Aug 15, 2015 09:57 PM
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We all, at some point in our lives, have faced unnecessary delays and the resultant frustration while trying to get work done in a ‘sarkaari’ office. For most of us, it takes just couples of days or visits to get things in places. For the unfortunate few, it takes weeks, months and even couple of years to reach their goal. But imagine, having to struggle for almost 32 years, knocking on 321 doors and writing as many as 1043 letters in order to get your rightful due! Most of us would call it quits mid-way or at the very start. But Mr Gour Hari Das relentlessly went from door to door and did not quit till the very end. And this extraordinary tale has been captured on celluloid by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan in Gour Hari Dastaan. The subject itself is quite strong and it’s been well made, which makes the film one of the best of the year!
The story of the movie: Gour Hari Das(Vinay Pathak) is a freedom fighter who participated in the independence struggle from Balasore, Odisha and even went to jail for 90 days. In 1976, when his son Alok wanted to get admission in a college under the freedom fighter’s quota, the real struggle began. Das didn’t have a Freedom Fighter’s Certificate and whatever papers he had with him were not sufficient for the various government authorities to grant him one. Yet, Das continued to meet various authorities and officials in the hope that one day he’ll get his due. Many doubted Das and felt that he’s a liar and crazy. In 2002, he came across two journalists – Rajiv Singhal(Ranvir Shorey) and Anita(Tannishtha Chatterjee) – and they decided to write an article on Gour Hari Das and his struggles.
Talking of performances, Vinay Pathak delivers arguably the finest performance of his career. He totally looks the part despite so young. One totally forgets all his past works, including the much loved Bheja Fry, when one sees him in this film. His dialogue delivery is impeccable and compliments very well with the kind of person that he is playing. Here’s a performance that would surely be remembered for years to come! Konkona Sen Sharma too is excellent in portraying the old Lakshmi Das. She delivers a terrific performance. One wishes she had more screen time. Ranvir Shorey is amazing and gives his hundred percent to this role. He plays a very crucial character and he does his job beautifully. Tannishtha Chatterjee as always looks charming and manages to impress.
The rest of the actor appear briefly but leave a lasting impact. These are Vikram Gokhale(Chief Minister), Vipin Sharma(Ahirkar), Rajit Kapoor(Mohan Joshi), Saurabh Shukla(Special Secretary – Freedom Cell), Rahul Vohra(Editor), Siddharth Jadhav(Tout), Neha Pendse(Das’s daughter-in-law), Ganesh Yadav(Home Minister), Vinay Apte(MLA Olwe), Murli Sharma(Godbole), Mohan Kapur(Doctor), Bharat Dabholkar(Guard) and the actor who plays Alok. Special mention goes to Saurabh Shukla – he is outstanding! And good to see veteran actors Asrani and Viju Khote’s cameos in the film!
L Subramaniam’s music is subtle, used minimally but wherever used, it leaves a mark. Alphonse Roy’s cinematography is decent. Resul Pookutty’s sound designing as always is flawless. Chetan Pathak’s art direction gives the film a very realistic as well as appealing look. Dialogues are simple and yet sharp. C P Surendran and Ananth Narayan Mahadevan’s screenplay is engaging. Ananth Narayan Mahadevan’s direction ensures that in the absence of so-called entertaining moments, the film manages to grip the viewers. And he manages that for most part of this 111-minute-long film. At few places, the film does drag but overall, no complaints. The manner in which the various characters ask or indirectly imply whether we were better off during the British rule is quite smartly done. Also, the lead character never raises his voice or gives long heroic speeches and yet, there’s enough in the film to keep one engaged. This was no easy task and Ananth Narayan Mahadevan indeed deserves brownie points. Great work and hope he continues to make such great films!
Some of the best scenes:
Gour Hari Das gives his jailor’s certificate to Alok
Gour Hari Das meets Freedom Cell staffer(superb!)
Gour Hari Das with Rajiv and Anita in the Irani café
Gour Hari Das meets Godbole
Gour Hari Das meets the tout
Gour Hari Das’s scenes with his society members
Gour Hari Das’s scenes with MLA Olwe and his guard
Gour Hari Das meets Mohan Joshi
Gour Hari Das meets a doctor
The climax
On the whole, Gour Hari Dastaan is one of the most satisfying films to have released this year. It tells a true story of a man who knows how to fight till the very, very end and that too on his principles. Performances are exemplary by Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey and Konkona Sen Sharma. Sadly, it has got a very low-key release. Here’s hoping the film picks up and gets released in more screens so that genuine efforts like Gour Hari Dastaan don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated!
