Saw this beautiful movie last night and I'm still reeling from it. Before I say a word about the movie, allow me to say that Nana Patekar is an absolute genius. His performance in the movie is beyond words. It is for me, one of the best performances I've ever seen...in any language. He is right up there with Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Morgan Freeman and other actors of that level.
It is a masterclass...and he's showing you just how it's supposed to be done. There was more class in one scene of this movie than the last 10 BIG 300-400 crore Bollywood movies put together :)
I'll give you a brief idea of the movie but I would really like you all go and watch him perform yourselves (there are english subtitles for those of you who don't understand Marathi).
The story revolves around a retired actor and his family. In his prime he is honoured as "Natsamrat" - the greatest actor of his generation. He retires with fame and fortune and then we see him give it away to his children who don't treat him with the respect he deserves. Sure, he has his demons but what creative genius doesn't. He comes to a point where he is penniless and is living on the streets. We see his lifestory recounted by him and then we see how it all comes to an end. The story seems familiar and kinda predicatable but the movie isn't about that. It's about the man...his art, his passion for theater and his life. To see Nana Patekar in this role is an experience. You'll laugh, you'll hurt, you'll feel sad and you'll cry. I did. The man takes you through it all and with such ease. You are on a rollercoaster of emotions with him and you feel every bump and fall and rise and you step off completely blown away.
For me, this was easily one of the best movies I've ever seen in India. This is world class and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
