Film Review
By Dr Anoop Virendra Kathait
The dream of filmmaking is like dreaming of climbing Mt Everest once in a lifetime. Any good script or concept leads to the pinnacle of entertainment. Here is a new filmy gift from the treasure of well-known film maker Vejay Bharte, presenting the new flavour of laughter in Garhwali cinema: “Daddi Ku Baksa”.
Produced by Renu Bharte and directed by Vejay Bharte, it is a masterpiece of present time cinema. The story moves around the central character, the grandmother of four grandsons – Barmu, Parmu, Lucky and Kisan. All four have left home and are living in cities for the sake of employment. Only granny lives in the village, waiting for her grandsons, but no one comes back to look after her. Her son is not alive to do so. This condition of elderly natives still continues in the high hills of Uttarakhand. It is an alarming message to all. Entire villages are actually getting empty, a dark reflection portrayed by the film. However, background music and dialogue section needed more exercise. The title song also creates a charm to remain in the seats. The lead role done by Manju Bahuguna as Dadi is really justified in the film. The acting by Ajay Solanki as fourth grandson is also laudable. Other actors – Padam Gusain, Purushotam Jethuri, Vejay Bharte also do validate their roles as siblings.
The thematic approach of the movie is between traditional and modern living after migration. The story revolves round the ‘Box’ of the grandmother, which is the cause of returning home of all four grandsons after granny’s death. The head of the village, Pradhanji, reveals that the box will be opened only after the ritual of thirteen days as directed by Dadi earlier. The box had always been a source of mystery and intrigue. All were eager to see its contents. When the grandsons finally arrived after grandmother’s death, their initial sorrow was soon overshadowed by palpable greed. But the wives of grandsons were impatient regarding opening of box. A panchayat was also called after dispute on this issue. Though the house was now empty of Dadi’s presence, her spirit lived in every corner. In between the ghost of the grandmother appears only before the fourth grandson, Kisan, describing all incidents before her death. The story brings out an understanding regarding responsibility and dignity for the ancestral home and rituals.
The story weaving and cinematography by Nagendra Prasad leads the film to the summit of amusement. The story also unfolds the reality of relations in the present scenario, especially the love among siblings fading due to greed. Here, this movie is all about understanding the importance of unity in the family. The screenplay and comic timing tries to draw the attention of the audience. This new concept of comedy is also a satire on the present generation.
In the end, the box that had once symbolised mystery and potential wealth became a cherished reminder of Dadi’s enduring love, binding the family, togetherness in village and message of simple priceless treasures of life. This tremendous project by Vejay Bharte puts him on the list of good filmmakers. The future of Uttarakhandi cinema looks bright with the upcoming enthralling movies in the queue like “Mission Devbhoomi” produced and directed by Ravi Mamgain. We can say it’s just the inception of a new era in filmmaking in Uttarakhand.
(The Author is a short story writer and freelance critic living in Dehradun)
