Nana Patekar takes all credit in “Vanvaas”
Nana Patekar takes all credit in “Vanvaas”
Vanvaas focuses on old people getting abandoned by their loved ones and finding it hard to fend for themselves.
After watching Nana Patekar’s performance in Vanvaas, it is surprising why the veteran actor was overlooked by filmmakers.
He is 75, yet, exudes the charisma to single-handedly carry a film on his shoulders. He is fit than most actors half his age, and when he gets immersed in a scene, it’s impossible not to applaud. A striking example is the film’s climax, where he moulds a pind out of snow and performs his own pind-daan (last rites), breaking down as he mourns his own passing. It’s a profound study in the portrayal of grief and loneliness.
At 160 minutes, the film feels overly long. Anil Sharma, adhering to his old-school filmmaking approach, uses lip-synced songs as a narrative device. While they serve their purpose within the story, trimming or removing them could have significantly reduced the runtime. Although the music aligns with the film’s context, the songs fail to leave an impression when considered independently.
Anil Sharma began his career with emotional films such as Shradhanjali and Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ka but later transitioned to the action genre with Hukumat. The film turned out to be a sleeper hit, cementing his reputation as an action director. With his latest release, Vanvaas, the filmmaker appears to have returned to his roots.
Anil Sharma excels in capturing the bustling atmosphere of Kashi and later Shimla, effectively showcasing the crowded streets and chaotic energy. However, the film’s primary issue is that, apart from Khushboo, who exits the screen all too soon, no other actor comes close to matching Nana Patekar’s towering performance. Aware of this disparity, the director allows the narrative to often feel like a one-character play, with the camera relentlessly following Patekar. It seems the actor was given free rein to interpret the role, resulting in a masterclass in acting.
Still, cinema is ultimately a collaborative art form, and this collaboration feels uneven, as the other actors struggle to keep pace with a giant’s footsteps. Utkarsh Sharma has gamely tried to up the ante and match his senior’s intensity. Full marks to him for the effort.
In summary, Vanvaas is a compelling showcase for Nana Patekar’s talent, but its uneven execution and excessive length dilute the overall impact.
All said ‘Vanvaas’ entirely a Nana Patekar film.
News Edit KV Raman
