Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Jaya Prakash Narayan on CD
|
A film on Jaya Prakash Narayan attempts to take him close to the people
|
The timing of Uppala Narsimham's Telugu CD on `JP' (from birth to launch of a political banner) under the category of `biographical film' could not have been more appropriate. The Lok Satta party was launched a few months ago by bureaucrat-cum-innovative leader of the present day Andhra Pradesh-Jaya Prakash Narayan.
Not biographical
The `film' is definitely not biographical as the producer claims it to be in as much there is no chronological account of JP's life and career; it documents a series of interviews by the author with the principal personality but then it does not run like a documentary either-it's more interesting with a dash of aesthetic music, pictures and song rather than just reports and news gathering.
Picturesque presentation of metaphors like a parallel rail track as JP speaks of a democracy that has been derailed (gaadi tappina prajasaamyam), colourful sketches of French revolution, demonstration of Archimedes principle, statues of Greek philosopher-political thinker Plato while drawing comparisons to the man in focus lend the right emphasis to the viewer. A quick change of scenes with stills from earlier photographs of Jaya Prakash Narayan as a student, a medico at Guntur Medical College and later as Collector of a district and such others which are really interesting to those who do not know much about JP's antecedents have been dealt with rather brusquely.
Looks like Narasimham wanted to accommodate the political philosophy of the man in as many interviews as possible without resorting to pamphleteering or visual propaganda.
Wide range of issues
The film does rise above more so because of the stature of the main character itself. JP's tremendous insight into democracy, political systems of other nations and a wide range of issues both international and national from which he draws innumerable instances to project a point of view- is something that compels admiration and gives the film its depth. And its not just glib talk but a multi-dimensional approach to politics with the courage of one's conviction that makes the man worthy of being filmed.
Nothing appeals like truth, and here is man whose truthfulness is so evident that people are `not led' to but `want to' believe him. Certain `JP isms', which by now have turned popular adages strike the viewer and sets mind thinking. The Vande Mataram song tuned differently echoes through the backdrop of lush green fields, gushing waters, blue skies and rustic landscape-all contributing to the refined touch of the film. Minor flaws like actor Nagarjuna being made to talk on Lok Satta which he did as if he was advertising a cola brand, JP pointing a finger towards Guntur Medical College as if he is a tourist guide trying to tell us what it is and the unsteady camera zooming in on JP as he continues to speak could have been avoided as they marred the nicety of the narration. As such Jaya Prakash Narayan should pace his talk to being a little slow instead of rushing at great speed if his points of view are to peter down to the people at large. RCM Babu's commentary was clear and cultivated.
Priced at Rs.55 the CD is obviously meant to be within the reach of an average, literate citizen.
RANEE KUMAR
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
