Premium

This is an archive article published on August 3, 2007

Cinema Paradiso

Ozu, Ray or Kiarostami? Cineastes in Pune can take their pick as the city8217;s burgeoning film clubs gather critical mass. The multiplexes have competition

Retired scientist Vishnu Hari Deshpande, businessman Mehbood Rangoonwalla and banker Mallika Gianchandaninbsp;love Fridays. It isn8217;t just the prospect of a languorous weekend ahead that boosts their mood. For come Saturday, they are ensconced in the plush auditorium of the National Film Archives of India NFAI Pune. From there on, there is no telling where the journey might take them.

It could be inside the mind of a child in Abbas Kiarostami8217;s Where is the Friend8217;s Home or into a web of familial relationships in Yasujiro Ozu8217;s Tokyo Story. Or it could lead them through the US ofnbsp;the 8217;40s, as in Orson Welles8217; Citizen Kane, or transport them into the rural Bengal of Satyajit Ray8217;s Pather Panchali. Whatever, it8217;s a journey that all of them8212;members of NFAI8217;s Film Circle8212;are loathe to miss. Not only has this club grown in numbers and stature over the years, but it has also spawned many versions of its own.

The city8217;s cineastes have nurtured the movement for decades. But it8217;s only of late that the film club has evolved into a formal body, complete with a screening calendar, NFAI patronage and a burgeoning membership base. 8220;We once had a club in the University of Pune called View Aspects. We had screenings in the physics laboratory. But it couldn8217;t survive,8221; reveals Deshpande, for whom the start of NFAI8217;s Film Circle in 1994 was a dream come true.

While the Film Circle has about 700 members comprising students, professionals, businessmen, homemakers and artists, the pioneer in the field, the Aashay film club, started 21 years ago by Satish Jakatdar and Viredra Chitrav, commands a membership of almost 1,800.nbsp;There are other clubs run by Max Mueller and Alliance Franccedil;ais, a fledgling one put together by some Iranian students and even one devoted to documentaries. All depend on the NFAI for prints and usually have their screenings in the archive8217;s auditorium.

8220;That fits into our mission to promote awareness of the cinema that we so painstakingly preserve,8221; explains K. Sasidharan, director, NFAI. 8220;Pune has a large number of people who have a critical eye. For many, membership of a film club has become a status symbol now,8217;8217; he says. Multiplexes, the NFAI chief asserts, can never provide the same ambience.

8220;We would never get to see thisnbsp;kind of world cinema anywhere else. We have seen classics from India and abroad, rare prints and movies that transcend language barriers,8221; says Rangoonwalla 62, petrol pump dealer, who always keeps his date with the Saturday film screened by the NFAI8217;s Film Circle. Nobody in his family shares his passion, so he comes alone.

That is the case with many others too. States Judith Sequiera 62, a retired social sciences lecturer who is unmarried, 8220;You don8217;t really need company to come here and enjoy the films. For me films are not just entertainment but an extension of my subject as they introduce me to world history, society, religion and culture.8221;nbsp;And while Malika Gianchandani may not be able to make it sometimes for the screenings given her bank job and home commitments, that has rarely deterred her 81-year-old mother-in-law Promilla Gianchandani from making sure that she8217;s in attendance. 8220;It8217;s the best way I know of to make friends,8217;8217; smiles the octogenarian.

Story continues below this ad

Most of the clubs charge a nominal fee. NFAI8217;s Film Circle membership costs Rs 600 for a year 52 screenings. One spends almost half the amount on a single visit to the multiplex. There are other advantages. The club calendar is drawn up on the basis of suggestions from members whenever possible. Says Sasidharan, 8220;We ensure a mix of old and new, action, drama and comedy. And there8217;s also a bonding between members.8221; Which is why, even with DVDs flooding the market, the membership of the clubs is growing.

However, the co-foundernbsp;of Aashay, that is now part of the annual Pune International Film Festival PIFF, says, 8220;We could do with more younger people. Right now the regulars are all aged between 40 and 60.8221; But happily, it8217;s a problem that8217;s ready to be addressed. With Virendra Chitrav, secretary of the Aashay film club appointed president of the Federation of Film Societies of India FFSI, Maharashtra chapter, he has plans to set up some 50 film clubs all over the state.

