Since little over a decade ago, politics has become a major interest for the youth. But the problem arises when this interest turns into an obsession for one political ideology. This aspect about today’s politics is realistically portrayed in Harshad Nalawade’s Follower (Marathi with Hindi and Kannada) while keeping the Maharashtra-Karnataka conflict of Belgaum at the centre.
The film tells the story of a youngster named Raghavendra Pawar (Raghu Prakash) aka Raghu, who stays with his mother in Belgaum after his father passes away in an accident. His elder brother works in the US. Belgaum is always in the news for its Marathi-Kannada conflict. Raghu also faces the brunt for being a Marathi in various ways.
During these times, he gets attracted to the speeches and ideology of a star political leader (Atul Deshmukh), who claims to be the messiah of the Marathi speaking people of Belgaum. Raghu joins his social media IT cell in order to spread the leader’s message and help him in his ‘cause’. Raghu’s political stand and activities strains his relationship with his close friends Sachin (director Harshad Nalawade himself) and Parveena (Donna Munshi).
Follower provides a glimpse into the life of a not just a follower but someone who believes that he is doing social work through his online activities by basically just being a troll. Nalawade’s portrayal will be relatable even for those who aren’t deeply aware about the Maharashtra-Karnataka issue because youngsters are seen obsessing over quite a few political parties throughout the country. The film shows how they never realize that they are just treated as pawns in the hands of their political ‘heroes’ for their ulterior motives. In a way, the film gives a slight remembrance of Avadhoot Gupte’s Zenda.
What makes Follower more interesting and intriguing is that it organically weaves a story of close friendship between three friends and perfectly joins the same with the political conflict. It also makes fine use of flashback. The story could have been narrated in a linear form and it still would have been likeable. But the back and forth narrative converts the film also into a mystery drama. The events that lead Raghu into becoming a staunch supporter of the star political leader is the biggest triumph of the film.
The production value makes the film look more like a telefilm. The lack of proper resources is clearly visible. This, however, doesn’t turn out to be a major issue because of the strong content at hand. The film is also shot in a creative manner by cinematographer Saket Gyani. It is laced with a number of impressive long one-take shots. The one that takes the cake is between Raghu and Parveen when both are riding their respective two-wheelers while conversing. The background score is minimally used, which goes with the nature of the film.
The performances are all natural. Raghu Prakash is fully suits the role of Raghavendra. He goes through the entire journey of his character in a dedicated manner. Harshad Nalawade also adds plenty of life to the character of Sachin. Donna Munshi also performs well and is also aptly cast as Parveen. Atul Deshmukh, the political leader, is thoroughly believable as someone who can brainwash the youth.
The issue about Maharashtra-Karnataka has toxic politics from both sides. For a major duration, it seems that the film shows the evil face of only one side. However, things even out later, which makes the movie neutral in its overall stand. The only questionable aspect is a sudden intimate moment between two pivotal characters, which appears forced.
Overall: Follower is a gritty realistic glimpse into the making of a political troll and its consequences.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Director: Harshad Nalawade
Writer: Harshad Nalawade
Producers: Humara Medialabs and Causality Films Production
Cast: Raghu Prakash, Harshad Nalawade, Donna Munshi, Atul Deshmukh