganguli, the film’s main creative force, is also from Kolkata.

Pre-shooting preparation was mentored by noted theatre actress Arundhati Chaudhary. She virtually trained the actors from different locations. Arundhati’s contribution to the production was significant.

Thus, participation from four Indian states—West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, and Assam collaborated together to create the film for the mission of CINEMA FOR A CUASE.

Man behind the Mission: 

Abhishek Ganguli, a multi-talented creative professional from Kolkata, is not an unknown face. A St. Xavier’s College alumni, Abhishek is one of the finest voice artists in India. He has devoted his life to his passion for making documentaries and short films with a social cause and educational message. His creations always come with a deep social message. 

Abhishek Ganguli is the founder of the creative brand identity “LEARNING SYSTEM”. For the last 2 decades, he has continuously presented educational and commercial documentaries, as well as independent films.

He has lent his golden voice to several documentaries and advertisements. With his over two decades of experience in the creative field, showbiz, and entertainment industries, he has been associated with directing, producing, short films, corporate films, music videos, video ads, management films, travel films, and premium events.

Abhishek Ganguli operates under the brand “LEARNING SYSTEM” with the goal of creating “CINEMA FOR A CAUSE” to spread social messages on a variety of issues.

As a creative Professional Abhishek’s interests run in various verticals such as

• Film Direction
• Filming & Photography
• Ideation & Script
• Acting & Modeling
• Voice-overs
• Anchoring
• Camera work
• Corporate Communications
• Communication Tools for Social Development 
• Any Event Ideation to Implementation

Abhishek is an avid traveler and a perfect family man, a friendly, easily approachable person who is always ready to guide the next generations with his vast experience and knowledge.