Hardik Mehta's 2015 film continues to be a crowd pleaser at the IFFI 2016, with its lovely little glimpse into the kite-flying craze in Ahmedabad.
Amdavadma Famous review: Brilliant, funny take on kite-flying obsession
Panaji - 24 Nov 2016 12:38 IST
Updated : 15:53 IST
Shriram Iyengar
Film: Amdavadma Famous
Rating: 3/5
The democratic nature of film festivals offers little films as much of a chance as the big blockbuster. Hardik Mehta's wonderful little non-feature documentary, Amdavadma Famous, is one such cinematic enterprise. The tale of Zain Khedewala's thirst for kite-flying, which he shares with the whole of Ahmedabad and the residents of Dhal Ni Pol during the annual festival of Uttarayan, captures you with its visual imagery and sweet narrative. The sheer craze for kites, the risks children take, and the silliness of adults who fall for their tricks adds to the allure of Mehta's film. It remains one of the brighter films in the Indian Panorama section at IFFI 2016.
Mehta shot the visually appealing film over two years allowing tales, a little gossip, and personal experiences to seep in. Having worked with an array of directors like Vikramaditya Motwane on Lootera (2013), Vikas Bahl on Queen (2014), and Dev Benegal on Road, Movie (2010), Mehta has managed to take the next step with assurance. His roving eye captures the little details, the smiles, the squabbles, and the joys of flying kites with ease. Though the film might seem a little biased towards the kite-fliers, it does eke out the surrealism and innocent joy of the festival.
It might not be the biggest name at IFFI 2016, but Amdavadma Famous certainly has the potential to grow into a famous one.
Director: Hardik Mehta
Producers: Akanksha Tiwari, Arya A Menon
DoP: Piyush Puty
Runtime: 30 minutes
