In the fervor of addressing multiple burning socio-economic, cultural, religious and political issues in a single film, director Nandish seems to have lost his focus.
In the fervor of addressing multiple burning socio-economic, cultural, religious and political issues in a single film, director Nandish seems to have lost his focus.
Even before the release, Dear Vikram A controversy had created curiosity among the audience. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had objected to the previous title of the film. Godhra, after which director Nandish clarified that the film is in no way related to the infamous Godhra riots of Gujarat in 2022 and has no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments. Despite the clarification and change of title Dear VikramThe audience has remained curious, and now, the film has finally premiered on Voot Select.
Dear Vikram
the director , KS Nandisho
Throw: Satish Ninasam, Shraddha Srinath, Vashistha Simha, Sonu Gowda, Achyut Kumar
Duration , 124 minutes
Story: Maoist revolutionary Vikram is in a dilemma while choosing between love and ideology
Besides the fact that streaming platforms provide more space for such socio-political content, smaller, individual screens further illustrate the issues of a film’s cinematic language, structure and technology. Nandish risks opting for a hyper-linked, multi-narrative structure that connects characters, who are either victims or beneficiaries of the social climate in our country.
He uses four characters to deliver his message: Vikram (Satish Ninasam), a gifted Dalit student; Nitya (Shraddha Srinath) an upper caste idealist; Bharat (Vashisht Singh); and Nidhi (Raksha Somashekar). Where Vikram represents a revolutionary path, India believes in a strong Hindu Rashtra. The film portrays his life and experiences, highlighting the futility of romantic idealism that is perceived to mislead the younger generation. Dear Vikram Mainly revolves around Vikram, as the title suggests, and Nitya, who talks about changing society and getting married as students. Both Vikram and Bharat eventually realize that the system exploits their idealistic mind and uses them to their advantage.
Nandish was honest. As he claimed, Dear Vikram There is no direct or indirect connection with the Godhra communal riots. It touches peripherally on the prevailing communal atmosphere, where even our petty differences are being weaponized. But, in his zeal to address several burning socio-economic, cultural, religious and political issues in the course of a film, the director has lost his focus. As a result, Dear Vikram Goes openly didactic, and to connect the missing points and for continuity, the director employs a narrator.
But the filmmaker also tries to present the current political scenario without direct context. In the scuffle, spectators can see caricatures of a former chief minister, who started the “Village Vastu” program and took oath in the name of farmers and slain Maoist Saket Rajan alias Prem. Has left no stone unturned. From peasant movement, Hindutva agenda, anti-feudal Maoist movement and romantic idealism to affiliation of politicians and corporate world and commercialization of education, it touches on every issue plaguing India. If Nandish had focused on one issue and weaved other elements around it, his intentions would have resulted in results. Meanwhile, those who expect something different after watching the trailer and the controversy over the title change may be disappointed.
With an ensemble cast of seasoned actors like Satish Ninasam, Shraddha Srinath, Vashisht Simha and Achyut Kumar, the director could have created strong characters that would leave a mark on the minds of the audience. However, all the actors try their best to bring the characters to life.
In its tedious description, only lyrics like Jeevke Jeeva, Biso Gaelik And yeno salige manage to give the audience some relief.
Dear Vikram Currently Voot Select. streaming on