Here is Good news for movie-buffs! It is not often that one gets a chance to see a movie in Gujarati or Marathi language. Well, a gem of a Marathi movie. ‘Dohaa (Dark Waters), with English sub-tiles, a directorial debut feature film by Georgia State University alumni and Atlanta resident Pushkaraj Paranjpe, will be screened for the first time at the Galaxy Peachtree Funplex 8 (6135 Peachtree Parkway, GA 30092) from Friday September 19 to 25.

Based on the Marathi classic, “Kaleshar Pani’ by noted author H.M.Marathe, the move is about coming of age of Kamli (Harshada Tamhankar) amidst harsh realities of life in impoverished rural life in India.

Set in present day rural Western India, Dohaa (Dark Waters) is the story of sexual awakening, physical lust and its horrific consequences for two tender lives. Bhiki (Leena Bhagwat) a single mother of three is the mistress of the macho but ageing Vishnu (Suhas Palshikar) and survives by selling fritters under his abusive protection. Kamli, Bhiki’s eldest daughter is not academically inclined but insists on attending school as it is the only escape from her impoverished surroundings. On the verge of puberty, Kamli is shunned by her classmates and picked on by the teacher.

While the village grocer and class bully lust for her, Kamli develops tender feelings for the handsome, intelligent and kind Ajay (Abhay Mahajan), who arrives from Mumbai and joins her class. After probing into Ajay’s family background, Bhiki encourages Kamli to invite Ajay home. Confused by Bhiki’s constant pressure to ensnare Ajay into a physical relationship, Kamli tries to seduce him awkwardly. Watching Ajay and Kamli in the act, Bhiki offers herself forcibly to Ajay. From here, the gripping fast paced story takes interesting turns. Will the swirling dark waters of poverty and animalistic lust surrounding Kamli destroy her innocence, her capacity to love tenderly and devour her or will she survive and grow stronger?

The viewer will empathize with almost all the characters. They are believable and without any artifice or malice. Bhiki is a creature of circumstances trying to cope with harsh realities. Kamli and Ajay play endearing roles. Role and consequences of superstition is also dealt well. The organizer of the Art Competition also captivates with her role of an understanding and compassionate person. The movie has a sumptuous visual feast of rural life. The art competition has been presented in a very authentic manner. The movie has no songs but beautiful mood-enhancing background music and with a beautiful and soulful credit song.

The director, Pushkaraj, who resides in Atlanta with his wife and daughter, is a qualified and practicing architect. He has been in the film industry as Assistant art director and as Assistant Director in Amol Palekar’s well known movie ‘Paheli’. After reading the classic, he wrote the script as his Masters Thesis project at the GSU in Atlanta; and narrated the script and his vision to Sairam Iyer, who readily agreed to produce it. Pushkaraj took time off from his fulltime job as an architect and went to India to direct the film. He said he was fortunate in finding an ideal team of crew and actors. “I have poured my heart and soul in this debut movie and am confident the gripping story will enthrall the viewers”. He added.

The movie has garnered rave media reviews as well as several accolades:

Winner: Jury Award-Jacksonville International Film Festival
Official Selection: Boston International Film Festival
Official Selection Cape Cod International Film Festival
Nomination 45th Maharashtra State Film Awards, India

A rare and unforgettable movie indeed!