Narendra Jadhav, vice-chancellor, University of Pune, has announced the formation of a campus film society soon to be inaugurated by FFSI president Shyam Benegal. He has written to all universities and colleges in the state asking them to start similar societies. For film buffs, it8217;s soon going to be As Good As It Gets.

Sunanda Mehta

Sunanda Mehta is the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Pune. She is a distinguished journalist, columnist, and author with over three decades of experience in the media industry. Educational background: A merit-lister in her 12 th in CBSE (5th rank in Humanities) Sunanda stood first in History in the Board for which she was awarded the Dr Tarachand Gold Medal. She is a triple-graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (History Honours) from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, Bachelor of Education, Delhi University (on scholarship) and Bachelor of Communication and Journalism, University of Pune. Professional Background Role: As Resident Editor, she oversees the Pune edition of The Indian Express, managing local news coverage, investigative features, and editorial direction for the city. Author: She is an accomplished author, known for her biographies. Her notable books include: The Extraordinary Life and Death of Sunanda Pushkar published by Pan Macmillan (2019). The book was long-listed for the Atta Galatta award for nonfiction and Auther award for best debut author. Majestic Musings - Translation of poems from 100 year old Badshaian from Punjabi to English (2023) Behind the Big Screen- the untold stories of child actors published by Bloomsbury India (2024) Focus Areas: While Sunanda has reported on various subjects from civic to political to investigative and crime, her forte remains long-form human-interest stories, heritage and gender issues. Core Column: "Against All Odds" Sunanda curates and writes a signature series titled "Against All Odds," which profiles individuals who have overcome significant personal, medical, or professional challenges. Recent notable articles (2025) The Story of Dr. Harinder Dhaliwal (July 2025): A Pune AFMC topper who became a neurologist in Canada despite becoming paraplegic. Jayoo Patwardhan’s Cancer Journey (Jan 2025): How the National Film Award-winning designer defeated cancer. Partha Iyengar’s Emergency mid-air (Aug 2025): The story of how Gartner’s India head survived a massive heart attack during a long-haul flight. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage continues to explore deep personal narratives and Pune’s socio-environmental landscape: 1. Personal Narratives & Closure "'I grieved for him 10 years after his murder, found closure to unsolved case'" (Dec 14, 2025): A poignant feature on Vineet Alurkar, son of the late Pune music legend Suresh Alurkar, and how digitizing his father’s collection helped him heal. "A 40-day journey home: how Christopher Benninger's partner gave him the gift of memories" (Nov 23, 2025): A moving tribute to the late acclaimed architect Christopher Benninger and his final trip to the US. "'After 38 years I finally met my biological mother'" (Sept 28, 2025): Chronicling the journey of an adopted daughter from Zurich searching for her roots in Pune. 2. Civic & Heritage "'Vetal Tekdi belongs to common citizens'" (Oct 20, 2025): An interview with environmental activist Dr. Sushma Date on the community-led protection of Pune’s vital green lungs. "'Military village' Apshinge recalls living through war days" (Aug 12, 2025): A report from a village in Maharashtra where nearly every household has a member in the armed forces, focusing on their legacy and current anxieties. 3. High-Profile Commentary & Investigations "Malegaon blast acquittals: 'I was expecting this verdict'" (July 31, 2025): An interview with former special public prosecutor Rohini Salian following the controversial acquittals. "Grounded, license cancelled... she decided to soar higher" (March 30, 2025): The story of Dr. Harpreet A De Singh, Air India’s first woman pilot from 1988, and her transition to leadership and meditation. Signature Style Sunanda Mehta is known for her empathetic storytelling. Unlike standard news reporting, her features often read like narrative non-fiction, focusing on the psychological and emotional resilience of her subjects. One of her articles in The Indian Express titled 'The Quality of Mercy' was converted into a film Rubaru Roshini produced by actor Aamir Khan. She is a strong advocate for Pune's heritage and environment, frequently using her platform to amplify citizen-led movements. X (Twitter): @sunandamehta and @ExpressPune ... Read More

Live Blog

PHOTOS

In pics: From concept supercars to electronic SUV's: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 was all about innovation

In Pics: From Concept Supercars to Electric SUVs – Innovation at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025