Pushpaka Vimana (film)

Pushpaka Vimana is a silent black comedy released in 1987. This Indian film was directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao and written by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. Set in a large unnamed Indian city (shot in Bangalore), the film is based on the king-for-a-day story. The film is notable for its inventive re-casting of the silent film form. Though shot in color and featuring incidental noise and sometimes songs in the background, the film does not have any audible dialogues between characters. Instead, clever cinematography, implicit and physical communication, lip movements, and creating scenes or shots where a dialogue would plausibly be absent are used. Additionally, crafty camera placement is sometimes employed to rationalize the inaudibility of dialogue.

The film was also released in Tamilnadu as Pesum Padam, with opening and closing credits in Tamil.

Plot summary

The film follows an unnamed, almost penniless and unemployed youth (played by Kamal Haasan) whose fortunes change when he stumbles upon a drunk millionaire by the roadside. He takes the millionaire prisoner in his house and assumes his identity to taste the luxury of a five-star hotel (actually shot at Windsor Manor Hotel, Bangalore). In the process, he falls in love with a magician's daughter (Amala). He uses his false identity to enjoy a romantic day with her. Meanwhile, a contract killer is sent after the millionaire who engages in repeated failed attempts to kill Kamal with knives made of ice. Finally, after seeing the millionaire's wife lamenting over her missing husband and witnessing other incidents that show him a different perspective on life, Kamal decides to give up his new-found luxury.

In the much-acclaimed ending, Kamal frees the millionaire and confesses everything to the magician's daughter. She tells him that she still likes him and throws at him a flower and a note (presumably her contact details) from a car. However, a gush of wind blows the note down a sewage drain, implying that the two never unite. Once again, Kamal, as he did in the beginning of the film, stands in a long queue for a job with minimum vacancies.

Reception

Due to its modern re-invention of the silent film form, effective blend of slapstick comedy and dark social satire, an unconventional ending, Kamal Haasan's commendable acting and the director's take on handling a silent film, the film was lauded by critics (including those of the Cannes jury). The film was a blockbuster produced by Kannada film producer Shringar Nagaraj.

Cast

Awards

National Film Award

• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment

References

• http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/10/stories/2008081054130500.htm
• http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251355/usercomments
• http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060326/spectrum/main1.htm Return of silent movie era - Pushpak by Sringar Nagaraj and Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
• http://www.mouthshut.com/product-reviews/Pushpak-Movie-925008448