Many filmmakers have used Ganeshotsav as the backdrop for
some high energy scenes. A look at some Bollywood films that add to
their recall value by featuring Ganeshotsav celebrations
As a country that boasts of diversity, far too many celebrations dot the
Indian calendar. Several of these festivals have made their way to
Bollywood films, and it's perhaps not an exaggeration to say that
Ganeshotsav remains the filmmakers' favourite.
During an elaborate Ganeshotsav song sequence in Agneepath, Hrithik Roshan ended up scalding his hands on the set
From highlighting the celebratory mood of a neighbourhood mandal to
pinpointing the turf war between local gang members, this particular
festival continues to contribue to the canvas of filmmaking. Arguably
one of India's biggest fetes, it is celebrated with much fanfare
throughout the country but aamchi Mumbai - the home of Bollywood - takes
the cake for its zeal towards the elephant god. To celebrate the
occasion, hitlist takes a look at films that have effectively captured
the electrifying atmosphere that prevails during Ganeshotsav...
'Shor In The City' (2011)
Director: Krishna D.K., Raj Nidimoru
Lowdown: Like Ankush, this crime drama begins with a Ganesh
festival. Interestingly, it also ends with the same festival. In the
climax, the protagonist fatally brutally shoots his enemies but to his
good fortune, the sound of gunfire is conveniently drowned out by the
noise of the celebrations. And he walks out like just another face in
the festive crowd.
'Agneepath' (2012)
Director: Karan Malhotra
Lowdown: In the island village of Mandwa, Hrithik Roshan's character
is shown performing an aarti to a humongous Ganesha statue. While he
initially lip-syncs to the beautifully rendered song, Deva Shree Ganesha
by Ajay Gogavale, he leaves the function midway to be part of a violent
showdown with his ultimate antagonist.
'Wanted' (2009)
Director: Prabhu Dheva
Lowdown: True to Salman Khan's onscreen personality, his character
in this action thriller dances boisterously with the crowd in front of
Ganesha. What's worth noting here is that the lyrics and the dance
routine - punctuated by flags and random colours - have hardly anything
to do with the festival in question.
'Don: The Chase Begins Again' (2006)
Director: Farhan Akhtar
Lowdown: While the cops are trying to solve a case, the 'don' is
busy having fun. To mark the occasion of Ganesh Visarjan, Shah Rukh Khan
gargles before belting out a festive song. Set against the backdrop of a
culturally vibrant and diverse basti, this Maurya Re number is
difficult to not dance to.
'AAN: Men At Work' (2004)
Director: Madhur Bhandarkar
Lowdown: In this film, Suniel Shetty is an encounter specialist who
offers his prayers before walking into a trap set up by a corrupt
colleague. Inside the building, he gives a tough fight to the bad guys
before succumbing to bullet wounds. Outside the building, Ganeshotsav is
on in full swing with the aartis taking place and drums playing in the
background.
'Satya' (1998)
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Lowdown: Blood flows into the very seawater that Lord Ganesha is
supposed to be submerged in during the pre-climax of this crime
thriller. Here, the mafia don (played by Govind Namdev) is offering his
prayers to Ganesha at Chowpatty beach, when Satya (played by JD
Chakravarthy) decides to end their war by stabbing him.
'Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?' (2010)
Director: Ashwani Dheer
Lowdown: Set in a house where an uninvited guest (played by Paresh
Rawal) is creating havoc with his constant interference, the twist in
the film takes place when he goes missing during the Ganesh Visarjan
ceremony. At that point, family members are shown haplessly searching
for him in the crowd.
Regional fare
Vakratunda Mahakaya
Co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and directed by Punarvasu Naik, an
upcoming Marathi film titled Vakratunda Mahakaya is all set to release
after Ganesh Chaturthi this year. It revolves around a little boy who
has befriended a Lord Ganesha doll and the adventure it takes him on.
