Film: “Chandlo” (Streaming on Jio Cinema); Duration: 115 minutes; Director: Hardik Gajjar; Cast: Manav Gohil, Shraddha Dangar, Jayesh More, Kaajal Oza Vaidya, Jayesh More, Ojas Raval; Produced By: Jio Studios, Parth Gajjar, Poonam Shroff;
Sensitively directed by ace director Hardik Gajjar who had earlier delivered the 2021 released Bhavai, this time with ‘Chandlo,’ gives us a sweet, mature and compelling film about second chances in love.
His film with a revolutionary theme, based on Kaajal Oza Vaidya’s short story of the same name stands out despite it being made in the regional language Gujarati. The film has a universal appeal and is making waves as one among good cinema across all languages.
Kudos to the director for taking the untrodden path of selecting a bold regional story that seldom finds a foot in the Hindi film Industry.
The narrative unravels the emotional and logistical baggage of losing someone and then finding love once again. But who says, age, falling in love for the second time and marrying is cake walk? Our culture or society is the biggest hindrance and the director handles this subject tactfully.
As bonding and relationships between the protagonists unfurl, the narrative gets complex and intriguing. Here, as the chemistry between the cast alters the equation literally and figuratively, we find apart from the direction, the writing too is the strongest element of the film.
To begin with, the title, ‘Chandlo’ has a dual meaning and is aptly used for the film. It means a token or a gift given on an auspicious occasion and it also means a bindi or the coloured dot applied in the centre of the forehead mostly by most Indian women. And, you realise this missing on the foreheads of the two leading women in the film.
Aastha (Shraddha Dangar) is a young forlorn lass living with Meera (Kaajal Oza Vaidya)mother in law and a professor. Their lives get upended when Ghazal singer Sharan (Manav Gohil) enters their lives and ends up staying in the same building they live in.
On the surface, the story may appear like a predictable love triangle but it is the easy-going chemistry between the cast that makes you empathise with them. Their relationships unravel subtly and their pragmatic approach to life is positive and adorable.
Metaphors too are seamlessly woven into the narrative, giving meaning to the telling. Sample this dialogue: “You keep a bird in a cage for years and then you may open the cage. It is not necessary that it will fly away. It doesn’t have the idea of freedom.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the older woman rejecting love.
The plot is linear, with the narrative having a single-minded focus on delivering its message to its audience, and it succeeds in its endeavour.
The casting in the film is perfect. Kaajal Oza Vaidya in her maiden debut as the older woman keen on fulfilling her obligations is remarkable. She is spot-on with displaying her emotion effectively. You feel her pain and misery. She is aptly supported by Shraddha Dangar who essays the role of the Aastha. She is the epitome of a pampered daughter and scores in her realistic portrayal of the character.
Manav Gohil’s physical aggression on screen may appear as an aberration, but nevertheless, he delivers a decently likable and perfunctory performance in a well-etched character.
Jayesh More as Tapas, Meera’s friend and colleague in an ungratifying character is a delight to watch, and similarly, the rest of the supporting cast deliver what is expected of them.
The film sparkles with moderate production values. DOP Hrishikesh Ghandi’s camera movements are flawless and the visuals are perfect. The background score by Prasad Sashte and the music by Sachin Jigar elevate the viewing experience.
Overall, the film will surely touch an emotional chord with the viewers.
