Reel ‘n’ life connect

The modern-day viewer enjoys cinematic realism, motivating many contemporary film makers to deal with socially relevant subjects. As Marathi cinema continues to expand, the passion for meaningful cinema is on the rise.
The desire to search for solutions to the unresolved problems of life inspired writer-director Swaroop Savanur. A doctor by profession, Savanur’s latest offering Odh deals with the loneliness of a senior citizen.Reflects he, “Many a time, when we go out leaving our grandparents alone at home, they face a feeling of emptiness. The study of the subject made me aware that it is something called as an emptiness syndrome in medical terminology. Sometimes, the severity of detachment can even lead to suicide.” Savanur has dealt with similar issues in some of his other films like Mogra, a tale of psychological upheaval in a widowed 55-year-old man unable to comprehend his sexual desires. Road Rage, another of his films, is a humorous account of people’s behaviour on city roads.
Some have been inspired by the common man's problems. Others have been attracted towards social concerns. Maker of the first reality-based film Pudhchi Tarikh based on the life of lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, director Svaddan Angrre’s upcoming flick Cyber Crime deals with virtual offences. He says, “We wanted to spread awareness about hacking, which is becoming a huge crime. The film handles two cases: account hacking and lottery mails. We have also added ACP Netaji Shinde’s interview in the film to make it more real.”
Why do such films appeal to the audience? Angrre explains, “Today’s youth do not want mushy, plotted, dramatised films. They want more of experimental cinema. Also, there is so much happening around socially and politically that inspires me, that I feel it’s more challenging to come up with such films.”
Ace actor-director Vikram Gokhale could not stay away from this trend. Along with friend and executive producer Rajesh Damle, he made the film Aaghat based on a real-life story Nishkarsha. “The movie deals with a sensational subject of unethical medical practice, which is relevant to the common man. It showcases the consequences a doctor faces for his illogical practices and revengeful attitude. It does not have a single song. Powerful performances by veteran actors like Vikram Gokhale, Suhas Joshi, Mukta Barve Amol Kolhe and Kadambari Kadam are the selling points of the movie,” says Damle.
Born in a traditional family, making Gajaar based on the 18-day pilgrimage or Wari of Lord Vitthal, was an extension of his own life for director Ajit Bhairavkar. “My grandfather, a warkari, was my inspiration. I believe that there is no life beyond Dnyaneshwari and Bhagvad Gita. The solutions to all our present life problems lie there.” He adds, “I have used real characters in my film. I also conducted a one-month workshop for actors as there could not be any retakes for certain scenes shot during the actual festival.”
Yogesh Gosavi is another director who, after getting inspired by the life of renowned homeopath Dr Amarsinha Nikam, made a film Pratisaad on it. The film revolves around homoeopathic medicine and the extraordinary research of the doctor. Pratisaad being cinematic debut, didn’t the fear of rejection worry him? Gosavi answers, “Being in a creative field we do not think of failure or success as it is a part and parcel of our profession.” To which Damle adds, “Producers willing to invest in such films without worrying about their fate has also gives us a boost” We agree.