Language : Gujarati
Release date: 14 October 2022
Starring: Bhavin Rabari, Bhavesh Shrimali, Richa meena
Directed by: Pan Nalin
Produced by: Chhello show pvt Ltd, Monsoon films, Jugad motion pictures
Music by: Cyril morin
Cinematography :Swapnil sonawane
Edited by : shreyas bettangdy, pavan bhat
Chhello Show (Last Film Show) is Gujarati coming-of-age drama film directed by Pan Nalin. It stars Bhavin Rabari, Bhavesh Shrimali, Richa Meena, Dipen Raval and Paresh Mehta. The film premiered at the 20th Tribeca Film Festival on 10 June 2021. This film was selected as the Indian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards.
What works
What makes Chhello Show so appealing? The concept that appeals to every cinephile. Moviegoers frequently recall when and where they first saw their favourite films. Something about the movie’s effect on us, or the audience with whom we saw it, has left an indelible imprint on our memories. The narrative is presented smoothly in a linear structure, and the gradual pace allows viewers to become emotionally invested in the story and characters. Enchanting cinematography and crisp editing contribute to the visual appeal, particularly in shots of the rural landscape.
These depict the children’s liberation to dream and aspire. As time passes, we can see how digital cinema has impacted the jobs of reel projectionists in cinemas. Though I believe that change is difficult, not all changes are destructive. In some ways, I believe this cinema development is portrayed negatively when it could be interpreted positively, especially since digital mediums saved cinema from disaster during the pandemic.
Bhavin Rabari is a natural in his debut. He immediately captures the audience’s attention as he falls in love with the film, mesmerised by the light and dark that comprise the visuals on the screen. Samay’s final loss of innocence is tragic.
Shrimali is charming as the projectionist who has seen it all but is gracious enough to share his knowledge. Samay’s group of friends, who help him in all of his misadventures, are hilarious.
However, Swapnil S Sonawane‘s cinematography, which conveys youthful nostalgia and a love of movies in every shot, is the true hero of Chhello Show. Any cinephile would be devastated by the lengthy episode in which a film projector and reels are carried away and tragically destroyed.
What not works
There are no similarities other than film and theatre and the relationship with the theatre operator, even though the period, people, and narrative are different. However, Chhello show occasionally makes me think of the iconic 1988 Italian classic film Cinema Paradiso.
Bottomline
A nostalgic journey through the ultimate art, Cinema.
Masterpiece!!!
