Review : Pallyad : Neglected society’s questions raised in hard hitting way!

Despite #India getting independence 75 years back, there still are quite a few pockets in the society which are not considered equal. Constitution has given everyone equal rights and right to education. But in remote places education is denied to the sect which performs last rites of dead people. This #Smashanyogi (people staying outside the village, in the graveyards) section can not indulge in any other job than give salvation to the departed souls. Children in their families are expected to follow the same tradition and are denied right to the education. A film named #Pallyad voices out this problem in a very hard hitting way. It discusses the ambit of both sections of the society and stresses the importance of education for all.

Pallyad meaning Beyond focuses on one Smashanyogi family’s traditions, hopes and aspirations. Mahadu (Shashank Shende) is an old man who performs last rites of the dead people in a remote village in Devpat village of Chandrapur district in Maharashtra. For generations together their family has been doing this job without a break. His son is no more and Mahadu stays with his daughter in law Laxmi (Devika Daftardar) and grand son Shambhu (Ruchit Ninave). In turn, as per the tradition, he begs food items from the villagers. Laxmi doesn’t want her son’s future ‘burnt’ in the family ‘business’. She wants her son to get educated and become a doctor and serve the society’s physical as well as mental health. Shambu too is fond of going to school but the chief of village, Sarpanch, doesn’t allow it. Even Mahadu is against his son’s education for the fear of villagers throwing them out of the village or debar from from the society. Shambu and Laxmi slyly try to seek admission in the school. But when villagers find out about it all hell breaks loose. Villagers are skeptical about who’ll give salvation to their dead people if Smashanyogis get educated and go away from the village. How things work out in favour or against Shambu, Laxmi and Mahadu forms the crux of the story.

Debutant director Shailesh Dupare has handled the subject delicately without antagonising any section of the society. Each one has a different notion regarding life after death and that comes out nicely in the movie. Director focuses on the mentality of the society in general and the rights of deprived society. The director has kept the proceedings in a realistic fashion. But, maybe due to the subject, movie gets dragged at places. Music is good and Unch Unch Udu song stands out. Cinematography is excellent and the graveyard scenes look most realistic. Shashank Shende is excellent as a grand father and his approach towards the role is immensly realistic. Same goes for Devika Daftardar who dishes out yet another realistic portrayal. Newcomer child artist Ruchit Ninave is does justice to his character. Others lend good support.

Pallyad tries to showcase societal issues and presents a few solutions too.

***