GIRNI Review

MOVIE: GIRNI
DIRECTION: UMESH KULKARNI
CAST: MADAN DEODHAR, RENUKA DAFTARDAR, CHANDRAKANT GOKHALE

Girni is the right movie to watch for all those who aspire to make a good short movie. One thing that would immediately shoot up into your head is a family’s poverty and its struggle to earn money. What’s more is the twenty minute long movie throws light on the influence of a grinding machine on a child’s psyche. Surely the theme of the movie is such, it’s no wonder the film has won the National award and Maharashtra State award for the best short film. Though the script remains simple, good visual motifs cover it up and remain a stand out. Just to prove how good the visual motifs are here are a few scenes you must not miss. First of all, the one where Sameer (the protagonist) is shown sleeping; and instant later he is shown leaving to school. This is an excellent method to cover the passage of time. Repetition of certain scenes, like those where Sameer’s mother pays installment show routine activity. So the direction overall has been good.
Furthermore, viewers get a feel into the boy’s psyche, thanks to good sound designing. Throughout the movie the audience hears the sound of the grinding machine which actually is the sound going on in the boy’s head. Scenes like the boy banging his head, in short trying to make the sound stop is symbolic of this. Another good example is when the boy hears only the sound of the machine even when there are lots of other sounds around. This technique has been well used, which also was used in Fountain (starring Hugh Jackman).
Humour though not the ones that would make you laugh your gut out, is well portrayed. Scenes to look out for humour are the boy’s initial enthusiasm towards working and not playing with the rest of his friends who tease him. Also a combination of rage, humour and frustration has been effectively put in (the scene where the boy shouts and learns his math tables)
The climax of the movie is one that could be predicted, however the best part is the end- as to what happens to the boy- is left to the viewer’s interpretation.
In a single line, good direction, visual motifs, sound and not to forget, good acting skills by the child actor makes the movie worth a watch, perhaps more than one!