Star Cast: Richa Chadda , Vicky Kaushal, Sanjay
Mishra, Shweta Tripathi, Vineet Kumar
Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
Producers: Sikhya Entertainment, Phantom Films,
Drishyam Films, Maccassar Productions
Music: Indian Ocean, Bruno Coulais
Writers: Neeraj Ghaywan, Varun Grover
What’s Good: The premise of ‘ Masaan ’ is fairly
engaging. Parallel stories of two young people
who have grown up surrounded by the Hindu rites
of death, already establish that their
circumstances are a disadvantage. How
traditional small towns norms can damage a
person’s life is subtly argued. The film is effective
without filmy drama.
A second good reason is its narrative which plays
out like a slice of real life minus the moroseness.
In dialogues, writing & it’s use of Hindi couplets,
‘ Masaan ’ has brilliantly captured truisms of
Eastern Uttar Pradesh’s local culture.
What’s Bad: Masaan comes across an unclear on
it’s central argument at times; in keeping
everything low key & subtle, it’s narrative
confuses if the film is highlighting social taboos &
their impact; or is it just focusing on human
reactions to unforeseen circumstances.
The film’s backdrop is unseen, and its story
ambitious in it’s attempt to tackle complexities.
Which is where, Masaan flounders slightly &
slows its pace.
Loo break: You could take one, but best to wait
for the interval.
‘ Masaan ’ tells two stories at the same time- that
of a young girl whose adventurous fling ends in
disaster for her and her father. Wrangling to meet
blackmail payments, and facing social shaming,
she shoulders on to build an independent career.
Her father runs a small shop of last rites goods at
a Benaras cremation ghat. Acceptance of fate
comes naturally to him even as he is simmering
with hurt.
The second story is of a young, promising
engineering student who wants to leave behind
his origins as a son of a professional cremator.
He falls in love with a luminous, lovely upper
caste girl, but then life takes a tragic turn. His
acceptance of fate doesn’t come easy. Picking
himself up, he rebuilds his future.
Paths of these two young people cross in
Allahbad, and hope is reborn.
This isn’t a dramatic, thrilling plot. However,
‘ Masaan ’ is narrated beautifully and realistically.
It captures small town realities in a rare, unseen
setting of the cremation grounds. Through all it’s
complexities, the somnumbulent Ganges runs
through, bringing in serenity & a reality check.
Masaan Review: Script Analysis
Masaan is a solid, heartfelt, human story. In it’s
treatment, its closer to European cinema.
Having said that, the script doesn’t pack
surprises. A crucial plot point in the male
protagonist’s life is almost predictable. It’s easy
to understand why this film might appeal so
much to European festival audiences. It’s an
untold celluloid story. But in it’s pace, and
tendency to underplay emotions, ‘ Masaan ’ slows
down when it shouldn’t.
Masaan Review: Star Performances
In ‘ Masaan ’, the best performance is that of
Sanjay Mishra. Secondly, Vineet Kumar, as a
professional cremator, is brilliant. Pankaj Tripathi
is surprisingly charming.
Vicky Kaushal & Shweta Tripathi show promise,
display natural chemistry & deliver the most
convincing onscreen kissing scene in a long time!
Richa Chaddha however, despite getting a strong
part, doesn’t always deliver. She comes across
as cold in some scenes, although at most times
she fits her character perfectly.
Masaan Review: Music, Direction &
Cinematography
The film’s un garnished, raw cinematography is a
strong plus, and it’s easy blend with Indian
Ocean’s soundtrack is simply stunning. Bruno
Coulais also delivers background music
completely in sync with the film. It’s rooted
sounds grow on you.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan is definitely a find, a
fresh new voice; one that is brave and
uncomplicated in story telling. He has introduced
authenticity in a rare story & delivered a sensitive
film with finesse.
Masaan Review: The Last Word
Masaan is a must watch for the discerning film
audience. It’s also a break from big-ticket
commercial films. It’s not an entertaining film,
but a satisfying watch.
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