Baapjanma

Baapjanma is a brilliantly conceived and executed Indian Marathi-language film that made its mark in the cinema world in 2017. Directed by a known name in theatre, Nipun Dharmadhikari, the movie is a wonderful exploration of parenthood, childhood, and the relationship between the two.

A well-crafted dramatic-comedy, Baapjanma stars renowned artist Sachin Khedekar, perfectly supported by an ensemble cast of talented actors such as Pushkaraj Chirputkar, Sunil Godabole, and others. Khedekar plays the protagonist Bhaskar Pandit, effortlessly bringing a perfect mix of emotion and wit to the character, truly capturing the essence of the storytelling.

Bhaskar Pandit is a senior citizen living a lonely life after the loss of his wife and the estrangement from his children. He finds solace and entertainment in amusingly eavesdropping on the lives of his neighbors through a hearing aid, which he uses although he isn't deaf. Applying humor to the narrative with this aspect of Bhaskar's character, Dharmadhikari gently weaves the plot around the themes of loneliness and longing for love and family.

Albeit his detachment from his kids, Bhasakar's life takes a dramatic turn when he is diagnosed with a terminal illness. He realizes that he hasn't much time left and decides to reconnect with his two grown-up children. Easier said than done, he struggles to reach out to them, constrained by the guilt and awkwardness of neglecting them for years.

Rather than prescribing a preachy moral monologue, the director, Nipun Dharmadhikari, presents the narrative with depth and dignity. The scenes are designed to make you ponder about family ties and their importance in our lives. The cleverly incorporated humor turns the otherwise serious issue into a lighthearted one, making the movie entertaining while delivering a meaningful message.

Bhaskar's character is well-balanced, showing his grumpy exterior alongside his underlying vulnerability. He is depicted as a realistic figure, rather than an infallible hero. His character development throughout the film is appealing, seen in his interactions with the other residents in the apartment complex, his adorable pet cat, and his experiences with his children.

The supporting cast, including Pushkaraj Chirputkar and Sunil Godabole, pull off their roles with adeptness. Each character in this narrative has its own essence, contributing to the overall framework of the story. The lives and moments of each character are blended seamlessly into the narrative, adding layer after layer to the plot. Their performances are honest and relatable, making every character memorable.

Visually, Baapjanma is surprisingly vigorous. The vibrant colors and the hustling and bustling city of Pune serve as the backdrop for the narrative. The aesthetics of Indian festivals and residential buildings are vividly captured. The cinematography is commendable, subtly capturing moments, emotions, and the changing dynamics of the characters.

The music in the film, composed by Gandhaar Sangoram, is wonderfully woven into the narrative. It neatly plays at just the right moments to enhance the emotional quotient of the scenes. Neither too obstructive nor too understated, the music is a perfect compliment to the storyline.

The film Baapjanma stands out for its excellent storytelling, combined with the stunning performance by Sachin Khedekar and the supporting cast. It makes a significant impact on the audience by showing the story of an aging father trying to reconnect with his estranged kids. The film invites reflection on profound themes such as parenthood, childhood and relationships, while successfully incorporating humor and light-hearted moments.

In summary, Baapjanma is a noteworthy Marathi film that successfully navigates a delicate balance of humor and emotion while handling a serious issue. The remarkably memorable performance by Khedekar and the supporting cast, combined with the director's vision and the lively music and visuals, make this film a delightful watch. The movie is an emotional rollercoaster that will both touch your heart and tickle your funny bone and leaves you with a lot to think about.