KAIREE (2000)

Directed by Amol Palekar and based on famous Marathi writer G. A. Kulkarni’s short story, the film is a story of a ten years old girl visiting her Taanimausi’s home after her mother’s death. It’s different world for the girl who enjoys and struggles to cope up with new home, cane in hand teacher and bullying schoolmates. Taanimausi’s brute husband is just horrible. But she has a Mausi with a heart of gold. Both childless Taanimausi and the girl share touching moments of child’s innocent joys along with corrupt face of adult world. Intimacy and bonding of Taanimausi helps the girl to create her own way in a long run.

From the very first scene Palekar narrated and showed the film from the uncorrupt and innocent world of ten year old girl played so naturally by Yogita Deshmukh. Its meaningful film made with fine sensitivity maintaining sublime emotions. The setting in a remote and natural Maharashtrian village works as rejuvenation where the simple and innocent joys of life lies in sleeping under a banyan tree, touching finger to touch me not plant and sorrows lies in losing possessed old coin, unable to watch peacock, missing ice gola outside school when others enjoy it. It’s difficult to bring the essence of regional short story in film but Palekar is artist and he made a film which brings genuine smile and tears to your eyes without letting you know. It rediscovers the inner strength of woman helping her to mould a beautiful tomorrow in our patriarchal and male dominated society.

Shilpa Navalkar’s act as Taanimausi is one of the most natural act I have ever seen. It seems like she breathes the life to writer’s imagination. Notable to mention the supporting cast with almost all strong Marathi actors- Atul Kulkarni, Mohan Gokhale, Upendra Limaye and with a special appearance of Sonali Kulkarni.

Highly Recommended for all alternate cinema lovers.

Ratings-8/10