In 2015, the Bhillore family was struck by tragedy when they lost their cherished son, Prakash Bhillore, in a harrowing accident attributed to a pothole. Seated behind his cousin on a two-wheeler, Prakash was violently ejected from the bike when its front wheel unexpectedly plunged into a pothole. Regrettably, he succumbed to a brain hemorrhage resulting from the accident.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, Prakash’s father, Dadarao Bhillore, embarked on a mission to address the issue by personally filling potholes, a noble effort that continues with over 750 potholes already tended to. And, the poignant story of their resilience has been immortalised in the Zee5 film Kaam Chalu Hai.
At the heart of the narrative lies a close-knit family trio: Manoj Patil (played by Rajpal Yadav), alongside his wife Radha (played by Giaa Manek), and their cherished daughter Gudiya (played by Kurangi Vijayshri Nagraj). Set against the picturesque backdrop of Sangli, Maharashtra, the film unfolds with a captivating drone shot capturing the essence of the cityscape. Seamlessly weaving through the tapestry of everyday life, the film delicately portrays scenes of the railway station, vibrant streets, bustling marketplaces, and individuals engrossed in their daily routines, all depicted through evocative black-and-white imagery.
Gudiya and Patil share a deeply touching bond, one that exemplifies the beauty of father-daughter relationships. Despite cricket being traditionally perceived as a male-dominated sport, Gudiya dreams of becoming a cricketer, a passion wholeheartedly supported by her father. Every day, she diligently attends practice sessions, with her father faithfully by her side, offering unwavering encouragement and companionship. Witnessing their tender moments together, from joint workouts to heartfelt cheers, it’s evident that their bond transcends the boundaries of mere familial ties.
While Radha, Gudiya’s mother, emphasises the importance of academic pursuits over sports, Patil remains steadfast in his unwavering support for his daughter’s aspirations. Their dynamic is a testament to Patil’s unwavering dedication to Gudiya, always advocating for her dreams regardless of external pressures.
The viewers are treated to an abundance of heartwarming scenes showcasing the inseparable bond between father and daughter. Gudiya emerges as not only a beacon of inspiration but also as the adhesive that binds her parents together during times of discord. However, tragedy strikes when Gudiya succumbs to a fatal road accident caused by a pothole. Subsequently, about 50 minutes are dedicated to Patil’s journey as he grapples with the loss of his beloved daughter, from initial denial to eventual acceptance, culminating in his decision to initiate a revolution by personally filling the potholes.
This approximately one-and-a-half-hour film heavily hinges on Rajpal Yadav’s gripping and poignant performance. From the get-go, Yadav captivates audiences with his authentic portrayal of a grieving father. For instance, after completing all the death rituals for Gudiya, Patil sits with his wife at home, still under the illusion that Gudiya is sitting right beside him. He even picks up the bat and tries to repair it for his daughter. In another poignant scene, Patil sits beside the pothole that claimed his daughter’s life. He stares at it, overcome with grief, tossing pebbles into it and even running his hands through its depths. These moments are profoundly emotional, and Yadav skillfully ensures they resonate deeply. His expressions are incredibly natural, drawing viewers into the raw authenticity of his character’s sorrow.
Well, the film largely overlooked the other two characters. There was significant potential to delve deeper into the mother’s role, for instance, or to explore the daughter’s character more fully before her tragic demise. However, it appears that the film heavily relied on Rajpal Yadav to carry the narrative. While the emotional depth of the film is commendable, in a story based on real events, there should have been a stronger factual foundation. If the film aims to portray a father’s fight for justice for his daughter’s death, then this aspect should have been given more prominence. However, the film becomes too emotionally charged to address anything beyond the central emotional arc.
The film’s musical score serves as a unifying thread, seamlessly weaving together the various elements of the narrative. Take for example Gudiya, performed by the soulful vocals of Papon, with music composed by the talented duo Palaash Muchhal and Saurabh Singh Senger. This melodic masterpiece not only captures the essence of Gudiya’s journey but also evokes a range of emotions that resonate deeply with the audience. Additionally, Ram Naam Satya Hai Unplugged, featuring a heartfelt rendition by Divya Kumar and composed by Muchhal, further enriches the emotional tapestry of the storyline. These poignant songs serve as poignant reflections of the characters’ innermost feelings, elevating the viewer’s connection to the narrative and adding a layer of depth to their cinematic experience.Directed by : Palaash Muchhal
Writer : Palaash Muchhal
Stars : Rajpal Naurang Yadav
Giaa Manek Kurangi Vijayshri
Nagraj
Streaming on : Zee5
Rating : 2.5
