By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/4/25 – Fresh off an Indie Spirit Award win at the Orlando Film Festival, Indian filmmaker Hemwant Tiwari, best known for his experimental single-shot feature Lomad (covered previously by Audrey Rock), returns with an even more audacious cinematic endeavor: Krishna Arjun. This 2-hour and 14-minute feature brands itself as the world’s first double-role single-shot film, delving into themes of women empowerment, LGBTQ+ identity, casteism, and social injustice.
Krishna Arjun is deeply symbolic in its construction. The dual roles of Krishna and Arjun—played entirely by Tiwari—evoke mythological undertones while navigating through modern Indian social realities. The film’s ambition lies not only in its thematic scope but also in its unique format: a continuous, uncut take, attempting to carry the emotional and narrative weight of two characters and multiple causes.
Tiwari is not new to the one-take format; his previous film Lomad explored similar territory. However, Krishna Arjun pushes that technique further. Playing dual roles in a single uninterrupted shot is a technical and physical feat, and on that front, the film deserves recognition. But the very format that makes the film innovative also becomes its burden.
Without the benefit of traditional editing to vary pacing, the runtime begins to wear thin. Though the subject matter is undoubtedly important, viewers may find their attention tested — and the urgency of the film’s social messages diluted by narrative fatigue.
Tiwari pours himself into both roles with sincerity, and while the supporting cast remains peripheral, they contribute to the larger narrative web of systemic oppression. Dialogue is direct, bordering at times on the theatrical. There’s passion, but little room for nuance in a structure that demands relentless forward motion.
Still, Krishna Arjun is unapologetically political, and for many viewers, that clarity will feel necessary and invigorating.
Adding to the film’s complex journey is a growing controversy surrounding its treatment by the Indian censor board. Tiwari has publicly alleged that Krishna Arjun faced unfair delays and resistance from authorities, citing its bold commentary on casteism, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender inequality as potential reasons for the pushback.
Krishna Arjun is not an easy film — in form or in message. But it is exactly the kind of film that dares to challenge comfort zones. Its ambition may, at times, outpace its cohesion, and its unbroken structure may alienate casual viewers. Yet, as a statement of intent, it is unwavering.
