Hellaro


Hellaro is a 2019 Indian Gujarati period drama film co-written and directed by Abhishek Shah and produced by Ashish Patel, Nirav Patel, Aayush Patel, Prateek Gupta, Mit Jani and Abhishek Shah under the banner of Saarthi Productions and Harfanmaula films. The film having ensemble cast of Jayesh More, Shraddha Dangar, Brinda Trivedi Nayak, Shachi Joshi, Niilam Paanchal, Tejal Panchasara and Kausambi Bhatt, marks the directorial debut of Abhishek Shah.
The film revolves around a group of women living in Kutch in 1970s.
Hellaro won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film at the 66th National Film Awards. It was officially selected as the opening film at Indian Panorama, at 50th International Film Festival of India. It was also nominated for the best debut feature film of a director at the film festival. The film was released in theatres in India on 8 November 2019 to positive reviews.

Synopsis

In 1975, a young girl named Manjhri is married off to a small village in the middle of nowhere in the Rann of Kutch. There, she joins a group of women shackled by patriarchal mandates. Their only escape from the suppression is when they go out to fetch water at a distant waterbody every morning. Other than those few hours everyday, their lives are bound by the rules made by men which they have to abide by. One day, while on their way to fetch water, they find someone in the middle of the desert and their lives are changed forever.

Cast

The debut director and co-writer Abhishek Shah stated that the story was inspired from folklore of the Vrajvani village in Kutch and real-life instances of patriarchy. Prateek Gupta co-wrote screenplay, edited, and co-produced the film while also serving as the Associate Director. Playwright and poet Saumya Joshi wrote lyrics, additional screenplay, and dialogues. Mehul Surti composed the music. Ashish Patel, Nirav Patel, Aayush Patel, Abhishek Shah, Mit Jani, and Prateek Gupta produced the film under the banner of Saarthi Productions and Harfanmaula films. Aayush Patel and Mit Jani helmed as creative and executive producers.
A set of village with fifteen Bhunga, a town square and a temple was created in Rann of Kutch near Kuran village where the film was shot.

Soundtrack

Release

It was released in theatres on 8 November 2019. The film was released on video on demand service, MX Player on 4 April 2020.

Reception and accolades

Critical response

The film was universally acclaimed by the critics. Abhimanyu Joshi of The Times of India rated it 4 out of 5. He praised the film's direction, story, screenplay, acting, cinematography, music, and choreography, further stating that the film justly deserves the National Award it received and fulfills expectations. Namrata Joshi writing for The Hindu praised the story, direction, production, and cinematography. She further added that the film "questions patriarchy while celebrating the colours and culture of Gujarat". Jigar Ganatra of Mumbai Live called it "masterpiece" and rated 4.5 out of 5. Parsi Times rated it 3.5 out of 5. Delnaz Divecha writing for BookMyShow noted that the film's presentation of the subjects of patriarchy, casteism, and superstition connects the audience, and further praised the film's performances and choreography. She also pointed that "some customs may seem outdated but still happen to be the reality of many rural women". Jinal Bhatt of Mashable India rated it 4.5 out of 5.
Ramesh Tanna of Kutchmitra praised the film for its direction, acting, and cinematography, calling it a "must-watch" but criticised the false subject of opposition to garba and embroidery work, some characterisations, and the lack of Kutchi language in a film set in Kutch. He also questioned the relevance of the film's subject in contemporary times and pointed to the inaccurate representation of Kutch's local culture and the 1970s.

Box office

The film had grossed over in the box office. The film had grossed over $1,41,304 in overseas market.

Accolades

Hellaro was selected as the opening film at the Indian Panorama during the 50th International Film Festival of India, held in November 2019 in Goa, where it won a special mention from jury for its "incredible music, colour and choreography." It is also nominated for the best debut feature film of a director at the film festival. It was also screened at the 19th River-to-River Florence Indian Film Festival held in Italy in December 2019.
Hellaro won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film at the 66th National Film Awards. The thirteen female actresses also won the Special Jury Award for their performances. It was the first Gujarati film to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.
;National Film Awards
CategoryRecipient and nomineeResultNotes
Best Feature FilmProducer: Saarthi Productions LLP
Director: Abhishek Shah
Special Jury AwardShraddha Dangar, Shachi Joshi, Denisha Ghumra, Neelam Paanchal, Tarjani Bhadla, Brinda Nayak, Tejal Panchasara, Kaushambi Bhatt, Ekta Bachwani, Kamini Panchal, Jagruti Thakore, Riddhi Yadav, and Prapti Mehta

;Critics Choice Film Awards 2020
CategoryRecipient and nomineeResultNotes
Best Film Producer: Saarthi Productions LLP
Director: Abhishek Shah
Best Actor Jayesh More
Best Actress Shraddha Dangar
Best Director Abhishek Shah
Best Writing Abhishek Shah, Prateek Gupta, Saumya Joshi

Controversy

A police complaint under Atrocities Act was filed against the film's producer, director, and writer for use of term Harijan in the film's dialogue. According to the complainant Jamnaben Vegda, the term is considered derogatory by the Scheduled Caste people.