OTC Rating : 4/5
Introduction
Against the Tide (2023), now streaming on MUBI, is a deeply moving and immersive documentary that captures the lives of two fishermen from the Koli community in Mumbai. Directed by Sarvnik Kaur, the film isn’t just about fishing—it’s about survival, friendship, tradition, and the looming tide of modernity and climate change. Through its intimate storytelling and poetic visual style, Against the Tide offers a rare cinematic experience rooted in reality yet elevated by its artistry.
Story & Narrative Structure
The documentary follows Rakesh and Ganesh, two close friends from the same indigenous community but with differing perspectives on fishing. While Rakesh adheres to traditional, sustainable fishing methods, Ganesh embraces modern technology and larger boats in a bid to secure financial stability. Their contrasting paths reflect the broader tensions between heritage and modernization.
The narrative unfolds slowly and organically, much like the lives it captures. The film’s structure doesn’t force a storyline but lets the emotional arc of its subjects develop naturally. This observational storytelling approach allows viewers to form a connection with the characters and truly understand the stakes involved.
Image courtesy : MUBI
Direction & Cinematography
Sarvnik Kaur’s direction is gentle yet deliberate. She doesn’t impose a narrative but patiently follows her subjects through their highs and lows. This style helps the audience feel like a silent observer, present during both moments of joy and sorrow.
Cinematographer Ashok Meena paints the film with an earthy, textured visual palette. The imagery of the Arabian Sea, the bustling chaos of Mumbai’s fish markets, and the quiet interiors of modest homes are captured with sensitivity and depth. The play of light on water, the dense urban skyline, and the rural fringes are all composed like still-life paintings, adding a layer of quiet poetry to the film.
Performances
Though it is a documentary, the film thrives on the authentic and emotional performances of its real-life subjects, Rakesh and Ganesh. Their camaraderie, conflicts, and personal struggles feel raw and unscripted. The sincerity with which they share their world creates a deeply human connection that lingers with the audience.
Image courtesy : MUBI
Production Design & Art Direction
The production design feels incredibly organic. The visuals are unadorned, letting the real settings of the fishing boats, coastal homes, and Mumbai’s shoreline do the storytelling. The art direction doesn’t stylize reality but rather enhances its authenticity, letting the textures of salt-worn wood, tangled nets, and rusted metal tell their own stories.
Sound Design & Music
The sound design in Against the Tide is one of its standout features. The ambient sounds of waves lapping, engines churning, and fish splashing against crates create a rich soundscape that pulls the viewer into the physical space of the film.
There is minimal use of background score, which gives the film a grounded feel. When music is used, it’s subtle and atmospheric, helping to underline emotional beats without overwhelming them. The natural sounds of life—arguments, prayers, laughter—are given prominence, making the world feel lived-in and immediate.
Image courtesy : MUBI
Editing
Editing by Atanas Georgiev and Blagoja Sekuloski is patient and precise. The cuts respect the pace of real life, often lingering on moments of silence or reflection. The film doesn’t rush its subjects; instead, it trusts the audience to absorb the slow rhythm of the fishermen’s lives. This meditative pacing enhances the emotional resonance and allows viewers to truly understand the weight of each decision made by the protagonists.
Conclusion
Against the Tide is a beautifully made, emotionally rich documentary that goes beyond environmental concerns to delve into questions of identity, change, and resilience. It is a film that offers no easy answers but leaves viewers with deep empathy and reflection. Through exceptional direction, stunning cinematography, and evocative sound design, the film becomes more than a portrait of two fishermen—it becomes a window into a world at a crossroads.
Why Watch It:
- A rare and intimate look into the lives of Mumbai’s Koli fishermen.
- Beautifully shot and sensitively directed.
- Explores timely themes like tradition vs. modernity and climate change.
- Emotionally resonant and artistically crafted.