TimePass (TP) (Marathi)

Ravi Jadhav is one of the reasons for Marathi cinema seeing a renaissance of sorts over the past few years.  From Natarang to Balak Palak (BP) and now TimePass (TP).  He has clearly indicated repeatedly that it doesn’t take mainstream “commercially” acceptable cinema to be commercially viable.  More power to him I say because this is the kind of cinema that audiences should be exposed to and not slapstick sleazy cinema.

The only disappointment in TimePass was probably the first signs of Jadhav succumbing to commercialism with an item number just before the interval.  Probably the only thing that wasn’t necessary in the movie and it left me with a feeling of disappointment.  But let me not let that minor instance cloud my judgment of a movie that I believe is made from the heart – it cannot be as good if not experienced personally.

Young love – I cannot use the term “puppy love” because it involved a bunch of 15+ year olds – that’s the topic of Jadhav’s 2^nd movie in as many years (BP released exactly a year back).  It is the story of Dagdu (Prathmesh Parab) and Prajakta (Ketki Mategaonkar) who have just come into junior college.  What begins as “Timepass” from Dagdu’s side quickly morphs into genuine love for MM (Marriage Material).

And young / first love cannot be without its challenges.  So we have Jr. Typist @ The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre – Shri Lele aka Shakaal (of Shaan fame thanks to his clean shaven face –completely clean).  Shakaal is Prajakta’s father and his version of “gammat” (fun) would be tormenting his daughter with academically oriented reading even in her free time.  Not to mention the ban on dancing or anything that would normally qualify as fun for a 15 year old.

Like his previous movies, Jadhav’s focus on dialogue and script is terrific.  I strongly believe that TP and BP have been inspired from Jadhav’s personal experiences – it takes a personal connect to come up with a story that is so genuine and true.  And having written the story, to execute it in a manner that is downright simple with little or no frills is a reflection of the talent in question.

In Prathamesh Parab, Marathi cinema has found a star in the making.  The only thing to do is ensure that he doesn’t get typecast in Dagdu/Vishu kind of roles.  It would be a travesty of justice if we don’t see him in a different role soon.  Jadhav also scores heavily on the casting which is near perfect.  That, in my belief, is more than 70% of the job done.  There is tremendous attention to detail to ensure an 80s feel to the movie.

In short, if you do not watch TimePass (TP) you will be missing out on one of the finest movies in recent times.  It is the way cinema should be – simple and straightforward, no cheap jokes, clean humour, heart touching – the works.  If only the audiences were as sensible to understand that and not follow the stale goulash that is being served day in day out.  Kudos to the cast and crew of TP – 7.5 on 10.  Don’t miss it.

Watch the trailer on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5c4_5O_0l8