Gabhricha Paus’ in Festival De Cannes 2011
Prashant Pethe is the happiest man today. His Marathi film ‘Gabhricha Paus’ (The Damned Rain) or Maudite Pluie! in French, has been selected in Cannes Cinnephilles, a part of the Festival De Cannes 2011. With this news, Marathi cinema has also received a recognition from France.
Cannes Cinephiles (Cannes film Enthusiasts) is an event organised by Cannes Cinema and the Festival de Cannes to provide public screenings from the Official Selection, as well as films from the parallel sections.
Gabhricha Paus is selected as a part of Cannes Cinephiles, Screens Junior section, in which 8-10 movies are selected in competition for a young audience, because they develop themes or depict worlds that may constitute for these young people some thought. The jury, composed of a class ‘cinema’ College Gerard Philipe de Cannes, will determine the outcome of the event, a work they wish to study in class. There will be 2 or 3 public screenings of ‘Gabhricha Paus’ in this section. Other movies in this section are from all over the world including movies from France, Italy and Israel. ‘Gabhricha Paus’ will be presented with French subtitles.
Other than the documentary about Indian films by Shekhar Kapur, this is the only Indian film with a presence in Cannes this year.
GABHRICHA PAUS REVIEW
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Rating: na
Company: Pacific Entertainment Producer: Prashant Madhusudhan Pethe Story, Director: Satish Manwar Lyricst: Dasu Cinematographer: Sudhir Palsane Music: Dattaprasad Ranade Editor: Suchitra Sathe Cast: Girish Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni, Jyoti Subash, Amar Attar, Veena Jamkar, Mukund Vasule, Madhukar Dhore, Rajesh More Movie Review by: Kashmira Pawaskar |
It is observed that the Rain brings the sweet smell of soil with its first showers, then it’s time to pour heavily in Ashadh; which is the actual monsoon month and then it sprays gradually during Shravan . These are the different faces of rains, which makes everyone crazy, be it a child, youth or elders. But, Rain adds a special significance to the dreams and happiness in farmer’s life, especially in Maharashtra. But, many farmers sometimes call it a ‘Damned Rain’ (Gabhricha Paus), when it pours more than required.
Incidentally, ‘Gabhricha Paus’ is the name of new marathi film released recently. Every movie has a hero and a villain and we generally witness a conflict between good and bad etc. But, this movie is totally different. It highlights only two things; the farmer and the rains. You may call it a black humour, which can be seen either in the books of late P.L. Deshpande or try to locate the same in a movie like ‘Bicycle Thief’.
Kisna (Girish Kulkarni) is a poor farmer from a village in Maharashtra, who like his counterparts is eagerly waiting for the rains, in his draught hit village which is known for suicides of farmers. The story of the film is very simple. It begins with a scene where Kisna’s farmer friend Bhaskar staying in the neighborhood, commits suicide, as he is unable to repay his loan. Kisna’s family comprising of his wife Alka (Sonali Kulkarni) , his mother(Jyoti Subhash) and son- Dinu( Aman Attar) get worried as they feel that even Kisna would attempt the same. They try there level best to keep him happy and with the screenplay filled with humorous situations the film goes on to show their lifestyle in a realistic manner
The efforts of writer-director Satish Manwar have to be appreciated, for using his skill to film such difficult and serious issues throughout the film, with a difference. The succeeding suicide of another farmer is shown with a different angle, where the surviving members of family struggle hard to claim the compensation, due to their poor condition and lack of awareness about the paper work. The small kid is shown happy collecting rupee coins thrown during the last rites before cremation. The movie doesn’t have any melodrama, as witnessed during suicides. Every frame of the film is a pleasure to watch for the wonderful cinematography by Sudhir Palsane. The background score has been cleverly used with movement of train and bus, showering of rains and with the use of FM Radio and TV etc.
