Aatmapamphlet

Aatmapamphlet

It's a Marathi movie but I am writing this in English so that more people understand it and more people watch this movie. It's definitely beyond a language!

A Love letter to the 90s but so much above and beyond nostalgia. Every scene is loaded with meaning and one feels like pausing, rewinding and watching it again. Rather than the typical nationalistic, jingoistic, "in your face"nonsense which sells like hot cakes today this was a breezy, understated movie yet stating so much without actually saying it aloud. There was an underlying innocence not just due to the child actors but throughout the expression of the movie itself and at the same time it was sarcastic and witty. I felt like this should be a compulsory watch for all Indians let alone maharashtrians. Religious and caste discrimination is sadly rampant or rather has increased now and a better film hasn't been made on this topic. What seemingly is a coming-of-age story of the protagonist is actually the coming of age story of our nation. Even the way they chose to end it was so clever, they could have gone down the harsh realistic route but instead they chose utopia which may look like a nicely tied red bow but actually shows the impact every small story can have on a larger scale.

The saddest part was even in a city like Pune the theatre was only half full. We need to encourage regional cinema and brave storytelling as an audience. Please give this movie a chance, it deserves it.

Aatmapamphlet (2023) : Movie Review -

Ashish Bende has his stamp all over Aatmapamphlet. The protagonist is named after him, and that's the only realistic thing about the film. Aatmapamphlet carries a humour that has all chances to go bouncer over the heads of Marathi audiences. This kind of peculiar humour hasn't been attempted in Marathi cinema, or, for that matter, in Indian cinema. The best I can remember is Italian cinema and British capers, and the most universally known example is Amelie (2001) in French cinema. Aatmapamphlet is one step ahead because it has out-of-the-world theories and is very poignant about lifestyle and social commentary. There's nothing so cinematically attractive in the film, and that's why you relate to it very quickly. Numerically, you'll have about 45-50 laughs in 90 minutes. Believe me, this average is too high for any comedy you remember from recent times.

Aatmapamphlet is a narration of the biopic of our hero, Ashish Bende (Om Bendkhale). He is not a famous person; his story can't be called a biographical, autobiography, or anything of that sort, so he gives it a new, unique name, "Aatmapamphlet". The film is about his childhood as he falls in love at first "hand'' with his girlfriend, Srishti (Pranjalii Shrikan). Ashish gets support from his friend Borya and his classmates to approach Srishti and set things up. The film is all about their conversions, how they look at society and its norms, social events, and the nation's current affairs, including every big thing that happened in our country. Then there is a climax, about which I'll speak later.

Aatmapamphlet has a weird title, and somewhere it helps you understand what kind of sky-level humour it is going to serve you. I am not exaggerating, but this is the only adjective I could have thought of: "Aatmapamphlet has a God-level humour!" That's it. That's the headline. I have been through thousands of films and many Marathi movies, but I haven't been able to relate to such humour in a children-oriented film like this. Even Woody Allen needed sexual comments and female sex appeal to explore his weird comedies. The last memories are almost a decade old now with Balak Palak, Timepass, and Killa. Aatmapamphlet overtakes them because it is damn intelligent and intellectual. Like the protagonist says, "It's getting symbolic". I say it's metaphorical too. There are dozens of moments where I was like, "Waah.. wahh.. kadakk.." I don't remember when the last time I had so much laughter was, and that also put my brain to work. Paresh Mokashi is a humorous version of Satyajit Ray. That's not an exaggeration or a paid statement; that's the truth. Ray made many intense and dark films, but with Hirak Deshe, he went wild and crazy, and Mokashi's thoughts always take me back to those days. We may or may not get a creative force like him again who can generate a product that's massy, classy, and ahead of time. So better value him right now. I don't need to explain his previous works here because you are all aware of them. He is just getting better with different genres. Aatmapamphlet is the craziest comedy with the uttermost sensible context ever written in Marathi cinema, while most of the great comedies are illogical and brainless. Hail Mokashi and Bende for that.

Manas Tondwalkar and Om Bendkhale play Aashish Bende with the most honesty, and it couldn't have gotten better than them. The older version has a limited time frame, but that's okay. Shrishti, played by Khushi Hajare and Pranjali Shrikant, is mostly silent but extremely gorgeous. That's natural beauty, marriage material, a pure girl, or whatever you want to term it. Chetan Wagh as Borya is hilarious, as Bhimrao Mude, Ketaki Saraf, and others add good support.

