Hirkani

I don’t often watch regional cinema (which I should do), let only watching hindi cinema, and the regional language movies  that I’ve watched have been way better than their Hindi counterparts (or should I say copies, or is it remakes?)

Finally watched my second Marathi movie in the theatre (not that I haven’t seen one before, in fact have grown up watching them on DD  on Saturday (yeah that’s how ancient I am))! Being a total pavwala there’s always a concern of not understanding dialogues or catching onto them (especially when you’re a tube light), and you fear that you’ll pester your company to the point of frustration, trying to fathom what is being said, what exactly is happening. But then they had subtitles, so yeah!!!!

The familiarity with the story, I’ve heard it, learned about in school (further evidence that I’m quiet ancient), have been to the fort twice and each time stared at the bhurg with great fascination (cause by then I was aware of the legend behind it), and finally for the company, made me want to watch the film, a Marathi film!

Firstly I am no critic, so this isn’t my attempt at a movie review, it’s just my observation. The movie is well intentioned and brave attempt to take a familiar lore from history, highlighting the the courage and strength a mother can have when it comes to her child. Moreover I was curious how they would convert a short story into a full length movie.

The film does meander to get to the actual story, the actual event (like me actually getting to the crux of this write up), which only starts post interval. Time is spent trying to establish characters and in lengthy songs and indulging in a bit of overacting, which ended up hampering the pace of the movie. It could do with a bit tighter editing (and in my opinion, a better heroine). The story was always there, and would always be fascinating, it was hampered by the detours it took and some mediocre acting. 

The actual event doesn’t get too much of screen time (which was the whole point of the film). The event could done with a better background score, sound effect (if asking for vfx in a Marathi film is a bit too much) to create an atmosphere that wrought with tension, anticipation, fear, you experiencing the descent with her. Alas that was not to be and director chose to play more on the emotion, which didn’t translate well considering her predicament. Moreover the actress struggled to convey the emotion that was expected of her and thus was not able to create an edge of the seat atmosphere. Not once could you empathise with her or feel her anguish, even though you wanted it and story did called for it, but a mediocre acting didn’t deliver it.

But that said, the movie is head over heel than most of the current Hindi movies. It may not have elaborately created sets, exotic locals, people going around in designer wear, flaunting their toned physique at the drop of a hat. The setting was authentic, shot at Raigad itself, and felt real and not made up. There was a plausible story, which kept you invested (despite the film’s shortcomings) and then it didn’t feel overblown, or over the top. Yes there was some masala added but that was needed to add a little weight to the story. With a run time of 1 hour 35 minutes, the movie isn’t too long, and it isn’t taxing, what was taxing were people checking their cells or using their torch light to find their seats, their way, during the film.

What was fascinating was that the movie became a family event with parents, grandparents, couples, children, grandchildren, young and old alike, mother-in-laws who huffed and puffed their way up to the seat. For a moment I felt like the only non-Marathi Manoos there. But all said and done it was definitely an experience to have.

In the end the movie is well intentioned and about a folklore we are familiar with, without being over dramatic. It could have definitely be made much better with a much tighter editing, at least a better background score and production value and a more able actress to carry the movie on her shoulder. All in all a brave and commendable effort that’s definitely a watch.