My recent viewing of the Nepali film Paran transcended the typical movie-going experience. For me, it felt less like a movie and more like a profound emotional canvas-a story that beautifully encapsulates the contemporary Nepali landscape and offers a mirror for nearly every family.
While the nation was rightly celebrating the raw emotion of this narrative, I found myself observing it through a distinct, professional lens: that of mathematics. And I am certain that for those who have seen the film, the mathematical undercurrents I describe will resonate instantly.
The geometry of cinematography
From the opening frames, the film's technical brilliance exhibited an applied understanding of geometry and proportion. Cinematography, often perceived as purely artistic, is deeply rooted in mathematical concepts. Every camera angle was meticulously positioned to capture the actors' emotions. Furthermore, the deliberate placement of actors-often in the centre of the frame-adhered to principles of proportion and symmetry, creating a viewing experience that was immensely pleasing and harmonious.
This subtle adherence to geometric composition ensures that the visual impact is maximized, making the film a delightful watch long before the plot thickens.
Probability and the 'American Dream'
Moving beyond the visual, the plot introduces a crucial, high-stakes mathematical concept: Probability. The most significant and emotionally charged twist involves the younger son securing the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery-a program instituted by the USA to enhance population diversity. The DV program is, fundamentally, a monumental game of chance and probability applied to a large pool of eligible candidates across Nepal.
The selection process is a classic example of random sampling and statistical likelihood. The emotional weight of this moment on the family is directly proportional to the minute probability of being selected, underscoring how a core mathematical concept can dictate life-altering consequences.
Coordinate geometry in the urban labyrinth
The later scenes, where the parents transition from the village to their son's Kathmandu home, introduce us to concepts of space and area. The children's careful arrangement of furniture to maximize area utilization and ensure enough open space for their visiting parents touches upon concepts of Mensuration and spatial planning.
However, a lighter yet poignant moment occurs when the father, played by Neer Shah, steps out for a walk. His struggle to return home, lacking a precise mental map, highlights the practical necessity of Coordinate Geometry. Without knowing the relative coordinates of his current position to the fixed coordinates of his home, navigation becomes a struggle-a relatable demonstration of how the most abstract-sounding math can be vital for daily function.
Estimation and subconscious calculations in rural life
The village scenes, particularly those featuring Buddhi Tamang tending to crops, managing pesticides, or tending to cattle stock, as well as Neer Shah's activities like gathering honey and crafting cane baskets, are rich with examples of subconscious mathematical application.
These tasks rely not on complex equations but on the power of estimated calculations. The farmer estimates the precise quantity of pesticide needed for a certain area of the field, or the craftsman estimates the correct angles and dimensions for the basket. These are effective, real-world examples of how math, through estimation, is essential for efficiency and survival in traditional life.
Algebraic expression of financial planning
Towards the film's conclusion, the youngest son, Mahesh Tripathi, reflects on the wealth accumulated during his stay abroad. This reflection is a compelling demonstration of the power of Algebraic Expression in financial planning. His ability to plan a better future is rooted in the calculation of his accumulated wealth over a defined period (time, $t$), with specific savings rates (rate, $r$), and against various living costs (variables, $v_1, v_2, ldots$).
This decision is an algebraic summary of life choices, proving that disciplined math-not just luck-is the core ingredient for building wealth.
A new viewing perspective
Paran serves as an excellent case study. While movies are invaluable conduits for spreading important societal and emotional messages, it is time we begin watching films from a mathematical perspective as well. The underlying structure-be it in the frame composition, a critical plot point, or a mundane daily task-is often governed by mathematical principles.
Did you also observe these subtle but powerful mathematical concepts woven into this emotional journey? Recognizing them only deepens the appreciation for the film's artistry and its reflection of real-life complexity.
Bathija is the founder of Embark Unmath