Gajaar – Journey Of The Soul (Marathi)

Parth is an aspiring filmmaker who is waiting for a big break in Hindi films since six years. He is in a live-in relationship with his girlfriend Geetali Sharma,a sound designer,and is living off her. When Eric,an Anthropology Ph.D. Student from US,insists that they join hands to make a film on Vaari,the 18-day Maharashtrian religious pilgrimage,initially Parth is very reluctant but finally he gives in. However,while working on the project he is angry and irritable,hurting people around him. The film also chronicles Parth’s self-discovery and gradual transformation.

This is the first-ever feature film to be made on Vaari,based on Dnyaneshwari (a religious book by Sant Dnyaneshwar). The shooting of the film was done on the actual locations — from Lord Vitthal’s temple in Alandi in Pune till Pandharpur — during 18 days when a crowd of 20 lakh varkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur) participate in the pilgrimage chanting the name of the lord. The 18 chapters of the Dnyaneshwari are narrated in a simple way,thus making a person realise its value in his life.

Lakhs of devotees undertake this yearly excursion,a tradition that has been carrying on for over 700 years. While the men are clad in white,the womenfolk wear colourful saris. Varkaris singing the kirtans and abhangs,dancing to the tune of mridangas and dhols and chanting the Lord’s name while walking the 240 kilometres to Pandharpur over 18 days is quite a sight.

Chinmay Mandlekar plays Parth,while the role of Eric is enacted by Edward Sonnenblick. They have done a good job. Suhas Shirsat in the role of Audya too needs a mention for his performance. Newcomer Sukhada Yash as Geetali delivers a heartrending performance. She expresses a wide gamut of emotions through her eyes .

Filmmaking is a tough task. However,here the work seems more difficult since it is not easy to shoot on actual locations with real pilgrims who,unlike starstruck people,are more interested in their devotion to the lord than towards the camera or acting. Every common man or rather the varkari is genuine. Even people involved in social work have come forward to discuss their work as well as their woes during the period. Social causes like hygiene,healthcare,eye- donation,cooking food – everything is tackled well thus making villagers aware of them.

The aerial shot of the varkaris walking on the hills is amazing,a sight to behold. In fact,most of the scenes involving the varkaris are a treat. Cinematographer Amol Gole has done an excellent job. The music by Shailendra Barve is also one of the major highlights. In fact,the entire movie is a treat for the ears and eyes. Over all,Gajaar is an excellent effort by the makers.

RATING :****

Four stars,one each for producers Sunill Khosla and Vibha Dutta Khosla and director Ajit Bhairavkar who were courageous to handle a different topic; for the performances by Chinmay Mandlekar,Sukhada Yash and Suhas Shirsat, for the outstanding camerawork by Amol Gole and lastly for the excellent music by Shailendra Barve.