বন্ধু BANDHU | An Inspiring Short Film on Trees, Life & Climate Change | DPIFF Release

The short film BANDHU, released by Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, arrives as a deeply reflective cinematic work at a time when the planet is confronting the harsh realities of climate change, environmental degradation, and the consequences of unchecked urban development. Rooted in emotional truth and cultural sensibility, the film reminds us that trees are not merely part of our surroundings, but living companions whose presence sustains life itself.

Written, scripted, directed, and produced by Dr. Pradip Kumar Das on behalf of Serampore Betarbani Media Network (OPC) Pvt. Ltd, BANDHU draws its strength from simplicity and sincerity. The narrative unfolds around Sankar Jana, a devoted tree lover who nurtures the plants in his nursery with the care, affection, and responsibility of a parent. For him, the nursery is not a place of commerce, but a living space where every plant breathes, grows, and deserves protection. His life revolves around nurturing saplings, safeguarding them from harm, and ensuring that they grow into life-giving trees.

The emotional turning point of the film occurs when Sankar’s young son unknowingly uproots a plant and presents it to his father. What appears to be an innocent act becomes a moment of profound emotional collapse. Sankar experiences the shock as though his own heart has been torn out, symbolising the pain inflicted when nature is damaged through ignorance or neglect. This moment becomes a powerful metaphor for deforestation carried out in the name of development—an act that uproots not just trees, but the balance of life itself.

Sankar Jana’s love for trees transcends logic and enters the realm of devotion. His bond with nature is so intense that in his final moments, he clings to his beloved Kadamba tree and breathes his last while entwined with it. The image is both heartbreaking and poetic, representing the ultimate unity between human life and the natural world. His character evokes the innocence and environmental sensitivity of Balai, the nature-loving protagonist from Rabindranath Tagore’s literary work, reinforcing an Indian philosophical tradition that regards nature as sacred rather than expendable.

Following Sankar Jana’s demise, the film shifts gently from grief to continuity. His son, having completed his education and married his college companion Laboni, takes charge of the nursery with the same dedication and respect instilled by his father. The values Sankar lived by do not perish with him; they take root in the next generation, proving that environmental responsibility, when nurtured with love, can endure beyond a lifetime.

The setting of the couple’s first marriage anniversary becomes a symbolic gathering point in the narrative. Friends and relatives assemble at the nursery, surrounded by flourishing plants that silently testify to Sankar Jana’s legacy. As memories are shared and reflections unfold, a collective realisation emerges among the attendees—that trees are not merely providers of oxygen, but steadfast friends who sustain life without asking for anything in return. Each guest leaves the gathering with a living gift, a plant, reinforcing the message that responsibility toward nature must be personal and actionable.

At its core, BANDHU delivers a message that is both urgent and timeless. As expressed through the film’s philosophy, “to save our planet and all living creatures, we must plant trees and stop deforestation in the name of urban development. Trees are our real friends—not traitors—and they sustain our lives by providing the oxygen we breathe.” The film urges viewers to reconsider the cost of progress and to recognise that true development cannot exist in opposition to nature.

Through restrained storytelling and emotional depth, BANDHU functions not only as cinema, but as social advocacy. It reflects Dr. Pradip Kumar Das’s lifelong commitment to community service, cultural engagement, and environmental awareness. DPIFF’s presentation of the film further strengthens the festival’s mission to promote meaningful, socially responsible storytelling that inspires awareness, empathy, and positive action.

In its quiet, contemplative manner, BANDHU leaves a lasting impression. It reminds us that protecting trees is not an abstract environmental duty, but a deeply human responsibility. By recognising trees as our real friends, the film invites us to rethink our relationship with nature and to choose coexistence over exploitation—for the sake of the planet, future generations, and life itself.