Director : Khushboo Ranka, Vinay Shukla
Writer : Khushboo Ranka, Vinay Shukla
Cinematographer : Khushboo Ranka, Vinay Rohira, Vinay Shukla
Editor : Manan Bhatt, Abhinav Tyagi
Music : Ola Fløttum
Sound Designer : P.M. Satheesh
Language : Hindi / English
Don’t underestimate the power of a common man!
The documentary traces the journey of Arvind Kejriwal from an activist to a revolutionary. It is about the birth of Aam Aadmi Party and the journey that led to the victory of AAP in the Delhi elections. It takes you through the ideology and principles of the party. It highlights the importance of the people and the power that rests with the people in a democracy.
The documentary is well made. It is real and neutral. It is a political documentary. It follows a linear structure. The style of the documentary is narrative. It has person – Arvind Kejriwal | place – New Delhi | process – the formation of a political party, the elections, campaigning for the elections etc. | and performance – Arvind Kejriwal fighting against corruption, getting into politics, standing for the election, preparing for the election, his influence on the public and gathering public support.
The direction of the documentary is brilliant. Hats off to both the directors for daring to make a documentary on this subject. The subject itself is interesting. The documentary objectively documents everything the way it had taken place. The actual incidents themselves are dramatic, emotional, inspiring as well as Arvind Kejriwal who is no less than a genius, infects the audience with his strong personality and the will to fight against the existing political scenario. At the same time being a man of principles and staying connected to his roots. It leaves it to the audience to form their own perspective and opinions. It makes the audience think. Especially when it is made with such conviction. There is a lot that the audience can learn from the documentary.
It strikes a chord with the audience since it is about a common man and many such common people who have fought in their respective ways and are the unsung heroes. A part which touched me was the story of Santosh in the documentary. She is one such unsung hero. There should be a will and the courage to fight. It has to be people over politics.
Such documentaries become very important in a country like ours which is politically so volatile. They create awareness and educate people who are ignorant about politics. It helps the people to rationalise and logically support a party as well as vote for a capable leader.
The cinematography of the documentary is good. It could have been better in terms of the quality of visuals. Although some elements like camera shakes, grainy visuals do give the documentary a realistic feel.
The editing of the documentary is fantastic. The editor has effectively juxtaposed the visuals to form a narrative. He has provided a sense of pace, rhythm and timing to the documentary. The duration of the documentary is in check. The editor manages to hold on to the attention of the audience throughout the duration of the documentary.
The background music is very good. It has been used effectively but mostly we get to hear the on location audio which maintains the authenticity of the documentary.
The documentary is a must watch for a better understanding of what makes a politician and what it takes to make a difference after all each one of us is an insignificant man who can bring about a change. It is not about him, It is about us.
Rating – (4/5)
As written for Pop Diaries.
About The Author
Aaditya Bagwe
Aaditya Bagwe is a filmmaker, writer, director, producer and actor. The founder of Infinite Eight Filmverse. He has been writing about films since 2015. A film school graduate in BSC in Film and Television Production with specialization in Direction. A diploma holder in Acting. He has done a short course in Film Appreciation conducted by FTII. Formerly having worked with Pop Diaries as a film review writer. He brings to you his multiverse of writings about films, web series and the entire cinematic universe.
