Snipper: Mukkam Post Bombilwadi (Marathi Play)

Snip-In
One of the Friday evenings, I was exploring the DVD rental shop for something off-beat (and good ;)). I shortlisted 4-5 movies and finalized one of them - Mukkam Post Bombilwadi, without having any prior idea about it. I have remotely heard about Paresh Mokashi the director, but wasn't having any clue about this Marathi play, not even it's genre. But it turned out to be an outstanding pick.

The story takes place in 1940s in a backdrop of the world war II. It very briefly starts in Europe and then continues in a small village of Maharashtra - Bombilwadi. It has references of the war, including the then world leaders like Hitler and Churchill, who are actual characters in the play and very wittily most of it happens in Bombilwadi. The comedy comes through caricature in terms of Hitler and Natzi army, parody of the films of 40s Prabhat Talkies- in terms of the dialogue delivery, a bit of farce, but a very prominent slapstick aspect of the comedy which is highlighted by very powerful acting skills of this theater group. It uses all the strong aspects of the traditional Marathi theatre (including songs) with a fresh new perspective given by the director. Even being a play, it never takes you off and keeps your interest alive in the era of fast-paced movies. The biggest plus is it's wide appeal. Myself and Rajita were watching it with my mom, and Kinjal, and all of us were able to enjoy every sequence with the same vigor.

Snip-Out
The only hitch is such a great work may not be able to come forward to a larger / wider audience. Being a play and that too Marathi may not get it the accolades it deserves. Let's hope that one day it gets converted into celluloid in Bollywood / World Cinema.

Snip-O-Meter
Can be slided-in the list of top 10 favorite plays/movies and worth to be a part of home collection series.
A great work by Paresh Mokashi as a director and supported equally greatly by his versatile troop of young talented theatre actors. Now eagerly awaiting his 'Harishchandrachi Factory' - the Marathi movie which is India's nominations for Oscar '09.