Film Review
By Dr Anoop Virendra Kathait
By Dr Anoop Virendra Kathait
A film is a live portrait of cultural representation of any region and a dream of its weaver. This dream of KS Chauhan, the presenter of the very first Jaunsari Feature Film has come true with a queue of hopes in the upcoming future. And it also has become an historical milestone from a cinematic point of view.
Maerey Gaanv Ki Baat (Path to the Village) produced by Ayush Goyal and Abhinav Chauhan and directed by well-known film maker Anuj Joshi under the banner, ‘SUMIKAL’, has taken the film to its pinnacle. This film is about village life, traditions, rituals, migration and struggle, as well as the scenic and cultural beauty of Uttarakhand.
The music composed by well-known music director Amit V Kapor takes us into the charm of the hills. It is also a musical hit by the composer, having more than five songs. In between, the audience feels a hearty connection with songs sung by Sitaram Chauhan, Ajju Tomar, Atar Shah, Abhinav, Meena Rana, Pareema and Sitara. The cinematography by Harish Negi is really eye-catching. It is a matter of pride for the Jaunsari people to watch their film for the first time in a PVR cinema on the silver screen. The film captures the attention of the viewers, with the viewers’ flowing tears a symbol of success for the filmmaker. We look forward to better coordination among the team members like Deepak Rawat (Associate Director), Abhishek Maindola (Casting Director), Alok Panwar (VFX), Rajesh Rauri (Associate Cameraman), Nikhil Kandpal (Drone Camera), Vibhor Saklani (Editor), Vijay Sharma (Line Producer), etc. However, the screenplay, the tonal quality of the dialogues and the background music could have been better. But the concept and hard work of the filmmaker gives a firm indication of better cinema ahead.
The story begins in the high hills of Jaunsar-Bawar region. The central character of the film Abhi (Abhinav Chauhan) arrives in his village after 21 years of city life. An attachment to the motherland draws him to his roots. He tries to understand the importance of relations in village life. Abhinav looks more mature after his first Garhwali film, ‘Asgaar’. On the other hand, Yamuna (Priyanka Tomar) playing a village girl also has an important role in highlighting the beauty of the high hills of Jaunsar-Bawar region. Other characters played by Madhubala Panwar, Amit Chauhan, Guddi Chauhan, Reena Chauhan, etc., also leave a good impression in the minds of the viewers. The film communicates a clear message not to leave one’s roots and calls for a return to the ancestral homes.
Special credit goes to the director, Anuj Joshi, for proving himself again with his fantabulous film craft and bringing forward the tribal milieu in the form of cinematic exposure. His long experience of filming ensures the new artists on screen don’t seem novices at all. It’s all about the output of a good director. It is also the best way to showcase the striking locations of Uttarakhand on the big screen. Though it has taken a long time to launch a Jaunsari film on the big screen in comparison with other regional cinema like Garhwali and Kumauni, but this is really commendable. After all it’s never too late. On the whole, the movie comes out with a panoramic view of the strong cultural charm of Jaunsar-Bawar region.
(The writer is an Educator, Poet, Critic and Short Story writer living in Dehradun)
