Just 6.5

I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed (not just watched) a movie from the beginning to the end— that too an Iranian production. Well, I don’t get that much time these days to watch even a short episode of any popular series, so, can’t complain about my irregularity in enjoying movies. But once there was a time I would consume 3-4 movies straight with or without companions— those good days are gone!

Even though I enjoy watching movies or delving into any sort of entertainment alone, writings alike, this time I had to share the screen with someone else, someone I can’t avoid or try not to when it’s imminent— I just surrender myself to the situation. It was a rainy day today and I must say, it was her company that made the movie-time worthwhile.

So, talking about the movie, the title follows the title of this composition. But it took me the entire time of the movie to understand why it’s named that way and that too was probably possible as the name reappeared at the end of it— otherwise, I wouldn’t notice it for sure.

The plot is centred on a drug bust and the whole reel followed the lead captured at the beginning of the movie. Some may say the plot is way too plain, but I won’t disagree, still, one of the most enthralling crime films I have enjoyed recently, perhaps in months. It all started in a slum occupied with concrete slabs but ended in a billion-dollar penthouse and the prison scene in between. I’d say it’s more than a typical crime thriller and the compelling reality delivers an intense vibe, making it grimly extraordinary.

I don’t intend to dive into the plot and storyline— you will get them online, but this made me look into Iranian drug law. Literally, I googled it and was shocked to know that regardless of the mass possession, if it is above 30 grams of illegal drugs, the penalty is the same— execution of life sentence.

While it may sound perfect, there is controversy about it. Some believe imposing the same punishment for different levels of crime is encouraging the drug dealers to hit nothing but the jackpot. The reason is simple, if they get caught they will be punished accordingly— so, why get caught being a small-timer, go big or go nothing. But it’s sure the Iranian police are trying to do something— the rest is up to us, how we deal with the situation determines how far they can go with the law. The same thing applies to any country or community— our actions determine it all.

In reality, drug abuse has reached its limit, or should I say the sky is the limit— whatever, we need to be serious about it. I remember one of my classmates saying while peeing side by side with me, “if this was the first pee in the morning, it would be worth at least 3-4k BDT for the stuff he consumes regularly.”

I laughed back then but realised what he just said later. It’s a common scenario for many of us— and this should change. This should change before our actions victimise others and snatch away the comfortable life they deserve.

Say no to drugs. ☮️

Sorin Cicos on Unsplash