Imago review: Vikram Patil and Karan Chavan give important message of beauty lying in the soul

Marathi cinema has, over the past decade or so, developed a reputation for producing enriching films based in rural areas. These films revolve around everyday characters whom you might spot from the window of your vehicle when you pass by. They might appear to be mundane, but their stories can be extraordinary and heartwarming.

First-time directors Vikram Patil and Karan Chavan’s Imago falls in this category of films. It goes further by exploring a common but rarely spoken about skin disease, vitiligo. But instead of casting an artiste to play the character, they cast a girl – Aishwarya Ghaydar – who actually suffers from vitiligo.

The story takes place in a small village close to Kolhapur. It follows the life of 14-year-old Namrata (Aishwarya Ghaydar). She has white patches on her skin, which turn her into an introvert who does not gel easily with others. Her only companion is the neighbourhood kid who calls her Tai, Marathi for older sister.

Namrata’s mother (Neha Avti) wants her to pursue a college education in Kolhapur. However, her lack of confidence holds Namrata back and she confides in her ageing grandfather (Vishwas).

Her life takes a new turn when Anand sir (Amol Deshmukh) joins her school as the new teacher. He is quick to notice the hidden genius in Namrata.

Imago focuses more on being a glimpse into the world of Namrata. The narrative might appear to move at a sluggish pace. But you soon realize this is actually the film’s strongest point. As you slowly get acquainted with Namrata and her world, which includes a number of doves, the story ceases to be fiction, though it is. From here on, it is difficult to take your eyes off the screen.

Was tough to find a producer for a film on a skin disease: Imago directors Karan Chavan, Vikram Patil

The narrative reaches another level after Anand's entry. This does remind you of Taare Zameen Par (2007). But the massive difference in treatment and characterization, along with a turn in the tale at a later point, stops the film from being similar to the Aamir Khan film.

The most challenging task, of course, was to portray the subject of vitiligo. The director duo does it in the most subtle manner. The skin disease is very much present throughout the film, but it is never in-your-face. In fact, there is only a single mention of it. The film wants people to accept those suffering from vitiligo as normal and it seems the treatment follows what the film preaches. Visual narration can be a delight if done right.

Conflict plays a huge role in any story, from the most commercial to the most unconventional. But Imago is a rare film that does not rely much on a plot point to bring in the element of conflict. There does come a moment of anxiousness but, once again, it is kept subtle. Even the issue of society not accepting such individuals is not made into a big deal.

The realistic and pleasing visuals of nature also play their part in creating the desired impact. The camerawork, by Patil himself, captures the minutest portions of village life with precision. The film has been shot mostly with a hand-held camera, which adds a realistic dimension and stops it from going into the docu-drama zone. The subject does not require much of a background score and that is exactly what has been done.

To top it all, the performances can hardly be described as acting. Aishwarya Ghaydar is a fine find to play Namrata. She goes through her role in the most natural way, ensuring that you root for her from the first scene. It is also courageous to play a character afflicted with the same condition as yours.

I could relate to the character suffering from vitiligo, says Imago actress Aishwarya Ghaydar

Amol Deshmukh, in the role of the teacher, is also thoroughly natural. He succeeds in the difficult task of not letting his admiration for Namrata appear creepy in any way. The kid playing Namrata's friend oozes confidence. Neha Avti, Vishwas and the rest of the artistes sum up the perfect cast.

Overall, Imago gives the message that physical beauty is only skin-deep, real beauty lies in the soul.

Imago was screened at the 20th Mumbai Film Festival on 26 October 2018.

Update, 30 December 2018: The review has been re-edited for clarity in some portions.