Language is the beating heart of identity politics, arousing extreme emotions and effortlessly galvanising public opinion. Social media’s pervasive nature has given rise to a new army of keyboard warriors whose commitment to a cause can have a far-reaching and sometimes devastating impact on individuals’ lives.
Harshad Nalawade’s debut Marathi feature film ‘Follower’, which had its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2023, is set in a linguistically polarised town of Belagavi, situated at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The movie is an incisive probe into the life of Raghu, a small-time journalist working for an online media outlet that seeks to inflame sentiments and deepen the fault lines. Belagavi is witness to frequent clashes between pro-Marathi and pro-Kannada communities over the administration of the town and surrounding areas. Despite having a diverse cultural and linguistic landscape, reflected in its festivals, traditions, and cuisines, it has been a hotbed of inter-state border dispute for decades.
‘Follower’ taps into the frustrations of the youth who are easy prey for politicians seeking to radicalise impressionable minds. Raghu (Raghu Prakash) is an average young man struggling to find his feet. Having been unsuccessful at his job and saddled with family responsibilities, he is forced to run a gift shop. As his anger and disappointment well up at being stuck in life, he finds himself grappling with heartbreak and loss of friendship.
Nalawade takes a compassionate and objective view of the realities surrounding Raghu’s life in a small town where employment opportunities are limited and the circumstances are conducive to fostering linguistic chauvinism and political opportunism. Even when doubts emerge in Raghu’s mind about the inflammatory content he posts online, he doubles down on his efforts to remain true to a ‘greater cause’. Raghu comes back to his senses when his close friend YouTuber Sachin (Nalawade) who is a voice of reason in this fraught atmosphere becomes a casualty to his trolling.
‘Follower’ brings to mind the unsettling milieu in many small towns across the country where a thriving industry of hate has given a sense of purpose to jobless youngsters glued to smartphones. Unfolding in Belagavi (earlier known as Belgaum), Nalawade’s film depicts a microcosm of the ecosystem that breeds ignorance, malice and wilful disinformation while discouraging rational thinking.
It also deftly weaves into the narrative the story of Parveen (Donna Munshi), a young pregnant woman who walks out of an abusive marriage to live her life with dignity.
The multilingual film, with Marathi, Kannada and Hindi elements, has a competent cast. Raghu Prakash, a first-time actor, gives a nuanced touch to his portrayal of the vulnerabilities of the protagonist. Nalawade, who is also the writer and producer, delivers an impressive performance in a cameo. In the short role of a young woman with character and resolve, Donna Munshi shows promise.
Story continues below this ad
Nalawade’s maturity in handling such a complicated and fraught issue shows his astute understanding of Belagavi’s culture and aspirations.
Director: Harshad Nalawade
Cast: Raghu Prakash, Harshad Nalawade, Donna Munshi
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
