Cinema & theatre are two different media of entertainment. While the latter usually has a niche audience(hardcore ‘art-house’ lovers), the former caters to both masses and classes. However, the distinct identities of both platforms have always inspired writers / directors to adapt stories from each other. Nonetheless, if the original story is a classic, it does take lot of courage & conviction to transform it into the other form, without disturbing the essence and hurting the viewers.
Natasamrat, Asa Nat Hone Nahi by Mahesh Manjrekar is the screen adaptation of noted Marathi playwright, Kusumagraj’s iconic play of the same title. The expectations behind the film were already rocket high, with renowned actors Nana Patekar and Vikram Gokhale being a part of the principal cast.
The story begins with Ganpatrao Ramchandra Belkar(played by Nana Patekar), a veteran ‘theatre’ actor of yesteryears, now living in anonymity. He dwells among strangers, who have the highest regard & respect for him because of his helping nature & compassion. He converses in riddles, which takes people by surprise.
What circumstances lead a stalwart like Ganpatrao to settle down in obscurity? Was it by choice or force? Or is it just another example of riches to rags story? What about his blood relatives? The answers to all these questions crop up one by one as the plot unfolds.
The narrative is pretty simple & straight forward, focusing mainly on the characters & their perspectives. It effectively brings out the different shades in human beings. The most challenging part would have been to re-write the screenplay by ‘un-dramatizing’ the non- key portions suited to cine-goers. Director Mahesh Manjrekar & Abhijeet Deshpande succeed in implementing the same.
The introduction of fresh elements & newer characters to the original tale proves to be a revelation. It adds tremendous value to the story, and strengthens the flow of the sequences. The appropriate & balanced use of satire / sarcasm for both comic relief & pathos is indeed one of the special features.
Dialogues by Kiran Yadnyopavit, Abhijeet Deshpande are the soul of the film. Excerpts from William Shakespeare’s King Lear and Julius Caesar have been translated & aptly incorporated in the narrative.
The overall treatment is quite unique and well executed but slightly theatrical in approach, especially in terms of the pace, and use of non-colloquial monologues. Certain sections of people may find it a bit heavy to digest.
Cinematography by Ajith. V. Reddy is excellent. The backdrop of late 80s showcasing traditional architecture & vintage cars is nostalgic. Editing by Paresh Manjrekar is up to the mark.
Music by Ajith Parab is soulful and stirring. All the songs are integral parts of the narrative.
Nana Patekar does what he is ‘best’ known for – “Carrying the entire film on his shoulders’’. The legendary actor known to get into the skin of his character, yet playing it in his own style, once again proves his mettle as the master of his craft! Your heart reaches out to him as he makes you laugh, cry, think, at the drop of a hat. The climax is just phenomenal & deserves a standing ovation. In short, Nana does complete justice in reprising Dr. Shreeram Lagoo’s(another veteran) role from the play.
Medha Manjrekar as Kaveri(Ganpatrao’s wife) is excellent. Her rock-solid support to Nana as his better half on-screen is perfect.
Vikram Gokhale as Ramya, Ganpatrao’s aide & closest friend comes up with another stupendous performance. The scenes where both of them appear together are perfect examples of sheer CINEMATIC BRILLIANCE. For instance – a portion where they enact a scene from the Mahabharata gives you goose-bumps.
All other actors’ viz. Savita Malpekar, Sunil Barve, Neha Pendse, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Ajit Parab, provide adequate support. Nilesh Diwekar and Jayant Wadkar do well in cameos.
To summarize, the film highlights how priorities change with time, and the importance of taking charge, before life slips away like a handful of sand!
Overall, Natasamrat is an outstanding film, with intense performances, to be watched with family & loved ones. It’s a cinematic delight for hardcore art-house lovers!