Hellaro – Helluva Movie Mate!

Jignesh Vasavada

4.5 Stars

 

Story of 13 women rising up against circumstances, societal evils and their love of Garba as an expression of freedom (guess, a true-blue Gujarati movie).

There are times in the life of a movie reviewer (I am not a critic) when loss of words is a real possibility. Times when the product or the presentation so overpowers you that you end up forgetting to note. Objectivity takes a back seat and you tend to go with the flow.

One such human moment happened with me last night as I finished watching the much-hyped-much-publicized and much-national-award-among-all-language-movies marketed movie, Hellaro. I actually noted only few basic observations as I let my senses overpower me.

Nope, no major Observations here, more so because the review was always a substitute for the lack of entertainment in the product. I didn’t even notice that popcorn came to me late or that the noted Gujarati director had to ask for them to serve me even as the purser conveniently forgot (I am truly blessed). Not to mention delayed starts or that the filmy folk who are not in the movie dressing up much better than the stars themselves.

But today is not about these inconsequential, there is much to note and write, hence I intend to dive straight in. 

Is Hellaro the most perfect Gujarati movie ever? Of course not.

Is this the best Gujarati movie ever? I dare say, not.

Is this among the most flawless movies in recent times? You could say so.

Is this a movie that deserved the coveted National Award, hence should we watch it, heck, I am no jury, yes, the movie is very good. Period.

Put to rest all your doubts and allow yourself to be transported to 1975 in a small parched village in Kutch desperately awaiting rains (yes, this is before the Narmada Canal days when there was not even hope!!!). A typical male dominated society, like then and now, Hellaro is a folklore of brave village women mustering courage to not only stand up against societal evils but to showcase their love for Garba, here, an expression of freedom and rights.

 Any more and I am spilling the beans. Yes, the story is about this much only. But just like most things in life, there are twists and turns, invocations and emotions that take you on a wonderful journey replete with fun, humour, dance, fights, hatred, love and loads of memorable liners.

 Hellaro is a multi-starrer in a unique way. The hero, fighting for the top spot, is the music. Mehul Surti, (the much acclaimed Mozart of Gujarat) revels in this brilliant rendition of folk flavor interspersed with a touch of the modern. The music drives you all along, helping you define emotions and journeys along giving you fantastic highs and lows.

 A close second is the Cinematography & Choreography. Tribhuvan Babu Sadineni, a veteran of Wrong Side Raju, Ragini MMS & Emotional Atyachar had a brilliant canvas in the form of the Rann of Kutch. And he captures it like a painting. Every frame, composition is a complete painting captivating you in its full glory.

 The choreographers Arsh & Sameer Tanna kept the emotions so well defined with their moves that the listener actually got involved. Each emotion had a different step. I can bet there was not a single feet that was not tapping with the beat.

Next comes Dialogues from the Pitamaah of theatre, Saumya Joshi. He gets it right all the time and gets applauded more than once, a rarity on the big screen. Some gems, delivered by the lead actress shows the maturity of writing and lends a lot of depth into the character.

Everything else can be bundled into the next few. Editing by Prateek Gupta, yet another stalwart from Goonga Pehlwan to Love ni Bhavai, keeps us on the edge with his tight craft. The brilliant climax is full credits to screenplay and editing giving us a lump in the throat moment.

In the acting department, people would jump to praise the thirteen National Award winning Heroines, I would stray a bit and begin with Maulik Nayak who lightens up the screen with a flawless performance. His portrayal is so strong, easy, un-noticeable yet he leaves a strong impression in his role. The Pack of leading ladies led by Shraddha Dangar, Denisha, Kaushambi and others get their fair share of screen and opportunity and they make the most of it.

Aarjav is under-utilized so is Jayesh More. While he is the face of the movie, Jayesh did not seem to have a lot of opportunities to show case his talent. Also, the role of Jayesh's daughter Reva could have been done by someone more talented. 

 

All in all, Abhishek Shah (who seems to be present in every department of film-making) needs to take a Bow. You made a classic which has lifted the benchmark for Gujarati Movies and Film-makers. A big thank you for the entertainment.

Hellaro, sooner or later you will have to watch it, why not sooner.

Dhh Movie Review

Three cute Friends, Loving Grandpa, Inspiring teachers and Magic, enthralls one and all.

Jignesh Vasavada          

4.5/5 stars

There are times when you feel blessed that you have taken up the mantle of reviewing Gujarati movies. These times come when you are watching movies like Dhh. Yeah, you read it right, Dhh.

What a cute little story taking you into your childhood and back, making you want to believe in the innocence of early days, magic and that anything is possible as long as your friend is with you.

Slave to habit, I will have to add up few observations:

1. What is with Films and Three Friends? Is this the sure shot formula of success?
2. The real Dhh in this movie is the marketing of the movie. Completely missing!! Why does marketing mess up big time. Last time it was Chor bani…now it is Dhh (Duhs!!!).
3. Hanumanji on a Luna, some ride he must be having.
4. Why does a teacher need to wipe a blank board in the beginning of the movie?
5. I love the school here. Teacher announces the subject and the bell rings.
6. Seriously, good question, if Gandhiji is the Father of the Nation, who is the mother of the nation?
7. PVR seems to have realized that their popcorn costs a kidney! Even the straws are non-plastic.
8. The movie makes you wonder what role do parents play in their Dhh kids’ lives?
9. Is it really this easy to bunk classes? Did I have an ignorant childhood?
10. Wonder which radio station plays Sa Re Ga Ma at night!

Boss, what a wonderful movie!

What amazing storytelling!

What super logic!

What cute kids!

What mature handling of relationships and innocence!

The hero of this movie is the minute detailing. Director and Storywriter (with Adityakumar) Manish Saini has scored big time by taking care of a lot of nuances among actors, locations, shots, stories and most importantly emotions.

Relationship among friends, between grandparent and grandchildren, father-son, teacher-student-principal all have been given a lot of depth and crafted with exquisite detail.

The story is about three Dhh friends Gungun, Bajrang and Vakil. They are weak in studies and high on life and friendship. Nothing affects them, like Brijendra kala (Hindi teacher) says, Nirlajjam Sada Sukhi. However, a chance watching of a magic show of Jadugar Surya Samrat (a crisp Naseeruddin Shah cameo) gives them hope of shedding the Dhh. Thus begins the film and the beautiful twists and turns as the kids find a magic mantra with the help of Gungun’s grandfather (Archan Trivedi). Will they shed their tag, will the kids excel in life and studies, well, that needs to be seen in theatres, like NOW.

What a magnificent performance by Archan Trivedi. All his previous filmy choices are forgiven purely based on this role. The kids, Kahaan, Karan and Kuldeep (especially him, with his belly button always open) did a great job of stealing hearts. The songs by Meghdhanush transforms us to and fro and keeps the movie’s pace alive. Sagar Desai’s background too keeps the momentum. Udankhatolu song in both its happy and sad versions rocks the screen.

Dialogues by Parth and Ninad steal the show with some really smart quips (Front bench this classroom ketlo naano laage chhe ne? Gandhiji nu hathiyaar Lakdi hati!!). Even both the letter sequences displays the amazing grip the Director has on the story. Do listen to the content of the letter written by kids, both times and you will know why these guys are intelligent. Very smart Cinematography by Prahlad Gopakumar keeps us engrossed, especially with lovely close-ups.

All in all, this National Award Winning Gujarati Film has it all to make its mark in the hallmarks of good films for the next few years to come.

Folks, take a bow, you wowed us.

Don’t be a Dhh, watch Dhh Today (no, have not been paid to say this)!