Fandry

The beauty is that debutant director Nagraj Manjule doesn't give us a shrill polemic on the soul-crushing ugliness that exists in modern India. Instead he creates a poignant portrait of a keenly intelligent boy whose dreams defy his circumstances. Manjule gives us lovely little details - so Jabya, hoping to go a shade lighter, enthusiastically powders his face before school. And his bright, charming face fills with longing when he sees a pair of jeans, which are prohibitively expensive but essential in his Shalu plans.

Fandry is a must-watch; it's a rare film that has the screenplay, cinematography, music, dialogue, acting and direction coming together so beautifully.

Nagraj Manjule makes a film with honesty and that is what the global audience connects to. Fandry, which is often misunderstood to be the main lead's character name is justified in the film. Symbolic representations have always been appreciated in cinema. And the title of this film does something similar.

Manjule also offers a vivid, real picture of life in rural Maharashtra. There is Jabya ironing his clothes with the base of a hot glass. Or when the family goes out to collect wood to weave baskets. Proving that is a great storyteller, Manjule especially creates endearing scenes between Jabya and Piraji, who engage in fun and candid conversation about yearnings. Watch out for a lovely dream sequence which both tickles and moves.

It is not very often that when you come out of the theater your mind and heart is racing with so many emotions. Anger, exhilaration, joy, sadness, not necessarily in that order, you feel it all at the same time. Most films nowadays hardly evoke even one those sentiments. Do yourself a favor and watch Fandry. At the end of it if you don't feel emotions stirred in you, go and see a doctor immediately.

There are harsh words and scenes in the film but you don't feel pitiful and that is where Nagraj has scored by getting the message through in a light hearted way without bombarding the viewer with the agony of the characters. The film, which has won the critic's appreciation at various film festivals, is a well crafted one and is a sure shot watch for all those interested in knowing more about the problem of caste discrimination.