Ganesh, left, and Rakesh in Against the Tide (Snooker Club Films)

Shot in and around Mumbai, the Indian documentary Against the Tide revolves around two friends, Rakesh and Ganesh, who take different approaches as they fight to sustain their way of life. Like these fishermen, director Sarvnik Kaur casts a wide net, exploring the issues of caste, class, and climate change, among others.

Rakesh and Ganesh belong to the Koli caste, who have been fishing the waters of the Arabian Sea for generations. However, they differ in their approach. On the one hand, Rakesh stands by his ancestral tenets of fishing in shallow waters using traditional methods. On the other hand, Ganesh employs a much bigger crew, fishing in the deep sea with the help of modern technology.

Rakesh lives with his mother, wife, and their newborn child, who has a heart condition. Throughout, Rakesh and his wife visit various doctors, seeking treatment for their son. This culminates in Rakesh having to sell his boat and downsize to pay for his son’s medical costs. Ganesh lives with his wife, who reveals her pregnancy halfway through the film. He often confides in her as they emotionally (and financially) support each other to overcome their debts. In fact, family is a huge cornerstone of both men’s lives. These tight-knit relationships inspire them to keep pushing forward.

While presented as a documentary, the film plays like a narrative drama, cutting back and forth between Rakesh’s and Ganesh’s storylines. As the film develops, the men often argue about the ethics of LED fishing, a practice used to attract more fish to the nets. Their juxtaposition in philosophy represents the struggle between tradition and modernity, a greater issue facing India as a whole. The editing is critical in creating this juxtaposition, and establishes the underlying tension underpinning the narrative.

On the surface, it may seem that Rakesh and Ganesh are pitted against each other as the filmmakers intercut between their daily struggles. However, upon further inspection, it is evident that both fishermen share similar struggles: A combination of climate change and the cutthroat fishing industry have brought financial hardships for both. Rakesh’s infant child, having a heart condition, forces him to rethink his strategy of fishing in shallow waters. Meanwhile, Ganesh has invested a lot of money into his operations and struggles to pay back his loans and his workers. Though the men are seemingly at odds in their fishing philosophy, they maintain a tight bond, supporting and celebrating each other.

Ashok Meena’s cinematography is the film’s standout feature. During the tense arguments between Rakesh and Ganesh, the camerawork is graceful but observant, capturing each facial expression and movement. Kaur also masterfully splices in picturesque cutaway shots, creating a cinematic montage akin to a feature film. She often finds the fishermen deep in thought, contemplating their dilemmas. The mesmerizing cinematography of these moments, often set against the backdrop of a majestic natural landscape, allows the audience to observe the men silently at a distance.

Though there is no in-depth discussion about it, climate change makes its presence known. It is the source of the fishermen’s hardships, hanging over their heads like a dark cloud, as well as the impact of overfishing on fishing communities. Kaur also gracefully weaves in the class struggle between Ganesh and Rakesh, highlighting a stark difference in their aspirations. Ganesh wishes to travel abroad, hoping to earn enough to vacation in Scotland, whereas Rakesh is far more modest, only wishing to support his family and live comfortably.

Even with a modest runtime of 96 minutes, this documentary might feel like a slow burn. However, the breathtaking cinematography captivates at every turn, making it a very enjoyable watch. In more than one way, Against the Tide resembles All That Breathes, a 2022 festival darling and Academy Award nominee (also from India). Climate change is at the crux of both films, highlighting the impact of overfishing and air pollution on India’s natural ecosystem.