Carriers
Truck drivers in India are outcasts from society, inspiring fear and disgust among their compatriots. Viewed as the modern world highwaymen, these 'lords of the underground' sit on its edge looking critically at an India unable to accept them.
Truck drivers in India are outcasts from society, inspiring fear and disgust among their compatriots. Viewed as the modern world highwaymen, these 'lords of the underground' sit on its edge looking critically at an India unable to accept them. Expertly interweaving the colourful lives of five typical drivers, this week's intimate documentary paints a picture of social exclusion and desperation.
Life on the road is undoubtedly a hard one. Yet, for the six million people involved in the industry it often appeared as a way out of a static and meaningless life. Travel gave them direction. For Ram Prakesh, village life was not enough. "Sitting in the village, where is the income? You just go to sleep and wake up to the same problems". In contrast, as a truck driver, he could leave his problems behind and earn a decent income. "When the truck is going safely, it's wonderful. Life feels like a lovely picnic."
Unfortunately, many soon lose their way. Money slips easily out of the driver's hand. Jai Singh, after twenty years driving admits that his addiction to alcohol has 'pickled' his brain. Now drugs and women are prioritised over his family. "I've sent home a lot of money, now it's time to look after my own body". Even drivers like Santosh Kumar, a man who once dedicated his life to God and purity in an ashram, soon found himself being drawn into the underground world. "Slowly, slowly, slowly I got lost in it". Why? "As a trucker, my life has no guarantees. How can I suppress my desires?" Lacking good roads, trucks, or a union, drivers feel insecure. The accident that might lie around the corner means they often view life in the short-term. In consequence, it is now estimated that 25-30% of truck drivers have STDs, whilst 8% are HIV positive. The 'truck driver' has been characterised by the Bollywood film, and public folklore as the public enemy. By travelling through the spectacular Indian countryside, buzzing bazaars, and darkened alleyways with them "Carriers" shows that it is not the truck driver, but the state of Indian society that is to blame. This documentary offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of real India and exposes the myths for the sad reality that lies behind them. (Akura Films).
FULL SYNOPSIS
Unfortunately, many soon lose their way. Money slips easily out of the driver's hand. Jai Singh, after twenty years driving admits that his addiction to alcohol has 'pickled' his brain. Now drugs and women are prioritised over his family. "I've sent home a lot of money, now it's time to look after my own body". Even drivers like Santosh Kumar, a man who once dedicated his life to God and purity in an ashram, soon found himself being drawn into the underground world. "Slowly, slowly, slowly I got lost in it". Why? "As a trucker, my life has no guarantees. How can I suppress my desires?" Lacking good roads, trucks, or a union, drivers feel insecure. The accident that might lie around the corner means they often view life in the short-term. In consequence, it is now estimated that 25-30% of truck drivers have STDs, whilst 8% are HIV positive. The 'truck driver' has been characterised by the Bollywood film, and public folklore as the public enemy. By travelling through the spectacular Indian countryside, buzzing bazaars, and darkened alleyways with them "Carriers" shows that it is not the truck driver, but the state of Indian society that is to blame. This documentary offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of real India and exposes the myths for the sad reality that lies behind them. (Akura Films).