Picasso

"Picasso" is a 2019 Marathi-language movie directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang and produced by Nanu Jaisinghani, Shilpa Krishnan Shukla, and Rohit Nagbhide. This thought-provoking film depicts the intriguing relationship between father and son, echoing society's struggle with the question of financial survival versus the pursuit of passion. The film’s star-studded cast includes Prasad Oak, Ashwini Mukadam, and Samay Tambe.

Prasad Oak, one of the well-known Marathi actors, performs phenomenally in the lead, depicting a captivating insight into the regret of an unfulfilled dream. Oak plays the character of a Dashavtar artist, a traditional folk theatre of Maharashtra, who is struggling to keep this dying art form alive in a world which is turning more and more towards digitization and cinema. As an impoverished artist, his character is straitened yet passionate, revealing the harsh realities which a large number of artists face due to the relentless march of modernization and financial instability. Oak's intense performance leaves a lingering impression on viewers, pulling them into the artist's reality.

Samay Tambe plays the role of Oak's son, who is thrown into a compelling predicament. He is selected to represent his school at a prestigious art competition in Mumbai for his unique drawing of Picasso. However, the financial constraints of their family make the Mumbai trip almost unachievable. The father-son duo shares an intriguing relationship that at times is strained due to the father's failure but at other times brims with love and care for each other.

Ashwini Mukadam plays the role of Oak's wife and Tambe's mother. Her character is a beacon of hope and strength despite the family's financial struggles. She stands like a rock alongside her husband in his endeavors, balancing his artistic expression with their financial situation.

The plot of the movie is as colorful and vivid as Cubism, art that marked Picasso's name in the history of world art. The narration is intriguing, with suspense skillfully weaved into the account, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats. The film efficiently brings out the passionate pursuit of art and its impact on the life of a struggling artist and his family.

The picturesque sights of the Konkan, where the film has been predominantly shot, offer an enchanting background that beautifully complements the theme. The cinematography is not to be sidelined, as it adds depth to the mesmerizing landscape, enlivened by the authentic costumes and props that signify the traditional theatre art form.

The director, Abhijeet Mohan Warang, masterfully brings out the agonies and passion of the characters, making the audience feel their plight and contemplate their struggle. The film is not just another story but is a striking socio-cultural commentary which makes viewers question their perceptions towards folk arts, their relevance, and survivability in an era where digital formats are ever expanding.

Last but not least, the music composed by Rohit Nagbhide captures the essence of the story, the melancholy, and passionate romance of the characters, tying together the theme of the movie.

"Picasso" is not merely a movie, but an experience that showcases the relentless battle of tradition vs. modernity, financial survival vs. art, and dreams vs. reality. It portrays the struggles of artists striving to maintain the essence of their tradition and passion in a world that places greater importance on financial stability. It is an extraordinary journey of introspection and realization for both the characters and its viewers, reminding us of the preciousness of our traditional art forms and artists, which despite their struggles are a wealth of culture that we should cherish and preserve.