Partu

Partu is a highly riveting drama film released in 2015 by Nitin Adsul. It stars renowned actors Kishore Kadam, Raja Bundela, Navni Parihar, and is successfully able to capture the spirit and characteristics of the subjects of its story— the perseverance of the human spirit amidst adversities narrated from the perspective of an orphaned protagonist.

The film is a heartfelt, provocative story follows a young boy named Prithvi, who is separated from his family during childhood and transported to Rajasthan, India. He witnesses, understands, and assimilates a different world altogether, far from his homeland of Marathwada in Maharashtra, while working under the compelling circumstances of his newfound life.

Set against the picturesque backdrop, Partu explores the journey of protagonist's search for his real identity and his roots, which takes him through different paths and experiences. The language and cultural hurdles faced by the child serve as a metaphor for society's failure to communicate on a mundane level. The title 'Partu' which literally means 'the hidden one', is symbolic of the hidden identity and past of the lead character. The title also poses subtle hints towards the audience, inciting their curiosity as to what lies in the wait ahead.

Kishore Kadam plays a noble character in this film, who helps Prithvi, through his quest of finding his identity. Kadam’s performance stands admirable as he plays a character who, despite his utterly humble background, holds a heart drenched in kindness and compassion. Navni Parihar, known for her roles in the Hindi film fraternity, showcases an impactful performance as the strong-headed mother figure in Prithvi's life. Raja Bundela adds craftsmanship to the storyline with unriddled complexity in his characters again bringing forth one of his iconic thoughtful character renditions.

These actors beautifully breathe life into their characters, making their struggles palpable on the silver screen. The excellent performances of the actors augment the evocative narrative of Partu, making it a captivating watch. Highlighting the nerve networking human relations, the film stands effectively delivering the idea that sometimes, it isn't your biological family but the relationships that you form along the way that defines you and helps you find your true identity.

The film is directed with precision and clarity by Nitin Adsul, who also assumes the role of a writer in the movie, manifesting his intricate knowledge of the culture and life in Rajasthan and Marathwada beautifully into the script. Adsul weaves a gripping narrative and adds layers of hidden subtext in the narrative, making each scene not just visually appealing but also maintains the depth in the narration throughout. His directorial skills efficiently blend cross-cultural methods of storytelling, making Partu a narrative scoop of diverse Indian culture and traditions. Its cinematography also deserves a mention, for beautifully capturing the aesthetic yet harsh reality of Rajasthan’s magnificent yet tough terrains.

One of the strengths of the film is its screenplay and dialogues that are compelling and thought-provoking. With the screenplay woven like a finely crafted tapestry, the narrative moves seamlessly from one phase of Prithvi's life to another, maintaining the urgency and the charm intact. The dialogues are potent, effective and feel real. They echo with the characters and their dilemmas, aspirations, and philosophies.

A unique inclusion in the film identifies as the soothing soundtrack, blending both vernacular and modern tones into beautiful ballads and putting forth a delicate balance between these two worlds that Prithvi is tied between. The essence of Rajasthan and Marathwada is inadvertently captured in the background score, adding to the film's charm.

A product of five years of meticulous planning and execution, Partu is a well-carved film that intelligently blends drama, emotions, and dilemmas into a heartwarming package. It offers a candid perspective into the complexities of life and identity and the empowerment that characterizes self-discovery.

Whether you're a fan of nuanced cinema or looking for a delightful blend of strong performances and captivating storytelling, Partu is a brilliant cinematic offering that stays with you, lingering long after the movie has ended. The film is not just an engaging journey of its protagonist but also an earnest portrayal of human spirit and resilience. It is indeed a laudable gem in the realm of Indian cinema.