With powerful promotion tactics and high expectations, Ventilator movie released today. It witnessed an above average crowd at the theatres as it is the Diwali vacation season across the state of Maharashtra. As the name of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is attached to this films, it was looked upon with huge expectations not only from Marathi audience but others in Mumbai.
The Story and Plot: coming to the movie, it is the story of a family that has it’s male head Gajju Kaka, Gajanan Kamerkar, on the ventilator three days before the Ganesh Chaturthi. Every year Kamerkar family celebrates this festival with fanfare. This year all the members have reunited for another reason, it the critical condition of Gajju Kaka. The hospital becomes conversation ground for the members of this large family as they wait for a judgment by God in case of Kamerkar. Kamerkar is in coma and his fate is dangling. The film Ventilator is so scripted that it is difficult to point out a story. In fact, there is no trace of a story but the script is powerful. There are around 116 actors in the film all new faces baring a few known ones such as Ashutosh Gowarikar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi, Sulbha Arya among others.
Actors and Performances: As we know there is presence of refined actors in the movie. Ashutosh Gowarikar has stepped into acting after a long gap. He was last seen in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. It was a seemingly unintentional attempt from Ashutosh’s side but he comes out with a fine performance. What all looked forward to was to see Priyanka Chopra, the producer herself. Priyanka has indeed made a huge name for herself thanks to her recent achievements. It is evident from the response of the audience even in the short scenes she had in the film.
Direction, Music and Credits: The first half of the film consists of the conversations coming from as many perspectives as there are people. Different relatives of Mr. Kamerkar gives different opinions. In fact these conversations serve as a study of human relationships. The second half continues in the same pace with the story picking up pace gradually. Ventilator has a fresh outlook towards its story. It is original, it is new and interesting. What is most attractive about this film is it’s ensemble star cast. It is great to watch talented actors from Bollywood and Marathi films coming together in a film with so much substance. In Ventilator, the music is above average with none other than Priyanka singing a song about a father daughter relationship. Priyanka’s voice, lyrics and music blends well in the song. The direction by Ferrari Ki Sawari fame director Rajesh Mapuskar is worth applause.
Critical verdict: The blending of comic situations and emotions invoking situations are well scripted. The script is the winner. And that is the strength of a good film. Indeed Priyanka and her mother Madhu Chopra’s maiden production venture has born sweet fruits. Let’s not neglect the hard work of the cast and crew behind the camera. Ventilator demands to be seen as it is much above the ordinary flicks we are having presently in Bollywood. Ventilator’s strength lies in the fact that it will be liked by the masses as well as by the classes.
