Natarang

Marathi film industry was almost dead for me and was only churning out the usual potboilers and non-funny- at-all-and-assault-on-senses comedies from some years. But it's showing signs of recovery and some promise lately. One such entry is Natrang.

Guna (Atul Kulkarni, can't praise enough for his dedication) is an avid Tamasha (folk dance) fan and has talent for writing. After loosing his job he swears to build a troupe but the realizes most important thing they need to find is lead dancer. Pandoba, manager of the troupe played with naturalistic swagger by Kishor Kadam accidentally stumbles upon Naina (Sonali Kulkarni) in Kolhapur ("Lanket Sonyachya Vita"). Pandoba convinces mother (his old flame)-daughter to be partner in the troupe but they want a nachya in their group otherwise threatens to call whole thing off. This sends Guna in real conflict where he has to choose between his social-family-personal image or his dream. He chooses latter in process rises in art industry and falls on personal and social fronts.

Tamasha is famous-infamous in the marathi folklore for various reasons. Making a movie around the secondary character in the show itself is surprising. But he is not mere an actor but a writer (shaahir) of his plays. He plays the part as no one else would and eventually realizes no one else could have. Society often destroys what it doesn't understand. People fail to see he is just a man doing his job. Off-stage he is man he used to be. His on stage image is mistaken with his own sexual orientation. His rebellion is received as an outcast. From society, from family, from his mistress herself who love him all right but in one revealing scene she tells like an actress shelf life of nachya will be short lived. She doesn't want to commit. He is shaken. So are we.

This one is more of biopic of an unusual folk artist but also a very sad one where he has to undergo the ordeal of social banishment, constant humiliation and harrowing acts of cruelty. I was reminded of another film which won Hillary Swank her first Oscar Boys Don't Cry. Writer- director sure deserves the accolades that is been showered on him. Capturing the idyll milieu quite well director moves from laugh to grave subject of its title commendably. Still there were few things where I find it is kind of limited from going for greatness. Like Guna's own personality gets lost in the midst of commercial game where he becomes a pawn or in portraying his relationship with women which is never fully realized. Or film doesn't fully convey the real puzzling situation of fame and infamy he is trapped in.

These are few flaws that bothered me but let me not undermine what this film can mean to Marathi cinema. At one point, Guna decides to come up with what he does best – his own art- as an expression for his salvation. A play around Arjun-Brihaanadda where THE man of all time had to disguise himself as a woman under the circumstances demanded. It's a brilliant idea. And so is the music of the film.

Artist eventually resurrects and refuses to be beaten down and continue to pursue his passion. He succeeds and so does the film.

Speaking of the poohs and boos in Regional Cinema are a thing of the past. I reckon Utterly jaw dropping visual treat when you experience this picture.A true example of how cinema is made and what its makes of it. The entire plot is accurately composed, pumped up story line keeps you at heels . Arguably the best soundtrack for a regional movie. As vivacious as a movie can get . Full of up and downs in setting of a traditional musical theater art of the past called tamasha. Marvellous acting skills displayed by the cast . Exemplary cast compositions , stunning camera work . We here in England are thrilled to see such a high class creative movie from Marathi Cinema which should be a delight for the world audience to watch . Want to show it to few English veterans, Cinema enthusiasts in Sheffield but wouldn't get a DVD with English subs .

Marathi actors have never been short of talent. Unfortunately, the industry has been degenerating gradually, possible because of talented actors moving to bollywood, lower investments, etc. However, with films like Zenda, Harishchandrachi Factory and Natarang, one can safely say the industry has been resuscitated. Atul Kulkarni, Kishore Kadam and the others leave you spellbound with their performances. Their performances are so mezmerising, that you will find yourself watching a stage performance. The direction is not flawless, particularly in the last few minutes, where you get the impression that the director was tired. However the tightly written script and gripping story keep you on the edge for most of the time. The actors too must be credited for the perfect oration of Rural Marathi. Hats off to Ajay-Atul for their exceptional background score and music. The depiction of lavni & tamasha was maybe a bit too over-the-top. Overall, Natarang is an OUTSTANDING film!!

Good marathi movies are far in between and when a movie like "Natrang" (yes, its not "Natarang") comes by it certainly qualifies for a definite watch. The director (Ravi Jadhav) deserves a standing ovation. Every soul associated with the movie has poured his heart out and it clearly reflects in the proceedings. The narrative hooks the audience from the word go. The plot is engaging, screenplay engrossing and editing gives it a sleek feel. Noteworthy is the realistic touch in the garb of performance, location and the icing on the cake namely the language and dialect.

۩ Atul Kulkarni:: If there is any reason should you be propelled to watch the movie then make it Atul Kulkarni. Pay special attention to the commitment of Atul from portrayal of a strong physique labourer to a breathing life into the namby-pamby pansy. Nothing short of perfection.

۩ Sonali (with an "ee") Kulkarni:: In comparison to protagonist her character is subdued. But very pretty indeed, the green-eyed beauty captures attention from the word go. Needed more screen time for her character blossom into full glory.

۩ Vibhawari Deshpande:: Sadly her character got completely relegated to backseat resulting to a dwarfed character role. Editing perhaps?

۩ Kishore Kadam:: Effective portrayal. No string attached performance and a very strong screen presence.

۩ Amruta Khanvelkar:: What makes her item number etched in the minds of the audience is her screen presence and the composition of the lavani "Wajle Ki Barah" itself. Fantastic!!

Finally Zee Talkies should be applauded for backing this project. We need more of this.

Natarang has changed my perspective towards marathi films. Filled with deep pain and struggle of a farmer changed his life completely. Even the songs of this movie are breath stopping, hardcore meaning of life and difficulties faced by everyone. MUST WATCH FILM. Please review this content