Chaman Bahaar

Chaman Bahaar, a 2020 Indian Hindi-language drama film, features the versatile actor Jitendra Kumar in the lead, alongside Ritika Badiani and Bhuvan Arora. Directed by Apurva Dhar Badgaiyann, the movie plays on the universal theme of unrequited love while unpeeling several layers of life in a small town.

The film's central character is Billu, played by Jitendra Kumar, a young man residing in an obscure town located in Chhattisgarh, Lormi. Billu once worked in the forest department, but the monotony of his job provokes him to drop everything and embark on an entrepreneurial journey. He opens up a modest paan shop named 'Chaman Bahaar' on the outskirts of the town. Billu dreams that his shop will become a popular spot for the 'janta' (common public) to gather, discuss politics, gossip and puff cigars.

However, fate has something entirely different planned for him. Instead of becoming a hotspot for regulars, the shop only manages to attract a few school-going kids owing to its secluded location. Billu's dream is teetering on the brink of failure until a prestigious government official positions his bungalow right across from "Chaman Bahaar", truly transforming its destiny. The key influencer in this shift of dynamics is the beautiful daughter of the official, Rinku Nanoriya, portrayed by Ritika Badiani.

Rinku is a sweet girl-next-door type character who, unknown to herself, becomes a sensation among the town's young and old men. Billu's shop soon turns into a vantage point for all Rinku's admirers, allowing them to catch a glimpse of the young lady. It doesn't take much time for Billu to fall for Rinku too, resulting in a classic case of unrequited love given their stark societal differences.

Chaman Bahaar's narrative carries a breezy charm that is complimented by the delightful background score and colourful settings. The town's depiction is immersive, and it doesn't take long for viewers to be drawn into the quotidian bustle of Lormi's life. The societal constructs, power dynamics, class divides, and gender roles prevalent in the provincial milieu are underscored smoothly without being preachy.

Jitendra Kumar, famous as the poster boy for Indian web series, delivers a commendable performance as the naïve and smitten Billu. He carries the small-town character very convincincly, nailing the dialect and mannerisms. Ritika Badiani, as Rinku, beautifully embodies the innocence and charm of a young girl unaware of the hullabaloo she is causing in the town. Bhuvan Arora and the rest of the supporting cast also deliver strong performances, giving the plot a holistic feel.

Apart from focusing on the theme of unrequited love, Chaman Bahaar also subtly brings to the fore the issue of stalking which is often normalized in Indian society, particularly in small towns. The movie lays bare the ill-effects of this dangerous obsession when it spirals out of control, leaving a lasting impact on audience's psyche.

Chaman Bahaar is an interesting watch, primarily because it beautifully captures the charm, innocence, simplicity, and several unspoken aspects of small-town India. The film puts a question out about societal norms and taboo in a subtle yet effective way. This quality makes the film relatable to small-town audiences and enlightening for those inhabiting the metro cities, thus catering to a larger demographic.

What sets Chaman Bahaar apart is its simple narrative with no frills and fancies which, when blended with poignant performances by its ensemble cast, leaves a lingering aftertaste of this bittersweet tale of love and longing. Lastly, the film's close-to-life portrayal and confrontation of universal issues give it a realistic touch and make it palatable for every generation.