Arindam Saha Sardar’s documentary ‘Moxa Manab’ on Dr. Bikash Kumar Chandra, the pioneer of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, is a triumph of directorial intent. The film transforms a clinical subject into a deeply emotional cinematic experience, made all the more remarkable by its runtime of just 12 minutes. Sardar’s ability to condense a monumental career into such a tight framework is a true testament to his narrative discipline. The documentary is a meticulously crafted visual argument for the timeless wisdom of traditional medicine, shot beautifully in the ecological heartland of Tindharia, Darjeeling.
The Director’s Concise Vision
To cover Dr. Chandra’s professional breadth, familial duty, ethical mentorship, and scientific contribution in 12 minutes required ruthless, purposeful direction. Sardar avoids unnecessary exposition, instead using powerful visual metaphors to communicate complex ideas quickly.
The most powerful stroke is the precise transition from black and white to full color, timed with the introduction of the Moxa plant. This instant change visually conveys the weight of history (monochrome) and the vitality of healing (color). The focus on Tindharia and the Moxa stick preparation is not just scenery; it’s a narrative shortcut. The director frames the elemental moxa fire against the depth of the Darjeeling mountains, grounding the practice in nature’s raw authenticity and lending gravitas to Dr. Chandra’s work within the time constraint.
The editing masterfully intercuts the rigorous preparation in the hills with the trusted clinical application, using close-ups of Dr. Chandra’s colleagues to efficiently establish the theme of generational trust and inspiration.
A Symphony of Sight and Sound
The direction achieves perfect synthesis with sound, thanks to Utsav Mondal’s score. Mondal’s music is an emotional collaborator, guiding the viewer through the quick-paced narrative. Sardar uses the score to underscore moments of quiet concentration, allowing gentle, indigenous melodies to swell precisely as the screen bursts into color. This delicate interplay ensures that the film’s emotional rhythm is flawless, making the scientific dedication feel deeply human.
The Final Verdict: An Enduring Legacy
In this exceptional documentary, Arindam Saha Sardar has done more than honour a life; he has created a lyrical cinematic poem on legacy, trust, and the profound harmony between man, nature, and medicine. Sardar transforms a local story into a universally uplifting testament. It is a masterpiece of condensation, affirming Dr. Chandra’s place not just as a healer, but as an enduring beacon for generations to come—all in a memorable 12 minutes.
video link: https://youtu.be/H0uvpUCEUiE
Jibansmriti archive Blog
Joint editor : Arindam Saha Sardar Curator & president, Jibansmriti Archive
Biyas Ghosh secretary, Jibansmriti Archive.
Chief assistant editor : Moumita Pal
Editorial board members : Ankush Das
Vol. 1, 2 December 2025