Review : Joram : Survival drama in a socio political scenario!

In the wake of global warming, a question is raised about vanishing greenery. Cutting of forests in the name of development have created other problems too. The tribals who resides in jungles or forests are left homeless because of this encroachment. This has created a menace of Maoism. Majority of population migrate while others indulge in activities against the government and rest are considered ‘sympathisers. Taking these things into account the story of #Joram is weaved with socio political issues wherein #ManojBajpayee gives an outstanding performance.

Dasru Kerkatta (Manoj Bajpayee) is a construction site worker staying in a shanty on location with his wife Vanoo (Tanishtha Chatterjee) and a three year old daughter, Joram. MLA Phulo Karma (Smita Tambe Dwivedi) from his area back home in Jharkhand happens to visit the sight and spots him. He has a background of being a Maoist. Suddenly his wife is found dead and before he can gauge the situation he is declared a culprit. He runs away from there alonwith his small daughter and returns to his village after about 5-6 years. A police officer Ratnakar Bagul (Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub) is on his trail and reaches his village. Moreover MLA Phulo is after his life and instructs the local police to shoot him at sight. What transpires after and in between this survival drama is the crux of the narration.

The story has too many references and in sub text tries to convey the issues regarding deforestation, maoist menace, displacement of tribals, the greed of local politicians etc. Sometimes these points sideline the main narrative. The director tells the story intensely and the proceedings on the screen will make viewers think about Mother Nature. This survival drama has lesser dialogues and capture only 40% of the screen time. Rest of proceedings are beautifully depicted through visuals. The cinematography is fabulous and the natural background sound lends authenticity. Manoj Bajpayee is outstanding as a helpless as well as a hapless father. He looks the character and brings the intricate nuances of it to the fore. He carries the entire film on his shoulder. He is well supported by Smita Tambe Dwivedi and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub. Smita’s raw looks and menacing eyes adds to coldbloodyness of the character. Zeeshan plays the humane character effectively. Rest of the cast lends good support.

Joram is an off best film which strongly advocates the issues around deforestation and displacement of tribals and connoisseurs of good cinema will adore it.

Rating: ***1/2