1-10-2008
No, it isn’t another Khuda Ke Liye (that talked about innocent Muslims caught up in jail after 9/11) but no less in terms of storyline and making. For those who have been following the recent surge of films from Pakistan, watching Mehreen Jabbar’s debut, Ramchand Pakistani, is a moving experience.
Based on an accidental crossing of the India-Pakistan border, Ramchand Pakistani dwells upon the tragedy of hundreds of innocent people from both the countries who suffer in jails, while their devastated families helplessly wait for their return.
It was interesting to see the filmmaker’s attempt to stick to the true story, or so she claims. As it is pointed out at the very beginning that the film has also been shot in the some of the locations where the actual incident took place.
Mehreen Jabbar’s film features a host of Indian and Pakistani artistes. Produced by Mehreen’s father, Javed Jabbar, Ramchand Pakistani is a tale of a poor father and son belonging to Hindu dalit (untouchable) community. They live in the desert village of Bhimra near the Pakistan-India border. The story dates back to the year 2002 when tensions between the two countries flared up following an attack on the Indian Parliament.
It so happens that little eight-year-old Ramchand (Syed Fazal Hussain) unmindfully crosses the demarcated but open border into India. Shankar (Rashid Farooqui), Ramchand’s father follows to get him back. Unfortunately, they get arrested and put behind the bars by Indian security on suspicion of being spies. While the father and son spend five years in prison (with an older Ramchand being played by Navaid), the mother, Champa (Nandita Das), struggles at home, praying for their safe return.
Most of the actors in this film deserve credit for their fine performances. The child actor, Syed Fazal Hussain, playing the younger Ramchand, stands at par with his senior colleagues in his expressions – from childish curiosity, anger, fear, longing to plain jealousy – he does it all naturally. Nandita Das as a hapless mother and wife contemplating suicide and then holding herself back choosing to wait for her son, looks real for sure. But your heart goes out for the desperate father played by Rashid Farooqui who picks up a fight to save his child from a paedophile in the prison. Maria Wasti as Kamla, the feisty prison officer, who initially refuses to take care of Ramchand and later befriends him, is definitely worth a mention.
Certain frames in the film, like capturing the desert skyline of Thar in riveting wide shots, makes for a visual treat. The film has some heart wrenching moments as well. For example the love-hate relationship between the father and son is really touching.
While Khuda Kay Liye was refreshingly bold and non-formulaic, Mehreen’s Ramchand Pakistani runs more on the conventional lines. If one is looking for a hard-hitting film on the lives of innocent prisoners, this is not the one. Here the prison is a bit too clean, the guards are likeable, and the prisoners accept their unjust fate without complaining ever. The film stretches a bit too long in the middle, which takes away the charm for a while.
The soundtrack composed by Indian composer Debojyoti Mishra could have been better. The music, except for one song sung by Shubha Mudgal, fails to touch a chord.
VERDICT: A fine attempt with some noteworthy performances, Ramchand Pakistani is worth a watch.
Rating: 2.5/ 5
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