It’s always great to see a filmmaker going against the tide and coming up with something meaningful, sensible and well executed venture. And it’s even better to see a respected superstar’s filmmaker wife and a prominent production house joining hands to ensure this beautiful piece of cinema reaches out to audiences. Ship Of Theseus is one such special landmark that doesn’t fall prey to commercial diktats. Director Anand Gandhi has made the film the way he wanted to without resorting to any gimmick to ‘attract audiences’. And the result if for all to see! Kudos!
The story of the movie: Aliya (Aida El Kashef) loses her eyesight to cornea infection and has come to Mumbai to restore her vision. She finds her passion for photography and manages to take some stunning shots despite her limitations. Maitreya (Neeraj Kabi) is a monk who’s fighting for the rights of animals used for testing for cosmetic products and medicines. Unfortunately, he’s diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver which can be treated only if he takes medicines, which would be against his principles. Navin (Sohum Shah), a stockbroker who just had a kidney transplant decides to fight for a labourer (Yashwant Wanik) who is cheated off a vital organ in his body.
We often come across films that promise us ‘realism’. But no film can be as real as Ship Of Theseus. The conversations and moments and the manner in which it’s shot is so straight out of life that I actually forgot that I am in a theatre and that this is a film. The film is almost 140 minutes long and moves at a snail’s pace. Yet, one won’t mind as every shot is detailed, beautifully captured and not to forget, true to life. Besides, some shots go on forever and one wonders how the actors must have managed to get it right and mouth so many dialogues in just one take. Terrific!
Each of the tracks comes one after another and though the protagonists share many things in common, there’s an important common thread that binds them all which is revealed in the climax. It was in a way most obvious but I couldn’t get it. And I am glad I didn’t as it gave me a high when it was unveiled! Aliya’s track terrific and makes an impact. Maitreya’s track is haunting, especially the struggles that he undergoes inside. Sadly, it gets a tad too long. Navin’s episode has its moments and boasts of some terrific sequences.
Every actor comes without any baggage which makes it even better. Egyptian actor Aida El Kashef gets into the skin of her character and comes up with a bravura performance. Her expressions, mannerisms, dialogue delivery – everything is just perfect that her character required. Neeraj Kabi leaves a tremendous mark. An actor with a great screen presence and dialogue delivery, it’s praiseworthy the manner in which he lost almost 17 kgs for this role. We have heard of actors who bulked up for a dream role. Here’s an actor who became skeletal almost and in a way even risked his life for a role of a lifetime. Hats off! Sohum Shah, also the co-producer, too delivers a flawless performance. Vinay Shukla (Charwaka) gives his best and his debates with Maitreya are one of the best things about the film. Rupesh Tillu (Ajay, Navin’s Stockholm friend) does very well in the small role. Faraz Khan (Vinay) makes an impact as Aliya’s love interest. Yashwant Wanik moves viewers with his performance and looked every inch a labourer. Sameer Khurana (Mannu) is adorable while Amba Sanyal (Ajji) shines. All others too give in their best.
The only song in the film – Naham Janami – is haunting and well woven. Background music (Naren Chandavarkar, Benedict Taylor) is spot on – subtle and intriguing. Pankaj Kumar’s cinematography is one of the major strengths behind the film. Though shot in Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, it doesn’t prove to be a limitation in any manner. Easily, one of the best cameraworks of Indian Cinema! Anand Gandhi, Khushbu Ranka (who plays volunteer in the museum) and Pankaj Kumar’s story is out of the box, unconventional and yet very relatable. Anand Gandhi’s direction is outstanding to say the least. Though unconventional and slow-paced, it is very easy for anyone to comprehend what’s going on in the film and layered meaning behind the three stories. It’s good to see the long shots where almost nothing happens and viewers get a chance to soak in every detail. Moreover, the director shoots Mumbai in the most unpredictable manner without resorting to the usual clichés of local trains, Gateway Of India, Queen’s Necklace etc. The only issue is with Maitreya’s track which would have made for a better impact if it was slightly short. This is the only glitch that prevents classic-like feel to the film. Nevertheless, an extraordinary effort!
Some of the best scenes:
The opening scene
Aliya’s tiff with Vinay
Aliya under Pedder Road flyover
Aliay sees her own photographs
The final scene in Aliya’s track
All scenes of Maitreya and Charwaka
Maitreya at the court
Maitreya’s health deteriorates
Navin’s tiff with Ajji
Navin learns about Shankar’s problem
Navin struggles to find Shankar’s wherabouts
Navin meets the Swedish man
The climax
On the whole, Ship Of Theseus is a work of art that needs to be praised and nurtured. It doesn’t resort to stereotypes and gimmicks and attempts to tell an unconventional but impressive tale the way it should be told. Performances are exemplary and situations, literally, straight-out-of life that makes for a terrific viewing. We often crib that our Hindi cinema rarely comes up with good films. Now here’s a good, or rather an outstanding film. If it has released in your city, go for it, in theatres (and even though ticket prices are skyhigh), and help this film attain commercial success so that more producers come forward to back genuine efforts like Ship Of Theseus! Grab your ticket now!