Keyur Seta
Mumbai, 20 Mar 2020 9:30 IST
Manu Rishi Chadha brings his own version of the man whose videos went viral with his carefree dancing.
In May 2018, a video of ‘Dancing Uncle’ went crazily viral. The man, Sanjeev Shrivastava, became an overnight sensation after his carefree dance to Govinda and Neelam’s hit number ‘Aapke Aa Jane Se’ from Rakesh Roshan's Khudgarz (1987) was appreciated by one and all.
Shiladitya Bora’s short film is inspired by the Dancing Uncle, a rare fictional film inspired by a viral video of a common citizen.
Aapke Aa Jane Se takes place in a town in north India and follows the life of Rammo Babu (Manu Rishi Chadha) who lives with his wife and two children. He is an ordinary man who goes about his mechanical life between work and home. In other words, he is just a face in the crowd.
One day he is forced to dance at a wedding. After much hesitation, he finally gives in and dances to ‘Aapke Aa Jane Se’. Somebody records the video and it goes viral. Rammo Babu is now no longer just a face in the crowd.
Aap Ke Aa Jane Se is based in today’s times (obviously, given the technology it features), but it follows an approach that takes us back to the earlier Doordarshan days, when the world was seemingly much simpler.
This is because of the simple characters and their behaviour which steers clear of melodrama or loudness. The dialogues are more realistic yet entertaining. The production design matches today’s times but also oozes an old-world charm.
Manu Rishi Chadha has not tried to copy Sanjeev Shrivastava in any way. He has brought his own version of the ‘Dancing Uncle’ and proved once again how talented he is and how dedicated towards his art. He also surpasses the challenge of dancing in a particular way.
Aapke Aa Jane Se could have added a kick-providing moment in the end. But that still does not stop you from being impressed with this sweet slice-of-life tale.
Aapke Aa Jane Se was screened at the 18th Third Eye Asian Film Festival on 2 March 2020.
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