Basav Biradar says his new film, One Foot In Front Of The Other, which chronicles the journey of four runners who decide to run from Bengaluru to Chennai along the highway, is a political act. “There is a lot of individuality when people speak of ultra-running, including the loneliness of the long-distance runner and other clichés.” And yet, what struck him about the people featured in the film, Chandra Gopalan, Manikandan Seran, Krishan Dhall and Santhosh Padmanabhan, was that “they see it as a community activity.”
Unlike traditional marathoners, who train with particular races and outcomes in mind, these four runners, Basav says, did not have any such goals. “In the hypercapitalist world we live in, I found it interesting,” says the Bengaluru-based writer, filmmaker and researcher. “They are not overselling individual achievements or looking at material gain, but as a lifestyle that brings people together.” The four runners, all of whom are part of Runner’s High, a running community in Bengaluru, are also not ideologically restricted. “These people with different backgrounds find a common ground, not just in the sense of sport but life,” says Basav, who believes that this community spirit is vital today, at a time when so much alienation exists.“It gives you hope.”
Enroute to Chennai
| Photo Credit:
Basav Biradar
The film opens with a shot of the runners traversing down the dark streets of Bengaluru at dawn, the city calm and silent, save for the occasional call of the koel and the soft, rhythmic thudding of shoes against asphalt. From there, it moves to a scene depicting the planning behind the Bengaluru-Chennai run, “the first time they did it (a city-to-city run), but after that, they ran many more times like this,” says Basav, who began filming in 2018, the year the first time the four embarked on this run.
The narrative then segues into the backstories of each runner via interviews, interspersed with footage of the actual run, lingering on some of the highlights and challenges encountered en route to Chennai. “I asked them for some time before the run for the interviews, because I knew that they may not be keen to talk after the run. It also gave me a chance to get to know them intimately because I spent hours with them.”
The film also highlights the relationship between the four runners and how they look out for one another.
| Photo Credit:
Basav Biradar
Not only do the interviews explore the runners’ motivation, but they also offer insights into who they are, including their vulnerabilities, struggles, and moral frameworks through which they view the world. “I didn’t want the film to look like a sporty, running film, but bring back the idea of regular people doing this sort of thing.”
Take the story of Chandra Gopalan, the oldest in the group, at 60, and the only woman, who began running, in earnest, at the age of 45 after coming first in her category at the Standard Chartered Marathon. “Once I got that medal, I realised that maybe this is something I need to pursue.” And pursue it she did, even through personal tragedy. “I admire Chandra,” says Basav. “Even though she started running when she was older, she showed what can be done, but without too many hangups.”
Besides the backstories, the film also highlights the relationship between the four runners. In one part of the film, for instance, we see Krishan struggling on the third day with blisters and pain, leading Basav to expect him to give up. “It looked untenable at that point: he was struggling.” Krishan, however, did not, choosing instead to stay there and let the day pass. Basav says it taught him a great lesson on how to keep at it and rely on others to carry you through. “That specific incident offered an understanding of the kind of love they have for each other.”
Bengaluru-based writer, filmmaker and researcher Basav Biradar
| Photo Credit:
Mahesh Bhat
One Foot In Front Of The Other, which is self-funded, will have a preview screening on July 20. Basav, who has also sent the film for a couple of festivals, says he will make the film accessible post the festival circuit. “I am trying to find the best model for this film, and deciding where it can go.”
One Foot In Front Of The Other will be screened on July 20, 5pm at Sabhablr, Shivaji Nagar. Tickets, priced at ₹ 300, can be purchased at www.sabhablr.in
Published – July 15, 2025 04:02 pm IST
