Regional Film Review - Natsamrat

 

Regional Film

Natsamrat Movie Review

Natsamrat is a 2016 Marathi film, that was based on a play (Natak) written by V. V. Shirwadkar. The film has managed to achieve 8.9 IMDB ratings with tremendous love from the audience itself. 

This film has managed to set many new levels in terms of acting, writing, and overall film-making. The original play was played by legendary actors like Dr. Shriram Lagoo, Satish Dubhashi, and Datta Bhat. For the audience these actors were born to play their respective roles and that no one else could ever replace them. But this all changed when the screen (digital) version was released. Nana Patekar, who was well respected for his acting skills was chosen to play the main protagonist of the story. Nana has set a whole level of standard for others. 

Talking about Shirwadkar's work, we don't have to introduce their work skills to the previous generation who has witnessed the play with their own eyes. 

For the people who are unaware of the story of Natsamrat, here is a quick look at the plot. The plot revolves around an actor named Ganpat Belvalkar, who plays the role of Shakespear. Ultimately, his natural behavior for the sense of humor and his wit mind stands responsible for his and his wife's miserable life in the future. 

Both Ganpat and his wife Kaveri show what true love stands for in the story. Both parents love their children more than anything and try to take care of them as much as possible. Ganpat being a simplistic man, who stays loyal with his words grow old as he watches the success of his children. 

His jolly behavior is not well digested by his own son. His married kids insult Ganpat for "being himself" at a formal party. Feeling down by the insulting moment in his life, he and his wife decide to stay away from their children. 

The leading role of the play is the one that requires the most love and dedication. The actor is supposed to get into the role so that the essence of the character gets into the real life of the actor. Nana, without a doubt, nailed everything and has left a mark in the film industry with his phenomenal performance. 

Nana Patekar has delivered a wide range of heartbreaking emotional scenes. Every scene featuring Nana Patekar is a pleasure to watch, but there is one scene that stands above all. The scene where Ganpat's friend Ram, is on his deathbed is very emotional to watch without bringing tears into your eyes. This scene between Nana Patekar and Vikram Gokhale has given the film a whole new meaning.

The deathbed scene featuring Gokhale shows tremendous acting skills that many actors still dream of. The body language, facial expressions, and enunciation make the scene unbelievable emotional. The real curve of the film is built on basis of such scenes, along with Nana's evergreen dialogue delivery of one of the most ambitious scenes.

 

The melodrama of this film helps the acting skills and vibes given by the actors to create an emotional film with a very common message that many still don't know about.

Even the small roles having screen time for just a few seconds are played by high-profile actors. Mahesh Manjrekar made sure every role is played by a professional who knows what they're doing. Actors like Mrunmayee have proven themselves on the big screen. Sunil Barve has also contributed to the film with his well-balanced performance. Medha has played her character so well that many times you will genuinely feel for her character. Understanding the character, moment, and story of the film brings out the best part of an actor. This 2016 film has helped the whole Marathi industry to make history. 

Sadly this old play was written by V. V. Shirwadkar still stands true on this date where many elderly couples have to roam empty streets in the hope of finding a survival place. This is one of the simplistic movies you will ever see which "if understood correctly" will seem one of the most meaningful and deep.