Sruthi Ganapathy Raman
It is a small film about a small parking space that frays the relationship between two neighbours of varying worldviews and generations. Goes from being a fun “spirit of neighbourliness” drama with sprinkles, to a dark pit where a dangerous cocktail of rage and id takes over two men.
Freud defined ‘Id’ as the impulsive part of our psyche that’s driven by desires and instincts. Elamparuthi and Eshwar, driven each by their bruised ego, do unspeakable things to each other, slowly running loose, unhinged.
Of how rage works. When one person is struck down, he has no time to actually pick up the pieces — his face is firm, already planning his next ten steps to take the other down.
You don’t know which story fascinates you more. Is it the man, who has lost everything by saving and living a miserable life? Or is it another, who is consumed by a destructive rage just as he’s beginning to start a new life?
Is how tightly the narrative flows to keep us on the edge of our seats— all just to see who gets to park their vehicle at home on time! Editor Philomin Raj and composer Sam CS do a splendid job of making a “parking space fight” seem like a glorious Roman battle.
That once kept this chaotic car ride going, towards the last act. But despite its lack of know-how, Parking is still a trip worth your time for all the raw discomfort it makes you feel.