There's no denying in the fact that Vishal Bhardwaj has created his own unique style of making films; be it the Shakespearean adaptation or a Ruskin Bond's short story, Bhardwaj makes it as his own while portraying it on the silver screen. From his very first film Makdee, he started receiving critical acclaims as a director followed by Maqbool, The Blue Umbrella, Omkara, Kaminey and 7 Khoon Maaf. His every film has a special touch which is amusing and raises the viewers expectations. His latest offering Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is as unique a film as its name is. The film revolves around the three titular characters and gives a strong message put through a very cleverly thought of political humour.
Bhootni Wala Matru :
Imran Khan plays the role of Hukkam Singh Matru whose family has served the Mandola family for years. After completing his studies in Delhi, he is unable to get a job so he returns to his family village to serve Harry Mandola. Though Matru serves his master but he works mainly for the farmers in the village fighting for their rights and has a secret name "Mao"; 'Mao for Maoist', yes that's right, it is a cleverly written film which gives a minor detail on literally every social problems our farmers are suffering these days. Matru is the hero of the farmers and does every bit possible to rescue their lands from the industrialists. Imran Khan plays his part well, in fact one of his best works till date; his rugged look gives an extra ounce of freshness in his character. Though sometimes he looses the "Haryanvi" accent but it's acceptable.
Meena Kumari-complex Wali Bijli :
Anushka Sharma plays the role of 'Bijli', Mandola's daughter, with full enthusiasm and energy needed for the role. Her character has nothing much to do with the message apart from being a relationship-builder between the capitalist and the industrialist. Bijli's father fixes her marriage with her long time friend 'Badal', played by Arya Babbar, the son of Chaudhry Devi (Shabana Azmi) in an alliance to sell the farmers' land to her. Anushka Sharma is very natural with the role.
Pencho-Pencho Wala Mandola :
If the trailer shows Imran Khan as the main lead in the film, it's totally a wrong impression for the audience because the main hero of the film is the extremely talented and multifaceted - Pankaj Kapur. He plays the role of Harry Mandola, the industrialist whose dream is to build his village a fully developed industrial hub. Harry Mandola has two faces : before drinking and after drinking. After having his favourite alcohol brand, "Gulabo" he becomes 'Hariya', the friend of the village people and even initiates a protest march against himself when drunk. Pankaj Kapur has done full justice to this role and has taken it to another level more than which the writer might have expected while writing. His comic timing, reaction time, emotional scenes, chemistry with Gulabo and Imran are just perfect and worth watching. Be it his "Haryanvi" accent uttering "pencho-pencho" after every sentence is just hilarious.
On the whole, Bhardwaj's direction may have lacked the intensity like his previous ventures but this film is of substance carrying a great message with a unique style of portraying it backed by some brilliant writing and performances. MKBKM is a good watch, the only thing you feel is watching a full-length satirical play but it can be easily ignored whenever you watch Pankaj Kapur literally enjoying his character and entertaining the viewers to the fullest.
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