Messiah of masses: My quick take on the Marathi movie “धर्मवीर- मुक्काम पोस्ट ठाणे”
As I began to watch this movie, my exact state was similar to the TV journalist in the movie who had just a cursory knowledge (google Gyan) about this HUGE personality “Anand Dhighe saheb”. If the events shown in the movie are all sans creative liberties of makers then let me confess that events and incidences shown are just not enough to accommodate in a three-hour-long movie. In my view there is enough material available to create a multi-season multi episodic web series. For me, the movie was an eye-opener on how ‘Tall’ this leader was.
Creating an effective biopic about any iconic character is an art in itself. Sir Richard Attenborough had taught us this craft vide his Oscar-winning “Gandhi”, where the perfect casting of the main ingredient of a successful recipe. Here full marks to makers for picking Prasad Oak in the titular character. He has simply rocked as Dharmaveer. It's a great testimony to see how an actor can gets under the skin of a character, take a bow, Mr. Oak.
Director Praveen Tarade resorted to flashback with a voiceover type of narrative to paint the huge canvass of this tall leader, which in my view was not very effective. Instead, had it been a chronological account then it would have left a lasting impact on the audience. With this flash back version, the flow of the story looks very ‘patchy’ and ‘episodic’ and fails to build up momentum. Secondly, there are many scenes which looks like ‘force fitted’ to glorify certain present day personalities which could have been avoided. At times one will wonder if this is a biopic or a propaganda movie for forthcoming elections.
Best part the movie is of course the story. its hard to believe that politics can produce such clean, committed and just leaders. There is a scene where Dighe Saheb literally whips a Nagarsevak for buying a jeep within just 6 months of his tenure. (today a TOYOTA Fortuner or a LR discovery is a sort of status symbol of these leaders). The second thing which impressed me was the punch filled dialogs, these are simply पैसाफेक dialogues. The third reason is the songs in the movie, all the numbers would have become hit. Fourth would be the handpicked cast, I'm impressed with handsome Gashmeer Mahajani, he has picked up good-looking genes from his handsome father.
The budget limitation is reflected in the amateurish production value of the movie. I wish makers should have found some deep-pocketed producer. Maybe they will find someone for its Part 2 sequel which is announced in the end credits.
Comments