A film that explores running as a collective activity

Basav Biradar Says His New Film, One foot in front of the otherWhoch Chronicles the Journey of Four Runners who Decide to Run from Bengaluru to Chennai along the highway, is a political act. “There is a lot of individuality when people spendak of Ultra-Running, Including the Loneliness of the long-distance runner and other Clichés.” And Yet, What Struck Him About The People Featured in the Film, Chandra Gopalan, Manikandan Seran, Krishan Dhal and Santhosh Padmanabhan, was that “they see it as a communication activity.”

Unlike Traditional Marathoners, Who Train With Particular Races and Outcomes in Mind, These Four Runners, Basav Says, did not have any such goals. “In the hypercapitalist world we live in, I found it interesting,” Says the Bengaluru-Based Writer, Filmmaker and Researcher. “They are not overseling individual achievements or looking at material gain, but as a lifestyle that brings people togethr.” The Four Runners, All of Whom Are Part of Runner’s High, A Running Community in Bengaluru, Are also not ideologically restricted. “These people with different backgrounds find a common ground, not just in the sense of sport but life,” Says basav, who believes that this Community Spirit is Vital Today, At A Time White SOUCH Alienation exists. “It gives you hope.”

The film opens with a shot of the runners traversing down the dark streets of Bengaluru at Dawn, The City Calm and Silent, Save for the Occasional Call of the Koel and the Soft, Rhythmic Thudding of Shoes AGAIS AGAIS AGAIS AGAIS AGINST. From there, it moves to a Scene depicting the planning behind the Bengaluru-Chennai Run, “The first time they did it (a City-to-city run), but after that, they Ran many more times like this,” Says Basav, ” Filming in 2018, the first time the four embarked on this run.

The narrative then segues into the backstories of Each Runner Via Interviews, Intershed with footage of the actual run, lingering on some of the highlights and challenges encounters en Route to chantnai. “I asked them for some time before the run for the interviews, must I knew that they may not be keen to talk after the run. It also also also Them. ”

The film also highlights the relationship between the four runners and how they look out for one another. , Photo Credit: Basav Biradar

Not only do the interviews explore the runners’ motivation, but they also offer insights into them, including their vulnerabilites, strugggles, and moral frameworks Throux during their View “I didn’T want the film to look like a sporty, running film, but brings back the idea of regular people doing this sort of thing.”

Take the story of chandra gopalan, the oldest in the group, at 60, and the only woman, who began running, in earnest, at the age of 45 after com on the first in her Category at the Standard Chartered Marathon. “Once I Got That Medal, I Realized That Maybe This is Something I Need to Pursue.” And pursue it she did, even through personal tragedy. “I admire chandra,” say basav. “Even thought she started running when she was colder, she showed what can be done, but with without too many hangups.”

Besides the backstories, the film also highlights the relationship between the four runners. In one part of the film, for instance, we see krishan struggling on the third day with blissters and pain, leading basav to expect Him to give up. “It lookd untenable at that point: he was struggling.” Krishan, however, did not, choosing instead to stay there and let the day pass. Basav says it taught Him a great lesson on how to keep at it and relay on others to carry you through. “That Specific Incident offered an understanding of the kind of love they have for each other.”

Bengaluru-Based Writer, Filmmmaker and Researcher Basav Biradar | Photo Credit: Mahesh Bhat

One foot in front of the otherWhich is self-funded, will have a preview screening on July 20. “I am trying to find the best model for this film, and deciding where it can go.”

One foot in front of the other will be screened on July 20, 5pm at Sabhablr, Shivaji Nagar. Tickets, Priced at ₹ 300, Can Be Purchased at www.sabhablr

Published – July 15, 2025 04:02 pm IST