Movie Review : Daayen Ya Baayen

October 29, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Daayen Ya Baayen means “right or left” in English. This is exactly how the mind of the lead character of the movie Ramesh Majila kept dwindling for his need of recognition and the limited version of looking at himself through the eyes of other people. This film is about a Quoxotian character, inspired from our folk tales of the Himalayas. The movie is simple and believable yet it lacks the drive at several instances.

Deepak Dobriyal of Omkara plays the role of Ramesh Majila who returns to his small scenic village located in the mountains of Uttarakhand. He is looked upon as a hero as any other city return man is treated in the villages of India. He claims to be a writer by profession in Mumbai and wrote for many of the serials that were telecasted. Soon he turns a joke for all the villagers when he decides to settle down in the village and takes the job of a English teacher at the local school. He is looked down by not only the villagers but also his wife for his impractical ambition of opening a Kala Kendra ( art center) , poetic thoughts and radical ways of teaching.

Life takes a dramatic turn for him when one of his random poetic invention gets selected for an ad jingle and wins him a swanky luxurious red car. This prize gets him adorns and love from children and grudge from others. He rises to a heroic status overnight. However his life spirals into a series of comic conflicts as he struggles to match the rest of his life to the car that adorns his cowshed, undoing himself completely in the process and losing the respect of his most ardent fan, his young son. When the car is stolen, he sets out on a journey to recover something more than his prized possession – his lost dignity.

Director Bela Negi has attempted to give a very sweet and simple film and I would say that she has pretty well succeeded in doing so. This film makes way for filmmakers who along with entertaining are also trying to create a meaningful cinema showcasing the realities of life. Though the movie is based on the life of a villager and the general problems faced in a village, it underlines certain identities, values and aspirations which are common among all the people. This movie deals with materialistic aspirations and down to earth issues, but with comic lining. The story is straightforward and different but it is the dialogues that make it more entertaining. Each and every character in the movie is typical and once can easily relate to them. The best part about the film is that it doesn’t lose it humour even at the darkest point.

Deepak Dobriyal has given a brilliant performance as the main protagonist. His acting ability and perfect comic timing stands testimony to his years spent in theater. He would be treat to watch on the screen for the observant and attentive audience. He is a powerful actor and a treat for the observant audiences. The movie would be much appreciated by those who can understand the subtle intricacies of the story, the idiosyncrasies of its various characters, the dialogues, and the overall humour and light heartedness of the film. Without any doubt ,this is one of his finest performance on screen. He has very beautifully played the roles of a day-dreamer, poet, visionary, husband, father and above all a messy loser. His character is beautifully supported by Badrul Islam, a fanboy hopelessly sweet in his own way. Pratyush as Ramesh’s son radiates lot of potential and is simply adorable throughout the movie.

Daayen Ya Baayen is slated to release on 29th October, 2010. It is a simple but stretched film. Though it is elongated yet it is enjoyable.

- Neha Agrawal


-StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto