Shyam MaheshwariтАЩs Charandas Chor a good attempt by a debutant
An Indian director and writer, Shyam Maheshwari is noted for his work primarily in the Marathi TV and film industry. Having started his career as an assistant director with the popular TV series, KyunkiтАж Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000-02), he made his directorial debut with Kuchh Jhuk Palkein in 2002. His other notable directorial credits include Maat Ki Banno (2010), a TV series, and eventually made his feature film directorial debut with Charandas Chor (2017).
Charandas Chor is a Marathi movie released on 29 Dec, 2017. The movie is directed by Shyam Maheshwari and featured Adesh Aware, Anuya Baiche, Abhay Chavan and Sonam Pawar as lead characters.
Shyam Maheshwari tells story of an honest thief to the Bhopalites. As a childrenтАЩs film тАШCharandas ChorтАЩ was screened at Madhya Pradesh State Tribal Museum.
Mention тАШCharandas ChorтАЩ and instantly the Rajasthani folk tale by Vijaydan Detha, made more famous by legendary theatre personality Habib Tanvir through his play of the same name, springs to mind.
As we hear the title of this movie, one gets the feeling of a Rajasthani folk story given by Vijaydan Detha, which is made more popular for the known theatre man Habib Tanvir with his plays of similar name called Springs to Mind. However, one can make out the contrast at one end we have a love story and on the other side something different. But, the novice filmmaker Shyam Maheshwari making the film Charandas Chor has s different view and have several things going for it.
The problem with using the title of a much-loved story or the name of a well-known character is that it puts the onus squarely on the film to live up to the name or, at least, provide an impressive experience, even if the story is not the same. But the first time film director had done justice to keeping both stories different.
This Marathi film by Shyam Maheshwari is not based on the folk tale, though it does tell the story of a thief. The film revolves around Charan (Abhay Chavan) who leaves his family in Chiplun and migrates to Mumbai in search of a job.
Charan is honest but not very smart. He lands a job on a film set where the director insists on the use of real currency in a scene involving a sum of Rs2 crore. The director wants the money to add тАЬauthenticityтАЭ to the scene. The producer is hesitant, naturally, but finally agrees. On the day of the shooting, the money accidentally lands in CharanтАЩs lap. When he realizes what has happened, he gets the shock of his life. But it is too late to turn back as news has spread on the sets. After roaming around in the city for some time, Charan thinks it would be wiser to return home to Chiplun with the money. Once he reaches there, he and his nephew Vishnu (Adesh Aware) try to plan their future course of action.
Charandas Chor is pleasing to the senses once the story moves away from Mumbai. The visuals of nature in Chiplun are peaceful, to say the least. The director, Shyam Maheshwari must get a large share of the credit for this. The drone shot of the protagonist waking up in a field is revolutionary for Marathi cinema. The sound design, especially in the scenes of water splashing, sums up the impressive technical prowess of the Shyam Maheshwari.
A great sound and super cinematography with a good script is how we can sum-up the movie . For much of the filmтАЩs duration, its director Shyam MaheshwariтАЩs brilliance that keep you attracted to the film.
The film, however lacks logic. The way the money lands in CharanтАЩs hands is not justified. More importantly, the police do nothing to catch the suspect though Charan roams around openly throughout the film flaunting the colourful trunk with the money. Mind you, Chiplun isnтАЩt some remote hamlet. ItтАЩs a thriving town a few hoursтАЩ drive from Mumbai. But one has to shut his logic and enjoy the multiple layers of humour filled scrip of Shyam Maheshwari.
The actions and behaviour of many of the characters, especially towards the end, is a bonus aid to the film. The theme track тАШChor AavegaтАЩ and its Marathi version suit the subject.
Abhay Chavan is believable and likeable as the country bumpkin , and his characterisation has consistency. Adesh Aware in the role of his nephew is adorable and provides a mature act. The bonding between uncle and nephew and the funny moments that spring from this keep your interest alive.
Playing a social worker, newcomer Sonam Pawar shows she has some serious potential. Mukund Vasule, Anuya Baiche and Sachin Khandekar, who play CharanтАЩs father, mother and brother, respectively, all fit the bill. The producer within the film, however, is a stereotype. In a way Shyam MaheshwariтАЩs film is an above average one.
