'Bhonsle' movie review: Manoj Bajpayee's film on Maharashtra's insider-outsider debate should have been a short film

'Bhonsle' 

Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Santosh Juvekar, Ipshita Chakraborty Singh, Virat Vaibhav, Abhishek Banerjee, Rajendra Sisadar, Kailash Waghmare, Shrikant Yadav, Neetu Pande

Director: Devashish Makhija 

Duration: One hour 58 minutes

Stars: 2.5/5

Where to Watch: Sony Liv

'Bhonsle' Story:

A retired cop (Ganpat Bhonsle, played by Manoj Bajpayee) is surrounded by a man with political aspirations trying to get rid of migrants. While the cop neither supports nor revolts standing strong with the affiliate, he happens to befriend a North Indian girl and her brother. Soon, they find themselves in a sutuation from which there is no turning back.

'Bhonsle' Review: 

At a time when the insider-outsider debate is at its peak and migrants walk back to reach their homes, comes a film 'Bhonsle', reminding us about how harsh life can get for those who leave their families and hometown to ensure they are fed. The story screams to find some justice, but can that be bought by merely observing?

A respected 60-year-old retired cop Ganpath Bhonsle, played by Manoj Bajpayee, represents many lives. It is an example of people who have remained mere observers till something happens close to home and we find the strength within us. The retired Maharashtrian cop is often compared to Lord Ganesha and sometimes even a dog. He leads a simple life and tries to keep his distance from people (again, very relevant during COVID-19 times). While Bajpayee's acting is on point as expected, the movie does justice to his character only till a limit.

'Bhonsle' is an extremely slow film, which picks up pace only during the second half, probably 45 minutes before the climax. It focuses too much on the 'extra space' (there is at least a minute shot of the radio, not kidding), and director Devashish Makhija has also repeated scenes at the beginning of the film (Manoj Bajpayee seen in a routine of washing vessels, cooking food and waiting for something to happen, only to not bother too much when something like constant 'Marathi maanus' slogan is happening). The sound effects in 'Bhonsle', especially a screeching noise in a few scenes with Manoj Bajpayee, really get to you.

Santosh Juvekar, who plays the role of a taxi driver with political inspiration, Vilas, is on a mission to clear migrants from the city and bring 'Marathi manoos' together. Bhonsle is constantly asked to show his support for the community but he instead chooses to stand with the truth, which is considered to be standing against the community at some point of time. Owing to certain situations, he happens to befriend two migrants 'Sita' and 'Lalu'. He is then faced with consequences which, again, underline one of the major issues in the society.

The movie also features Abhishek Banerjee, who has the guts to go against Vilas, but is not supported by his own family. Even in a cameo, he proves his acting prowess. He makes the first half of the film, which, mind you, is going extremely slowly, bearable. By this point, you would be clear that director Devashish has tried to make an art film but mainly succeeded with the storyline. He tries to recreate Old Bombay, but the only nostalgia I received from this Old Bombay is bread maska, a culture which can still be seen in a few bakeries from the olden era.

All in all, I could credit Devashish Makhija, Mirat Trivedi and Sharanya Rajgopal for writing a script which is not only relevant but much needed during this time. Even though I personally hoped there could be better justice for every issue in the film, the underline is that the issues were highlighted. The film, according to me, is a mirror which touches base with the tough life we all are living. However, if Makhija had removed some elements and focused purely on the script, mainly from the second half of the film, (even if it made for a short film), the movie could strike a chord with more audiences. Nonetheless, it was a great effort which could have been told in a better way. The movie is also likely to strike a chord with the audiences, who could find meme material in the movie.

'Bhonsle' verdict:

While 'Bhonsle' is very relevant in today's times, it would have been better as a short film.