Why ‘Badminton’ is the Perfect Example of Clever, Minimalist Filmmaking

Dibakar Banerjee’s short film ‘Badminton,’ presented by Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts and featuring a stellar cast including Jim Sarbh, Vijay Maurya, Sayani Gupta, and Mohammad Ebadullah, is a masterclass in extracting maximum impact from minimal resources. It’s a shining example of how constraints, when embraced with ingenuity, can lead to compelling storytelling.

More than just a fleeting narrative, ‘Badminton’ beautifully illustrates the core tenets of clever, minimalist filmmaking: fixed perspectives and confined spaces serving as powerful storytelling tools. This dedication to impactful storytelling through deliberate choices mirrors our select philosophy, where every element is thoughtfully considered and implemented.

The Premise

A seemingly entitled man enters a club bar, seeking his usual drink only to be met with the unwelcome news of a dry day. This initial frustration unravels into a bizarre and darkly comedic confrontation with the new bartender, fueled by misplaced suspicion and a volatile temper. The brilliance lies not just in the escalating absurdity of the situation, but in how Banerjee leverages the limitations of his chosen filmmaking style to amplify the drama and reveal layers of character. His sophisticated approach resonates with the audience who appreciate nuanced storytelling and clever execution over overt spectacle.

The Man Behind the Words: Anuvab Pal

Much of Badminton’s razor-sharp wit and satirical edge can be credited to Anuvab Pal, the film’s writer. Known for his astute observations on Indian society and his distinct brand of humor, Anuvab Pal infuses the screenplay with a biting yet sophisticated comedic sensibility. His writing captures the absurdity of class divides, entitlement, and social hierarchies, all within the confines of a seemingly simple interaction at a bar. The film’s escalating tension and humor stem directly from the precision of Pal’s dialogue, which turns everyday frustration into a deeply revealing character study.

Anuvab Pal’s signature style—often blending dry humor with sharp social commentary—has been a defining aspect of his work across theatre, stand-up, and cinema. His collaboration with Banerjee results in a film that feels both tightly constructed and naturally flowing, where every word and pause carries weight.

Minimalist Setting

One of the most striking aspects of ‘Badminton’ is its deliberate use of fixed camera angles. This isn’t a stylistic quirk; it’s a fundamental element of the film’s minimalist approach. By resisting the urge for dynamic camera movements, Banerjee forces the viewer to become a more active participant. We observe the scene unfold from carefully chosen vantage points, our focus directed by the performances and the dialogue.

• Heightened Observation: The fixed frame encourages us to scrutinize the characters’ reactions, their subtle shifts in expression, and the nuances of their interactions within the confined space. Every gesture, every fleeting glance, becomes more significant when the camera isn’t constantly shifting our attention.
• Building Tension: The static perspective can also build tension. As the man’s accusations against the bartender escalate, the unmoving camera traps us in the discomfort of the moment. We are forced to confront the awkwardness and the potential for violence without the release of a cut or a change in angle.
• Emphasis on Dialogue and Performance: With less visual dynamism, the onus falls squarely on the actors and the script. Vijay Maurya’s volatile portrayal, Jim Sarbh’s initially calm but increasingly bewildered demeanor, and Sayani Gupta’s cleverly concealed presence all shine through, their performances anchoring the narrative.

Just as the fixed camera angles dictate our visual experience, the single location – the club bar – becomes a crucial character in itself. This confinement, another hallmark of minimalist filmmaking, isn’t a limitation but a narrative asset. 

A Must Watch

‘Badminton’ cleverly utilizes these minimalist techniques not out of necessity, but as a conscious artistic choice. The fixed perspectives and confined setting aren’t limitations to overcome; they are tools to amplify the narrative’s impact. By focusing on compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and a tightly constructed plot within these self-imposed boundaries, Dibakar Banerjee delivers a short film that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. It serves as a potent reminder that true cinematic ingenuity often lies not in extravagance, but in the clever and creative manipulation of the essential elements of filmmaking.

And in the final, darkly humorous scene with the sweeper played by Mohammad Ebadullah, ‘Badminton’ even manages to comment on social hierarchies within its minimalist frame, proving that even the smallest of stories, told with clever constraints, can pack a significant punch.  This ability to achieve profound impact through subtle means is a hallmark of truly select creativity and makes the film a must watch.