Kaam Chalu Hai Movie Review: It’s been a while since we’ve seen Rajpal Yadav embody a poignant character like Mithilesh Babu from Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh or Chander from Kushti. While the world has, time and again, witnessed his bravura as a leading comic actor across iconic films like Phir Hera Pheri, Dhol, Khatta Meetha, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, his ingenia to concatenate with the masses, through author-backed roles mirrors the versatility and range he possesses as an actor. Palaash Mucchal’s Kaam Chalu Hai serves as a scintillating example for the same. The tragic drama film that traces the ill-fated story of a father, is bound to leave you with a lump in your throat. For a change, Rajpal Yadav might make you cry but without the laughter.
‘Kaam Chalu Hai’ tells the real-life story of Manoj Patil (played by Rajpal Yadav), a dedicated father, living with his small family in Sangli, who transforms his grief into a powerful movement for change. In Manoj’s world, his daughter Gudiya (played by Kurangi Nagrak) and wife Radha (played by Giaa Manek) are everything to him. Manoj’s main goal in life is to fulfill his daughter’s ambition of becoming a cricketer.
From accompanying her daughter to cricket camps to imparting enriching values through stories and anecdotes, Manoj strives hard to provide Gudiya with the best possible environment to thrive, at times to the sheer annoyance of Radha, who equally wants Gudiya to excel in her studies. Despite their limited means, a rickety scooter to drive around, this family of three cherishes and enjoys each other’s company. The bond is depicted like one of those family paintings that we used to make as children.
When Gudiya gets a chance to participate in a cricket tournament, his aspirations soar. However, tragedy strikes and it crumples their perfect family drawing as Gudiya’s dreams are shattered in a heartbreaking accident caused by the negligent actions of the authorities. The narrative shifts to how Manoj copes with the loss of his daughter. Instead of succumbing to despair, he embarks on a remarkable journey to ensure that no other family experiences a similar tragedy. His transformation from grief to advocacy is what makes ‘Kaam Chaalu Hai’ a tale of resilience and inspiration.
At first glance, Palaash Mucchal’s Kaam Chalu Hai might be perceived as a straightforward, simplistic story of an idyllic family. The sets are not extravagant, there are no creative or flashy sequences that have become a norm in the current slew of movies and shows. And yet even without those flashy elements, the film stands out solely due to its cohesive script, the performances by the leading actors and its ability to make you feel for its characters and their plight.
Simplicity being the nucleus of this film, the makers explore the bond between Manoj, Radha and Gudiya realistically through some familiar and salubrious moments. Whether it’s Gudiya’s curiosity about growing up or her determination to make her father proud or Manoj’s doting nature towards his daughter and his affable reaction to Gudiya’s innocent and harmless musings, there are a lot of moments to navigate through, that will fill your heart with joy.
One is able to connect with this wholesome family of three to the extent that they start seeing them as their own, an important virtue that many filmmakers in present times lack. Besides evoking the feeling of empathy and a sense of familiarity and pity for these characters, the film also tenderly sends out a message that will stop you in your tracks and would make you ponder. However, towards the latter half of its run, Kaam Chalu Hai stagnates for a while, but picks up again towards the end. The film could have been longer and Palaash Mucchal should have delved into more angles around these characters.
The music and the background score adds to the identity of the film. Saurabh Singh Senger has done a phenomenal job. The score itself is reminiscent of films like Sairat. As for the songs produced by Deepak Gupta, the choice of singers like Javed Ali, Divya Kumar, Papon and Palak Mucchal leaves an ever-lasting impact on you. The cinematography by Parvez Pathan is taut and he leaves no stone unturned by capturing powerful frames throughout the film, especially during the climax.
After Apurva in which Rajpal Yadav essayed a cold-blooded and ruthless lout, the actor surprises you with his portrayal of a soft, hard-working, affectionate father like Manoj. His screen presence remains strong throughout the length of the movie and the range of emotions he displays truly speaks about his versatility as an actor. His on-screen daughter played by Kurangi Nagrak complements his energy with her innocence and sincerity. It was heartening to see the two of them together in scenes. On the other hand, Giaa Manek who has dabbled extensively in television before excels as Radha, despite the limited scope of the character. She brings her own personality to the character that adds balance to the overall dynamics of the on-screen Patil family.
To sum it up, Kaam Chalu Hai manages to address a very pertinent civic issue, through a real life inspired story of a simple and rooted family. There is depth in its narrative, rectitude in the actors and their performances and an encompassing simplicity that we all crave as viewers. This Palaash Mucchal’s film is impactful, crucial and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, touching upon some indelible moments that we’ve all been privy to in our personal lives.
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