Metamorphosis: From a Mallu to a Maharashtrian...
Though I am a pure Malayalee at heart, lately I have lost interest in the kind of movies that are being made, down south. Really miss the country feel and the brilliant story lines that conquered my senses once upon a time. All of a sudden ....it is the Marathi cinema that has caught all my attention. So many masterpieces are being made here...which is actually going unnoticed. May be one can blame it to the poor advertising, PR etc. But once I was convinced of the existence of this certain brilliant art form...I decided to share my heart out.
'Jogwa' - The Awakening - one movie i saw in recent times. A movie that touches upon a very bold topic...exposing a heinous crime existing in our society. An inspiration of courage to break down man-made superstitions and find true happiness. Directed by Rajiv Patel, under the banner of iDream Productions, screenplay by Sanjay Krishnaji Patil....this masterpiece has won 5 National Awards(Best Film, Best Actor, Best Music, Best Female Playback singer, Best Male Playback singer) apart from other prestigious awards. Excellent direction, Exceptional performance...above all what a storyline!!! Simply awesome.
Like Mr. Javed Akthar said recently, while receiving the 'Lifetime Award for his contribution to Hindi cinema at Screen Awards; give more chances to new writers, pay attention to the script. As good cinema has got all to do with a brilliant storyline and not colourful set-ups, or expensive locations. Very true...and I very much agree with this point of view. Hoping Bollywood directors would glance through these masterpieces being made in our very own state. And pick up a lesson or two from them.
Marathi cinema truly has some great minds at work..in recent times. Movies like Harishchandrachi Factory-a tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke-the man who gave us the taste of cinema; Dombivli Fast - A middle-class man who decides to fight against corruption, City of Gold-story of lives of mill workers who lived in old Mumbai, Bayo-a heartbreaking love story of the early 1940's, Mi Amruta Boltey-a brutal one-sided love story, Sanai Chowgude - a family entertainer sporting a new kind of marriage institution, 'Mi Shivaji Raje Boltoy' and not to forget 'Natrang'. I simply wonder of the variety of storylines and unseen talent that exists here.
A day back I tried watching a short documentary film named 'Manjha' but just couldn't take it as it can be watched only when one is in a very insane state. And I really don't know when I am gonna be in such a mood.... but the reason I am sharing about this movie is coz I did manage to catch upon the first 15 minutes of the same. It is a story on child abuse. Backed by dark colours, loud background and intense acting...especially by the two kids in the role of street children. This movie is about Rakha - a 5 year old boy who makes 'Manjha' to earn a living and also looks after his 3 year old mentally challenged sister. This 27 year old director 'Mr. Rahi Anil Barve' deserves all praise...and has been rightly bestowed with the 'IDPA Award for the best first film' and the 'Best Film Award in the Fiction category'. Though I cannot go insane to watch this movie...I am sure that I will appreciate this piece of art completely someday... when I gather the courage for the same.
Hmmm....I strongly feel it is an era of awakening for the sleeping giant...the Marathi Movie fraternity. And each of us should appreciate and look up to the work happening here...or else we may just miss upon a spectacular piece of art!!!
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