Long in the making Pankh narrates the tale of the dilemma of a young boy who is cast in girl’s roles in movies as a kid. He even goes on to receive National Awards playing baby Kusum. However, major problems arise as the boy born as Jerry (Maradona), christened Master Jai for the movies and rechristened Baby Kusum to play a girl, starts noticing the physical changes happening in him.
All Jerry has for company are his pet turtles and when he isn’t conversing with them he is fantasizing about Nandini (Bipasha Basu) an imaginary and a stunning actress. His frustration leads him to heavy boozing and drugs abuse. Till one day his mom feels the timing is right and she forces Jerry to accompany her to the sets! From here on, Jerry’s turmoil gets accentuated and it seems that there is no escape for him from pain.
Long stuck in the cans, debutante director Sudipto Chattopadhyay’s Pankh is not meant for an average cinegoer as it is more of a festival circuit film. Extremely dark and disturbing, it makes for a very uneasy watch what with the climax being the ultimate shocker. While the first half breezes quickly, the second leaves you confused what with the maker going in for too much symbolic metaphors and bizarre stuff.
First timer actor Maradona Rebello appears to have given it his all and has come out with a very impressive performance. Bipasha Basu is simply dull having nothing much to do but look stunning. Mahesh Manjrekar playing the role of a writer with effeminate mannerisms brings in the much needed comic relief. Ronit Roy is good. Lilette Dubey is unintentionally hilarious at places for being too hysterical. Amit Purohit needs a crash course in acting. Sanjeeda Sheikh is convincing in her act. Asha Sachdev has been rightly cast.
If you are not feeble hearted and want to watch a film whose climax leaves you stunned and heavy in the head then Pankh may be a film for you. But don’t expect any entertainment value from this one.
Rating: 1.5/5
Starring: Maradona Rebello, Lilette Dubey, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Ronit Roy, Mahesh Manjrekar, Amit Purohit, Bipasha Basu
Director: Sudipto Chattopadhyay