In the film, the performance of the small innocent boy Dinu played by Amaan Attar is more appreciable. Girish Kulkarni and Sonali Kulkarni steal the show with their beautiful chemistry. Sonali has given full justice to her role but her make-up and costume does not go well with the character. Veena Jamkar’s performance is also very nice, as she expresses all emotions through her eyes.
The whole movie talks about ‘living under the fear of death of the near and dear ones’; which makes the audience think seriously about the grave existing situation faced by poor farmers. And, this is where the film maker delivers his message effectively. The climax is very beautifully crafted, which can place the movie at par with world cinema.
‘I believe in quality than quantity’ – Veena Jamkar
For the past 15 years she has sincerely devoted herself to Marathi stage, performing in many experimental plays, most of them bagging the awards. Veena Jamkar, after passing out from Mumbai’s D.G. Ruparel College made her mark into films through ‘Bebhaan’ only few years ago. Thereafter, Veena’s talent was exploited in films like ‘Valoo’ and ‘Gabhricha Paus’ which followed. Now, she is making waves through her latest performances in films like ‘Marmabandh’ and ‘ Janm’ which were shown at various film festivals. Besides these two films, her much talked about film ‘Lalbaug Parel’ is due for release in coming week. Having already been declared the most promising upcoming actress by the Maharashtra Government award conferred upon her three years ago, she has proved that every film she acted in, turned out to be not only a hit but an award winning film.
Veena Jamkar shares her experience in Marathi film industry with Marathimovieworld. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Watching your films released so far, gives an indication that you have only performed in off beat films and not any commercial or comedy films. Your comments.
A: In fact, the films I did had off beat content, but they were all commercial films. Moreover, these films did a good business at ticket counter. Today, the definition of Parallel films and commercial films has changed. If you are presenting a good realistic script with the support of quality technical production, then it will surely be termed as commercial film. Instead of simply doing make-up and singing and dancing in front of the camera, I would always prefer to do memorable roles.
Q: Does it mean that you are choosy about the roles ?
A: Yes, luckily for me, all those roles coming to me turned out to be good. Though some of the roles were small, they remained in the memory of the people. I always believe in studying my character and background of the script in detail, instead of just paying attention on the dialogues provided to me by the director.
Q: You have worked with today’s talented young directors like Umesh Kulkarni, Satish Manvar and Girish Kulkarni. How was your personal experience working with them ?
A: Great! It was a pleasure working with all of them. Umesh is very talented and knows his job well. While working on the sets of ‘Valu I’ was closely observing his work. Satish too has deep knowledge about Dramas and films. Working in ‘Gabhricha Paus’ was a memorable experience. When you work with such people, obviously, there is ample scope for self improvisation. I consider myself lucky that at the beginning of my career, I had an opportunity to work with such people.
Q: You will be soon seen in Mahesh Manjrekar’s much talked about film ‘Lalbaug Parel’. What role are you playing in this film ?
A: This film is based on the lives of mill workers in Mumbai, who had to lose their jobs due to indefinite strike. I am playing the daughter of one such mill worker, whose life changes after the strike. What she does for survival and how she adjusts with her new life is all that this central character of mine would explain. This is the biggest role so far I have received in films. I am also in the Hindi version of this film. The role does have different shades.
Q: Now days, you are only seen in films. How about doing TV serials and stage plays ?
A: I have been receiving offers from TV serials. But, I just don’t want to accept them. I have got few films with limited or small roles and all those roles are good. I believe in quality than quantity. With my long experience of 15 years in theatre I am tempted to take few offers. Frankly speaking, just by doing theatre you cannot survive. Recently, I did perform in Atul Pethe’s experimental play ‘Dalpatsingh Yeti Gava’, which has very good script. I am also doing two more plays, ‘Char Diwas Premache’ and ‘Ek Rikami Bajoo.
Q: It has been observed that all your films have received international acclaim or awards. Is this a coincidence or your calculated move?
A: (Smiles). May be a coincidence. But, I am so happy about it. I am really glad that I was part of these films like ‘Bebhaan ‘ ‘Valu’, ‘Gabhricha Paus’, Janm and ‘Marmabandh’.