Cycle review: Prakash Kunte's film takes you on a two-wheeler joyride

Malgudi Days aired about 30 years ago, but even the mention of the television series brings smiles to those who have watched it. The very relatable story-lines, innocence of its characters are all imprinted on its audience's collective psyche.   

Director Prakash Kunte’s Cycle evokes a similar feeling. Perhaps unintentionally, the film is a heartwarming ode to Malgudi Days. 

Set in 1948 in the Konkan region, Cycle tells the story of Keshav (Hrishikesh Joshi), an astrologer staying with his elder brother, wife (Deepti Lele) and daughter (Maithili Patwardhan). He is known far and wide for his kind and noble nature. But Keshav has his own queer fetish — he is in love with his cycle, a gift from his grandfather. 

His simple life turns topsy-turvy when two seasoned thieves Mangya (Priyadarshan Jadhav) and Gajya (Bhalchandra Kadam) enter the village to carry out their next robbery. They succeed in looting jewellery from the house adjacent to Keshav’s. But the situation forces them to grab Keshav's cycle and flee. The man is devastated by the loss. Will he ever get his prized possession back? 

Cycle starts off with a verbal note, saying, “The film is based in 1948 when people were much simpler...” Cut to Keshav’s character riding his bicycle amidst the fields of his village. 

The simple, everyday sequence is captivating and sets the tone for the entire film. This pleasing simplicity is maintained throughout amidst numerous twists. 

Aditi Moghe's writing has an impressive flow that adeptly incorporates pace and humour. 

One feels for the noble and kind-hearted Keshav and his sweet little daughter. However, despite Mangya and Gajya being the cause of all misery, one cannot not harbour hard feelings for the duo. In fact, one tends to like them and their antics. 

Cycle trailer: Prakash Kunte’s robbery drama promises a warm, rural tale of attachment

This is one of those films where the location is also a character in itself. The village appears like paradise and for this Amalendu Chaudhary’s camerawork deserves a praise. It won’t be an overstatement to say that this is one of the best cameraworks seen in recent years in Marathi cinema. Chaudhary was also behind the camera in the much acclaimed Kaccha Limbu (2017), Nude (2018) and India's offical entry for the Academy Awards in 2009, Harishchandrachi Factory (2010). 

Other technical departments like editing and production design have also fared well. 

The songs are played only in the background and gel well with the content. 

The only flaw in Cycle lies in the villagers' unflinching trust on Mangya and Gajya. Even though they know that Keshav doesn’t lend his cycle to anyone, they believe in what the duo have to say. However, this is a small, forgivable loophole. 

The casting and the artistes' performances take the film a notch higher. Hrishikesh Joshi is known to be a fine performer and yet again succeeds in making his character believable. As Keshav, he is flawless, in both, comic and tragic scenes. 

Bhalchandra Kadam and Priyadarshan Jadhav’s are perfect as thieves. Their comic timing and camaraderie are praiseworthy. More insight on their background would have been better. In the teaser, we are told they are the fifth generation thieves, but this is nowhere mentioned in the movie. 

Maithili Patwardhan becomes yet another child artiste from Marathi cinema to give an impressive performance. Deepti Lele, Vidyadhar Joshi and the rest of the cast fill in with useful supporting acts. 

All in all, Cycle’s triumph arrives with its non-verbal climax and this reviewer recommends that you watch the film to enjoy it.

Watch the film's trailer: