Watch Tungrus

Tungrus is a 13-minute documentary film directed by Rishi Chandna that was released in 2018. This film revolves around a pet bird named Tungrus and his interactions with a family in Mumbai. The film begins with a shot of Tungrus, a rooster, perched on a kitchen shelf, overlooking the hustle and bustle of a typical Indian kitchen. We soon learn that Tungrus is a pet of the Bharde family who live in a tiny apartment in Mumbai. We are introduced to the Bharde family, who share their home with Tungrus, comprising of a father, mother and two daughters; Aasim, Celestine, and Nusrat.

Throughout the course of the film, we witness Tungrus' peculiar behaviour, his squawking, and constant jumping around. His presence in the house is disruptive and chaotic, all while the family goes about their daily routines. The father of the family, Aasim Bharde, shares his experience of bringing Tungrus home from a market, narrating how the rooster was meant to be dinner but ended up becoming a member of the family instead.

The film provides an intimate look at the family's daily activities and how Tungrus manages to fit into their lifestyle. The family members all have their ways of dealing with Tungrus' sometimes-debilitating presence. The mother, Celestine Bharde, provides a more authoritarian approach towards Tungrus, while the daughters play with him.

At one point in the film, the father decides to get rid of Tungrus, leading to chaos and tears, and the aftermath of that decision showcases the level of attachment the entire family has grown to have towards him, despite his constant disruption.

Throughout the film, the constant squawking sounds of Tungrus are juxtaposed with the sounds of Mumbai life, be it the honking of cars, the sound of a mixer grinder, or the occasional train whistle in the background.

The film showcases the challenges of co-existing with a pet that does not fit into the stereotypical standards of a domesticated pet. It provides a tender glimpse into the lives of an Indian family and their relationship with a bird, and how our attachment towards our pets and animals can transcend their perceived value.

By the end of the film, we are left wondering about the fate of Tungrus, how he has become an unlikely but much-loved addition to the family in his own quirky way. The film ends with a shot of Tungrus, looking out from his perch, watching the family go about their business.

Tungrus is a bittersweet film, showcasing the relationship between humans and animals and how unconventional pets can still hold a special place in our hearts. The film offers an insight into the Indian family life and Mumbai's daily grind through the unique perspective of a rooster. It is a must-watch for animal lovers and those who enjoy exploring human-animal dynamics.

Tungrus is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 12 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.