Satyajeet Shobha Shriram's cinematography is fine, the editing is super edgy, and the production value is top-class considering the budget. Aatmapamphlet has everything to make you crazy: go clapping, go wild, go hysterical, and scream. It lacks only one thing, and that's a good "climax". In 90 minutes, we have 85 minutes built so high that those 5 minutes in climax and pre-climax of boring and soapy 'happy ending'. Remove those 10 minutes, and this would have been a modern classic for ages. It just missed it due to the regular climax, which isn't suitable for an irregularly classy film like this. Ashish Bende should be proud of himself for getting things done the way he wanted. Of course, you need a genius like Mokashi close to you, but how about creating another genius? If he can continue in the same vein with his next film, then Bende could be the next big thing for me. I should call him the "Woody Allen" of Marathi cinema. As a whole, Aatmapamphlet is a brainstorming comedy that you have been dreaming of being made in Marathi cinema. Go and enjoy, and make sure you go with your gang and create a hysteria inside the cinema hall.

RATING - 6/10*

Aatmapamphlet is a masterfully crafted film that explores the complexities of childhood blossoming amidst communal tensions, and it does so with incredible sensitivity and depth. Directed by Ashish Avinash Bende, the film shines primarily due to the stellar writing by Paresh Mokashi, a celebrated filmmaker known for his insightful narratives. Mokashi expertly navigates the delicate balance between innocence and intelligence in his young characters, depicting them as both wise beyond their years and deeply compassionate. The film follows their journey of choosing love over hate, a theme that is as timeless as it is relevant.

One of the key strengths of Aatmapamphlet is how it taps into the socio-political landscape of the late 70s to 90s, reflecting the era's communal tensions while simultaneously portraying the protagonist's innocent perspective on these events. This semi-autobiographical account resonates deeply with anyone who grew up in that time, and the use of narration by Mokashi adds a light-hearted yet introspective touch, preventing the film from becoming preachy while still imparting its important message.

Om Bendkhale, as the young Ashish, delivers a performance filled with innocence and authenticity, capturing the heart of the film. His ensemble of friends adds to the charm, with each character contributing a unique perspective to the journey. The supporting cast, including Ashish's family and teachers, adds multiple layers to the narrative, with Rohan Mapuskar's casting choices being spot-on. It's also a pleasant surprise to see Deepak Shirke back on screen, delivering a performance that complements the overall tone of the film.

Visually, the film is a treat, with Satyajeet Shobha Shriram's cinematography bringing the setting to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and grounded. The editing, production, and art design, led by Baban Adagale, further elevate the film, ensuring it is a well-rounded cinematic experience.

While the film excels in most areas, the climax, though open to interpretation, feels a bit rushed. The narrative could have benefitted from a bit more time in this final moment, offering additional insight into the protagonist's journey and the reasoning behind certain events. That being said, Aatmapamphlet is a poignant film that remains relevant in today's world, shining a light on everyday discrimination that many have become numb to, while ultimately delivering the powerful message that love triumphs over hatred.

Co-produced by Aanand L. Rai, the film carries subtle echoes of his Raanjhanaa, particularly in its exploration of complex relationships and the emotional weight of social divides. Aatmapamphlet has already garnered global recognition, including praise at this year's Berlinale, and it is a film that deserves to be seen. Don't miss this exceptional, thought-provoking piece of cinema.

"If you're intrigued by the evolving political landscape's impact on the emotional world of our children, as Indians, 'AatmaPamphlet' is a must-watch. This film bravely navigates the tumultuous waters of politics, fraternity, and secularism, capturing the seismic shifts that have rocked the foundations of Ambedkar, Nehru, and Gandhi's India since the 90s.

It's noteworthy that for the first time in Marathi cinema, a film has emerged that subtly yet powerfully portrays the ripple effects of this decade's significant events on children's emotional worlds. As Marathi cinema drifts further from authentic political commentary, this compelling film by director Ashish Bende, with a story by Ashish Bende and Writer Paresh Mokashi, remains true to the cinematic medium's grammar.

The film's tight and cohesive structure allows each actor's performance to shine brightly, leaving a refreshing aftertaste once the credits roll. The film's strength lies in its clear, simple, beautiful, and captivating story, screenplay, direction, music, and performances. This film challenges the notion that good cinema in Marathi requires substantial financial investment. Kudos to all artists involved in this production.

Crafted with exceptional intelligence, this film is not just a unique experiment in Marathi cinema but a landmark in Indian cinematic history. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the power of cinema as it unfolds through every frame, context, and presentation."

This is refreshing story with unique way of presentation and blend of great substory to address larger story. It narrates story of teenage boys who grows up with typicsl Indian family and his birty and major lifeevents corroates with Indias political history. It has element lf friendship, love, social harmony but doesnt really tell the message directly. We get engrossed as story continues and make it more interesting. Hunour is next level with great punches. It gives many hidden messagea through small small scenes with made for larger message. The end is interesting and meomorable. YOU MUST WATCH!