Review of Jis Desh Mein Ganga Retha Hai

Introduction

After the excellent DVD of `Astitva (2000)` both DEI and director Mahesh Manjrekar combine once again for this new DVD/film which failed to create an impression on cinema. Yet the DVD sales was reasonable and now I present a review of this title (with the usual high expectations).

Video

The DVD is presented in its original widescreen picture ratio of 2.66:1, as per the director`s original vision. The picture is transferred in anamorphic so 33% of picture quality is retain for widescreen television users when the picture is placed in full mode. This is a advantage for the product as picture quality is better then the usual letterbox viewing, and we get to see how the film was original shot for the big screen. No cropping of the frame could be detected as a result.

Signs of compressed artefacts and of grain is non exsistent on this DVD, with the picture remaining very clear. The film does suffer from a couple of minor problems. Wear and tear, while limited, can be detected in a couple of scenes via vertical lines. Also instants of colour fades do appear during a couple of reel changes. The fault however lies not with the authors but with the original print which was transferred like this by Gemini laboratories (Madras). They are known for their weak 35mm print negative and processing as they use old/poor machines for the work. Yet these problems might not disturb viewing as DEI tried to hide them by fixing the print as best they could, doing a reasonable job. Other then this the DVD had no other problems and really was a cut above many other new title Indian DVD.

The overall picture information was fairly detailed while level of sharpness was really good, beating the theatrical showing as more was revealed on the picture. Sharpness detail is very well handled and displays much picture information, especially in anamorphic mode, which enhances the viewing of the film by making a presence of quality felt. There are some very light shimmering due to the limitations of the NTSC system and resolution. But these never affected viewing. Moiré effects were seen to be present on this disc but didn`t cause concern as they were small in numbers.

The colour fidelity displayed an essence of reality which give more pleasure to vewing, even displaying more colours then the original cinema showing. The colour saturation was near reference quality never allowing any colour distortion to set on this DVD (apart from the colour fads due to the poor print processing by Gemini Labs). The colours looked impressive displaying the contrasting colours of brightness and darkness with ease adding vibrancy and vividness. Dark details and shadows allowed viewers to see more detail while contrast details was made the viewer at ease and comfort.

Audio

The sound on this disc is presented in Dolby Digital, converted from a Dolby Digital track, and has the presence of a 360 degrees soundfield when the film begins with an active background score. The track can be best described as being rather ambitious and has a great potential for home cinema audio pyrotechnics. The dialogues are quite wordy and centrecentric and are very clear to the ear in all manners of softness and loudness. The surround action is very exercising but never overwhelming.

Features

The supplement on this DVD is limited to three song promos (`Prem Jaal`, `Meri Shadhi` and `Medley`) all lasting 60 seconds each. A theatrical trailer lasting 3 minutes is also seen. All are very entertaining to view and are of reasonable quality. All the trailers/promos are presented in its original aspect ratio with a mono track. The DVD also includes the option of having English subtitles on the main feature and songs.

The main menus consists of clips and the soundtrack of the film being looped. They are thematically designed, and they have easy navigation. While the menu designs and box designs were great the advertisements of Z gold and Indiaplaza on the box decrease a sense of value of the product. There are already adverts for these product on the disc itself then why advertise them on the box? Hopefully DEI won`t do this on future products. Also how about making the advertisements skipable as they are damn right awful to view.

Conclusion

Mahesh Manjrekar`s attempt to repeat the country-boy-defeating-the-city-slickers formula of the many actor/director Dada Konde hit films like `Tere Mere Beech Mein (1986)`, `Diya Tere Haath Mein (1987)`, `Aage Ki Soch (1988)` and `Khol De Mere Zubaan (1989)` is a mixed response after much expectations. The picture has more of the heartfelt in it than is good for the stomach, and it goes on for over two hours.

Govinda as the naïve small-village hero sent to the city performs just like the late Marathi actor Dada Konde and becomes his real life reincarnation. A perfect performance from the comedian actor who does some great dramatized acting in this film too. His scene with Reema Lagoo when she reveal to him that she was paid to foster him, was both touching and heart-warming. This proves that Govinda is still that versatile actor he once was and his hasn`t lost his touch in making the audience feel for him even if some points in the film was overkill due to the screenplay and overacting of some actors.

The main supporting cast also did fairly well but was let down by the over toned comedy that wasn`t needed and was over the top at some points. The character of Birbal two, who kept repeating everything Shakti Kapoor said, was very annoying and created embarrassment to viewing. But the actor Kishore Nandlaskar as Sanata, the person who couldn`t speak, was however fairly impressive. Also I rather enjoyed the performance of Shivaji Satam and Reema Lagoo, who always perform their best in a Mahesh Manjrekar film.

Music wise the score is one of Anand Raaj Anand`s best after a long gap since `Major Saab (1998)`, and each track is memorable and melodious. Though they serve no major purpose in the narrative and might be considered time wasting, they do stand up in its own rights and audiences might take notice of each track without going to the toilet or getting some popcorn. Background score is also very well done and evokes much emotions needed for a film like this.

Mahesh Manjrekar tries to balance the ups and downs of wistful sentiment and corny humour and is at times quite successful. But the overall film is a let down from the director as he has not yet fully mastered the way comedy and humour should be tackled or written in a screenplay. Maybe he should study Dada Konde films even more which I felt he was trying to make for this movie.......a nice attempt though......

Another fab DVD with a couple of hampers due to the weak processing by Gemini Labs in India. Its about time they improve otherwise films in the future could be severely affected at home and on cinema!