Director: Prashat Bhargava
Year: 2012
Country: India
Language: Hindi
While watching Patang, I was reminded of another joyous film known as Amelie. Both are sweet, wonderfully constructed pieces of art. The film almost looks like a documentary but surprisingly it's not. It is about culture, family, love and tradition. Perfectly crafted, the director Prashat Bhargava had a vision and sought to make it complete. If he is a perfectionist then he should not be ashamed, this film is what most filmmakers dream to accomplish. The story on paper would seem simple, but it is rather beautifully complex.
Patang draws us into a family based in Ahmendabad, a crowded city with insane traffic that somehow remains sane because of the thriving culture. The story takes place during the annual kite festival and involves a man from Delhi known as Javesh (Mukund ShuklaO who brings his daughter Priya (Sugandha Garg) on a long awaited visit to their relatives. This creates power struggles and tension within the family, as Javesh feels he has the right to involve himself in family decisions while others feel he has distanced himself from the family so much that he should be considered a stranger.
The colours and graceful architecture of the family\s house is more than inviting. Majestic, it seems like you would rather be in Ahmendabad than your own home. Despite how crowded the city is, it seems there are no strangers. No incredible acts of violence. Community that most of us would envy is shown. The film almost seems too happy and spirited, but alas there is heartbreak and trouble brewing. A beautifully filmed romance, shown in sensual and intimate closeups. doesn't work out. Though that's life I suppose and life goes on.
The kite flying itself is majestic. Trancending boundaries and worries. Trancending fear and doubt. It is peaceful to see these mighty kites dancing without inhibition and forget that we have very human problems. Patang is a wonderful story about healing and mending broken relationships. About making up for lost time and becoming better people. Brilliant, sad, but ultimately a great self reflection piece. Maybe if we watch more films like this we will forget about our differences and learn to respect one another as human beings.
In conclusion, Patang is a masterfully made film from India. It reaches the heart and mind, inspiring and uplifting those who watch it. I can certainly see it winning many awards, perhaps even a "Best foreign film" Oscar at the 2013 Academy Awards. Director Bhargava should be as proud of his film as I am. Praise it! 4/5
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