Mohandas – A Film lost in its own nation
Mohandas ‘the film’ is almost like Mohandas ‘the character’ in the film. As the protagonist clashes with bureaucratic system, the film clashes with nature of our film industry. Mohandas – The film takes on the industry dominated by big names, money and power. Just like the protagonist in the film, it’s a David v/s Goliath scenario…but with a hope that in the end, justice will be done, truth will get its due.
Yes, not many have seen the film, most people haven’t even heard of it and what more – it’s not fashionable. Whole world is busy reviewing Hollywood animation extravaganza ‘9’, talking about Tim Burton is IN thing these days. ‘Some boy losing his identity in hinterland of MP’ – doesn’t sound very fashionable, isn’t it? And it doesn’t help when there is no show off, no big marketing campaign, no jazzy music, no fancy edit pattern, no pretence, not an attempt to be something else and of course no big stars. The film is dedicated to likes of Shanmughan Manjunath, Satyendra Dubey…who are they? Do we really know them? Do we really care? Somehow this film thinks – we do.
One noted reviewer said “every day we come across many stories in newspapers, But not all stories have the potential to be adapted for the big screen.” I completely agree with it, because I strongly believe like our noted reviewer that ideal story to adapt on the big screen is a clock chanting ‘Mangalam Magalam’ in protagonist’s tummy. Anyways Mohandas is not a newspaper story; it’s a novel by eminent writer of Hindi literature – Uday Prakash.
Mohandas has received many international accolades; it was an official entry from Indian in several film festivals across the world. Director Mazhar Kamran’s first film was ‘Satya’ as a cinematographer; he has a list of impressive films to his credit in the same role. This is his directorial debut. And he hasn’t compromised. But more importantly he hasn’t been tempted to do extravagant things. Mazhar stays true to the story, throughout the film (it’s hard to believe considering he started his career with RGV camp). There would have been huge temptation of juxtaposing the protagonist with Gandhi, but that is done in a very subtle way. He keeps everything rooted to the story – locations, characters, dialogs, dialect, back ground music- everything, and that is his biggest achievement.
‘The film has its heart in the right place’ – is a much abused term these days. But sometimes it fits the best. Mohandas is not a flawless film, it could have been better, but it still is honest, earthy, non pretentious and gritty. It has decent performances by the likes of Aditya shrivastava, and Shushant singh, but unknown face of ‘Uttam Haldar’ impresses the most. You will see traits of Deepak Dobriyal in his performance.
The release was very limited, only some 3-4 major cities. We know the reasons, let’s not discuss it again. It deserves more, much more. Hope more people would be able to watch and appreciate this movie.
Hope to see more articles and discussions here.
Tags: Cinema, Mazhar Kamra, Mohandas, Movies
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I am glad that someone else also wrote about the movie. It is sad that original, honest work like Mohandas is not talked about and we hear only about big budget duds.
I just hope it gets released in a much bigger way so that atleast people get the opportunity to watch it.
some people will say its the duty of makers to market it well.but the problem with good cinema is audience.nobody wants to spend money to see unknown faces.its definitely a good movie but it is going to suffer.well said about the “manglam manglam” thing i haven’t seen such a huge hit nonsence.
Niren- quite a honest post I must say.As I’ve already commented on Aniruddha’s post on the same film I mention here again that I’ve been unable to watch it as it didnt release in Chennai.Certainly will watch it @ the 1st given oppurtunity.Encouraging such movies is something that all of us here need to do it in our own ways.What is irritating @ times is people dont even bother to watch, but wont lose any oppurtunity to say what would have worked and what would have not worked.Hope that more and more people get to watch this movie and the others of this kind to follow in the future.
forget marketing etc. – 250 buck multiplex ticket is enough to kill such movies…
Niren – You could have given us more insight into the film, nonetheless I see your angst. But, this is one channel where you would see appreciation for Mazhar and his Mohandas. Did read about this in an article long back. Aditya Shrivastava had a very subdued role in Ab Tak Chappan, I really wanted to see him more on screen, felt like he was not tapped fully. Maybe Mohandas is the answer.
And if its dedicated to Manjunath, Satyendra Dubey and the whole new generation who is looking out for answers against corruption like RTI and mostly are lost…. should be worth a watch…
Your writeup is just like you spoke to all of us ….very candid…RDB types…
Aditya shrivastava doesnt have the role to impress you, but he makes an impression.
There was a good write up on the original story that inspired the book and later this movie in Open magazine couple of weeks ago. It mentioned the release date but sadly, its hardly playing anywhere now. I hope they don’t remove it in the next change so I’ll be able to watch this.
The cast looks great and it would be interesting to see a noted cinematographer make the transition to direction with this.
Shridhar – you can analyse some films, watch them as a critic or a third person. When Mohandas starts – you are the third person (considering you are more connected with cinema), but slowly you become the second person, and when the film ends – you are the first person. I am telling you, it hits you in the gut, its not a nice feeling at all, if its a multiplex- you actually start hating and cursing popcorn eating fools around you.You feel the angst.
It would be better experience for you, if you watch without knowing what to expect.
Sara said it. 250 bucks a ticket is a detraction. Will wait for the DVD to release.
It is indeed sad that very few people came here to discuss and comment on this post. The proble is not with the low budget movie, unknown faces or the multiplex ticket. Disturbing B has rightly said..the problem is with the audience.
Now who says that you should spent 250 bucks only for a SRK or Akshay Kumar’s movie…is somebody forcing you?
Till the time people like us are not going and watching movies, this will keep on repeating.
~Ashu Bhai MAPRM wale
Went to PVR Bangalore today for the 12:15 show and came to know that this movie was pulled out yesterday due to low attendance.
First they play only one show of this movie in a day, that too after 12 noon which means it costs 175 bucks even on weekdays, and then they pull it out even before the first week is over complaining about low attendance. And guess which movie took that slot…Daddy Cool!!!
btw missed mentioning…excellent post and more than anything superb title…very apt
Paradox! The only show was also initially at 5:15 which makes any working employee not to watch it.
I guess we can’t help it other than to watch it in DVD
We will watch the most inane movies being dished out to us in the name of entertainment and dish out the bigger ‘Gandhi’s’ to see them – and we will sit and talk of how a good film should be marketed well, or how we cannot afford Rs 250 for this film. What can I say? I think Mazhar is doing us a favour by giving us a film that we perhaps do not deserve in the first place. Guys, for people who love cinema, we sure are as ‘one-dimensional’ as the multitudes out there are.
My point? Watch, and then talk! Then, at least, you have a right to like/dislike it.
Sincere article bro! Brilliant title ! Saw the film, with very few pple in hall. I cant agree more with Niren, its a little gem of a film.
More power to Mazhar Kamran ! I want to see filmmakers on PFC come fwd and recommend the film.
Would you rather pay a lakh to take a trip to Paris or for a trip to Karnataka? You can talk about the rich cultural heritage and history etc but in the end you prefer to visit glamour and luxury.
Why blame audiences if they would rather spend their 250 bucks on a beautiful looking glamorous movie with fashionable stars with 30 crores spent on it rather than wallow in poverty on a movie with faceless actors made on a 2-3 crore budget.
Nitin, that has to be the most bogus argument I ever read.
Haha, I agree! .