Bonus

Bonus is a touching and thought-provoking Marathi movie that was released in 2020. Directed by Saurabh Bhave, this film features Gashmeer Mahajani, Pooja Sawant, and Mohan Agashe in pivotal roles.

Bhave, recognized for his work in films like "Hampi" and "Bhay" offers an eccentric, heartwarming, and compelling movie that mirrors the contemporary state of societal and economic disparities in India. The title "Bonus" serves as an allegorical reference to the windfalls of life that each character in the film experiences or is lack thereof.

The movie revolves around the life of the protagonist – Aditya, a sold-to-the-corporate soul and a privileged young man portrayed skilfully by Gashmeer Mahajani. Mahajani’s performance in Bonus is a testament to his developing range as an actor, underlined by his compelling screen presence. His portrayal of an affluent businessman who gets a taste of life on the other side of the wealth divide is executed with conviction and remarkable depth.

The plot takes a gripping turn when Aditya, due to circumstances, winds up living in a Mumbai chawl (an equivalent of a housing project), mingling with the locals whose everyday life is a stark contrast to the luxurious lifestyle he is accustomed to. These unforeseen circumstances lead Aditya to cross paths with an optimistic and lively girl named Minal played by Pooja Sawant. Sawant, known for her work in Marathi cinema, delivers a commendable performance and brings her character to life with her vibrant, sincere, and practical demeanour.

In Minal’s world, Aditya discovers the struggles, desires, and dreams of people whom he would have never encountered otherwise, leading him to question his own set of beliefs and values. Throughout the movie, Bhave effectively uses the contrast between Aditya's affluent lifestyle and Minal's modest life as a subplot, making it imperative to the narrative.

The role of Minal's father played by the veteran actor Mohan Agashe is an essential cog in the story. Well-known for his artistry, Agashe delivers a fitting performance, presenting a character who is straightforward yet intricate, whose life experiences serve as an eye-opener for Aditya.

Bonus is also enriched by its secondary characters, who add flavor and depth to the narrative. The solidarity and camaraderie shared within the community add a layer of authenticity to the film. The chawl setting, with its limited space and communal living style, has been well integrated into the script. The art direction team has done an amazing job recreating these life-like scenarios, and the cinematography offers some visually appealing frames that add to the overall cinematic experience.

The narrative is further enhanced with an effective music score. The soulful music and the foot-tapping beats of the 'Koli' songs, which are characteristic of the coastal Maharashtra region, are threaded into the plot organically, adding a local flavor and enhancing the film's emotional resonance.

More than just a film, Bonus is a mirror to our society that challenges viewers to reflect on their own prejudices and preconceived notions regarding wealth, class, and success. Bonus shows the humanity that can be found in the simplest of things and the richest joys that one can find amidst struggles and hardships.

Some dialogues in the film are powerful and astoundingly poignant, making one ponder about the detriments of consumerism and the shallowness of a capitalistic life. The narrative progresses slowly, allowing the viewers to absorb the complexities and nuance of the unique situations and the underlying contrasts.

The title of the film "Bonus" implies an extra reward given beyond what is expected, mainly in a materialistic or monetary form. However, the film illustrates that the actual bonuses in life are not always materialistic or monetary, but the small happiness, bonds, relationships, and experiences that we often forget or overlook in the rush of leading an ambitious and affluent life.

Overall, Bonus is a narrative that uniquely blends drama, humor, romance, and societal critique, leading to a memorable movie experience. The story resonates with a wide variety of audiences, whether they understand Marathi or not, owing to its universal theme and emotional appeal. With strong performances, sincere writing, and emotionally engaging narrative, Bonus stands out on the canvas of Marathi cinema as a distinct and impactful film.