Malhar Film Review: Bollywood is increasingly showcasing the courage to produce films that break away from the typical formulaic and masala flicks. "Malhar," directed by the promising Vishal Kumbhar and released in theaters this week, exemplifies this shift with its exquisite and passionate storytelling.
'Malhar' intricately weaves together three interconnected storylines. Despite the complexity of narrating multiple tales within a single film, the director's adeptness shines through.
Story:
The first storyline follows two best friends, one of whom has a hearing impairment and relies on a hearing aid. The plot centers on his struggle to replace the device after it breaks. The second narrative focuses on Kesar, newly married to Laxman, the village sarpanch's son. Despite being married for several days, Kesar faces relentless criticism from her in-laws for not yet becoming pregnant. A significant twist occurs when she encounters Mohan, portrayed by Sharib Hashmi.
The third storyline revolves around Javed and his elder sister Jasmine, who falls in love with Jatin. Their story captures the trials they face to be together and the resulting consequences. "Malhar" beautifully converges these three narratives, all set in the same village, creating a deeply interconnected tapestry.
Performances:
Anjali Patil delivers a compelling performance as Kesar, with a look and demeanor that feel authentic and grounded. Sharib Hashmi impresses as Mohan, while Srinivas Pokale, Rishi Saxena, Mohammad Samad, and Akshata Acharya also deliver remarkable performances. The child actors, in particular, offer natural and convincing portrayals.
Direction:
The film's setting in Kutch adds a distinctive character to Praful Pasad's production. The dialogues, penned by Siddharth Salvi and Swapnil Sitaram, and the screenplay by Vishal Kumbhar and Apoorva Patil, are well-crafted. Ganesh Kamble's cinematography, Akshay Kumar's editing, and the music by T. Satish and Sarang Kulkarni all contribute to the film's immersive atmosphere. The situational songs and background score further enhance the narrative.
Malhar has been released in both Hindi and Marathi, offering a broader audience the chance to experience its captivating story, stellar performances, and masterful direction. Cinema enthusiasts should not miss this film, as "Malhar" resonates deeply, slowly but surely capturing the viewer's heart.
Rating: 3.5/5 star.