Alpha Beta Gamma is a comedy of manners set in the times of COVID. Following the protocols of the Covid-19 pandemic, a woman, her estranged husband, and her lover find themselves confined to her flat for a 14-day quarantine period. What follows is a relationship hurricane. Chiranjeev (Amit Kumar Vashishth), isn’t mature enough to absorb that his wife Mitali (Reena Agarwal), has moved on during the two-year gap that they’ve been separated and has now set her heart towards marrying Raviraj (Nishan Nanaiah). His insecurities rise with each passing day. He begins to regret his decision of parting ways with someone who has been his childhood sweetheart. He begins to pine for her once more and wants her in his life again. His discontent seeps into both Mitali and Ravi as well. They begin fighting as a couple, and start questioning their commitment towards each other. The intrusion of a third person makes them explore their feelings for each other with a varied perspective. And makes them realise that they have to deal with the ugly along with the good.Director Shankar Srikumar has infused his film with relevant questions about what relationships mean in modern times. Chiranjeev is a typical alpha male who becomes territorial when he sees his authority being threatened. Reena might have been attracted to his excessive masculinity when she was younger but separation from him has wisened her up and now she’s willingly choosing a beta male as a partner. Ravi is someone who considers her an equal, is sensitive to her emotional well-being and has much more empathy than her erstwhile partner. While both personalities have their merits and demerits, she isn’t a girl anymore and is more assured in her mind about what she wants.
Nothing looks forced or rehearsed in the film. The situations feel like they’ve arisen from an actual setting. The three players behave as if they’ve actually going through a forced quarantine. Their quarrels, angst, as well as the stories they share with each other seem like something carved from life. The dialogue reeks of real conversations. The film was shot amidst the pandemic with limited resources and that kind of works in the film’s favour. The sound design is raw and minimal, and gives the feel of something captured inside an actual apartment, rather than being recreated in a studio. The camerawork helps create the feeling of claustrophobia.
Reena Agarwal gives a poised performance as Mitali, holding your attention with her controlled portrayal of a woman torn between two types of love. Amit Kumar Vashishth confidently captures the essence of Chiranjeev, who suffers somewhat from a toxic masculinity and yet has a softness in him. Nishan Nanaiah's performance is commendable. The actor has underplayed his character, letting the viewers root for the underdog.
Watch this indie film for its modern take on urban relationships. The story and the performances are up to the mark and offer something different than the usual fare.
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