Manwar raises a pertinent point
Among the best at the Goa festival is Satish Manwar's Gabricha Paus. It is not only light years ahead of the usual Friday dose that comes from Bollywood, it is good enough to compete with the best among the very best. Not surprisingly, it has made it to several festivals worldwide and is one of the two entries from India in the competitive section at the festival.
Manwar's approach to the story of farmer suicides in Vidharba (Maharashtra) is unique. The film opens with body dangling from a tree - a farmer has just committed suicide sending everyone in the village into depression. The family of Kisna (Girish Kulkarni) is particularly affected. His wife (Sonali Kulkarni) and his mother (Jyoti Subash) are convinced that sooner or later, he might also commit suicide. Their little son is asked to immediately report any untowardly action of his father.
As a result, they keep a close watch on him and his movements and try everything that they can to make him happy. Kisna, meanwhile, is unaware of their intentions and what is in their minds. Contrary to what they think, he is a fighter and refuses to surrender to the situation although their financial situation worsens.
The film has two strong layers to it. On one hand, most of the proceedings are humorous so it is more like a black comedy; on the other hand, you have to empathize with the characters full of their miseries.
Manwar's direction and screenplay go well with the work of cinematographer Sudheer Palsane.
