A SWEET AND SOUR ODE: MURAMBA

 


Cast: Amey Wagh, Mithila Palkar, Sachin Khedkar, Chinmayee Sumeet

Director: Varun Narvekar


A poster of Muramba

Source: IMDb

Being a non- Marathi, I can still say firmly that this film will not make you feel alienated rather it will involve you in the story swiftly with utmost simplicity. This 2017 Marathi film is a perfect blend of ethnicity and modernity. The writer-director Varun Narvekar marked his debut direction with Muramba. He has effortlessly played with the structure of the film which is a pleasure to watch. 

The film begins with an end of a three years relationship of Alok (Amey Wagh) and Indu (Mithila Palkar) who have known each other since school days and get into relationship while pursuing their MBA. Both the families (boy's and girl's) are aware about their romantic involvement and all of them are fine with this relationship. The problem arises when Indu and Alok broke off. Alok’s parents (Sachin Khedkar and Chinmayee Sumeet) do not comprehend this concept of breaking up and they try to find out the reasons behind it. And they soon get to know about the other side of story with the help of Indu. Eventually, the whole scenario gets clear when Indu enters the frame.

In this way, the linear structure of the story is played around by Narvekar as there are flashbacks and montage sequence in the beginning. Yet the feel and connectivity isn’t lost in any of the scenes. This romantic drama movie is not filled with melodrama and over the top romance still it conveys everything related to the theme of love and family. And that is the beauty of this film.

The honest conversations between son and father where Pune city plays along a role of metaphorical character. For example, when a tension builds up during their converse a mild showering happens in background. Also the depiction of generation gap through a disagreement between son and mother, wherein his mother gets blank in the midst of heated argument and leaves, she discusses out with his father that sometimes it gets so cruel to bring up a youngster. This film deals problems pragmatically and maturely only through simple communication which creates a sombre yet a pleasant mood.

The story is usual but the layers added to it and the treatment given to it makes all difference. The establishment of modern family relations where things are open and honest is one of the characteristics I adore about Muramba. And there are certain rib-tickling moments when the conventionality of parents questions the modern issues of youngsters. For instance, the unacceptability of Alok’s parents of his breaking up with Indu as according to their mind set; clashes and confusions are normal in a relationship and that is how we all learn and grow when in love. This traditional understanding leads to recognising the problem and solving it up happily.

It goes without saying that the realistic performances of all the actors made this film an ode to watch. But I would like to mention; the digital sensation, Mithila Palkar is a natural performer and steals the scene whenever she enters the space, even though Muramba is her debut in Marathi films.

The cinematography done by Milind Jog is beautiful as he didn’t just showcase Pune city as an allegory but even the indoor scenes are well framed keeping in mind the moods and tones of the story. The music is also light hearted and suits pleasantly. Even the production design has done a great work by giving the visuals a real life feels. For instance, the planning for the costumes of characters, they wear the same morning clothes after coming back from a restaurant. This gives a fine touch of realism.

So just like the film’s name Muramba; a sweet, sour and tad spiced jam is definitely worth for a treat to your senses. It is available on Netflix.

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