Traffic Signal

Traffic Signal is a thought-provoking movie directed by prolific Indian director Madhur Bhandarkar in 2007. This socially conscious drama treads on a fascinating subject that the common man can resonate with. Sprinkled with elements of comedy, drama, and reality, the movie presents a genuine picture of the unrefined and strikingly raw life on the streets of Mumbai, the bustling financial hub of India.

Set in the backdrop of an everyday traffic signal, the film hypothetically puts a frame around a part of the city, capturing the microcosm of society. It revolves around characters who live and earn their livelihood around a traffic signal. The protagonist Silsila, played by popular Hindi film actor Kunal Kemmu, is the self-appointed manager of a traffic signal at a crowded Mumbai intersection.

The narrative portrays him as an astute manipulator who pulls strings of the entire operations of the signal. He collects 'haftas' (protection money) from the roadside vendors, beggars, and the eunuch community, and passes it to the local goons, demonstrating the unchecked and systemic corruption found deep in the veins of the society. Silsila also has a love interest, a street vendor named Rani, brilliantly portrayed by Neetu Chandra, who sells clothes at the traffic signal.

Upendra Limaye plays a pivotal role as 'Mike,' a sly and ambitious rival of Silsila, constantly looking for opportunities to take over as the new manager of the traffic signal. This conflicts powerfully with Silsila’s self-perception, triggering unexpected developments in the plot that significantly tests their relationships and survival instincts. The layered portrayals of these societal outcasts are notably infused with reality, successfully achieving a compelling empathetical connection with them.

In Traffic Signal, every character has a story that adds a unique dimension to the storyline and reflects the wide-ranging challenges of metropolitan life. Bhandarkar weaves in characters like shady stock market players,-addicts, impoverished immigrants, and desperate job seekers, depicting the stark reality of urban survival and human plight. The film equitably portrays the darker aspects of the city without making the audience uncomfortable, but urging them to ponder about the usually overlooked socio-economic systems that function on a day-to-day basis in Indian cities.

The film subtly addresses socio-economic and gender-related issues without resorting to melodrama, maintaining a neutrality that allows the audience to objectively experience the narrative. Bhandarkar, known for his realism, does a commendable job of exploring these issues within the realm of a commercial film format. The dialogue is crisp and impactful, and the songs, though limited in number, are used effectively to accentuate the narrative.

The cinematography by Mahesh Limaye is another outstanding aspect of Traffic Signal. His effective use of the camera, coupled with pragmatic detailing and art direction, contributes to the overall gritty but engaging environment of the film. This, in turn, makes the audience feel as if they are a part of the bustling city scene.

As an ensemble film, Traffic Signal thrives upon the collective performance of its cast. Kunal Kemmu successfully carries the weight of the film on his shoulders with his earnest and engaging performance as Silsila. Neetu Chandra and Upendra Limaye also give brilliant performances that add depth to the film. The supporting cast, comprising mainly of character actors, also delivers potent performances, breathing life into Bhandarkar’s canvas of urban life.

In conclusion, Traffic Signal is a brilliantly constructed movie that serves as a mirror of societal corruption and humanity at the same time. It brings forth nuanced storytelling and compelling performances. The movie combines a grounded narrative with the aesthetics of commercial cinema, making it an engrossing social commentary.