BHOPAL : ‘Kabhi Pass Kabhi Fail’ (1999) and animated movie ‘Ajeeb Ghar’ were screened on Wednesday – the fourth day of the eight-day children’s film festival at Antarang Hall of Bharat Bhawan. The fest is being organised by the films division of Bharat Bhavan. The first half of programme began with a 20-minute animated colour movie ‘Ajeeb Ghar’, directed by Rajesh Agarwal.
A graduate of FTII, Agarwal joined Children’s Film Society of India in 1964. During his eleven year tenure, he worked with eminent directors like KA Abbas, Phani Mazumdar and Ram Gobale among others. After this, since 1975 he began working as a freelance editor – editing many features, documentaries and animated films.
The plot of movie revolves around three fishermen. They live together in a small hut near the coast and catch fish together. Once while fishing they are caught in a snowstorm. Thus begins their ordeal that takes them through many adventures, including taking refuge in the stomach of a large whale.
“Kabhi Pass Kabhi Fail’, directed by Virendra Saini was also screened. Director and cinematographer, Saini, graduated from FTII with a diploma in cinematography in 1976. He has been intimately and consistently connected with the New Cinema Movement in India, working for both feature films and full-length documentaries with several renowned directors including Mani Kaul, Saeed Mirza, Sai Paranjpye, Kundan Shah, Vinod Chopra and Bhimsen. In 1990 he won the National award for Best Cinematography for the film, ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’.
The movie is the saga of eight-year-old Robin, who has an extraordinary way with numbers. He uses his gift to help his village folks. His happy world is shattered when his Uncle Joe and Aunt Sheila, a sly couple aware of his powers, convince his innocent parents to send him to town for better education.
The couple exploit him with live, ticketed shows where Robin magically solves complex mathematical problems. Despite his fame, Robin longs to go back to the simple life of his village.
This film won the Best Children’s film award at the 46th National Film Awards and features popular actors like Nasseruddin Shah, Tom Alter and Deepti Naval among others. Its duration was 94 minutes.
Not only children but their parents are also enjoying the movies being screened in the fest, especially the animated ones.
