Traffic Signal Hindi Movie
Madhur Bhandarkar earlier films, 'Page 3' and 'Corporate' exposed the real story of the rich and glamorous, but in his latest film 'Traffic Signal,' he has chosen to portray the stark reality of the less privileged eking a life on the streets of Mumbai.
Knitting the lives of several characters and shot mostly around Kellar Marg signal, the story reveals how a traffic signal is a source of livelihood for many. The narrative opens at a signal where traffic has come to a stop at the red lights and you have vendors persisting with wares, flowers and garments.
Paaya is a little boy, who lies everyday, saying that his father is dead and seeks alms. As the name suggests, Langda Manya, is lame but earns a few coins by drawing pictures on the road. Another character is the beggar, wearing only underwear and evoking sympathy of passers by. The little boy, Chinnaswamy Vedagiri from Chennai, fondly called tsunami is lost in Mumbai. Tsunami collects old cans and bottles for a living and hopes to be united with his parents someday. Rani and her sister from Gujarat are new to the neighborhood. They sell garments from Kutch. Love blooms between Silsila and Rani. At night, prostitutes do brisk business in the same area. Noorie, a prostitute is a favorite of the local police inspector. But she shares a special relationship with Dominic (Ranvir Shorey), an alcoholic and drug addict.
Quite a many are dependent on the traffic signal for their livelihood and controlling them is Silsila, a young man who grew up in the same area. Everyone is expected to pay hafta, (a share of their revenue) to Silsila. He in turn hands it over to the local mafia king, a part of a large network of an industry that thrives on this revenue.
As the vehicles wait for the lights to change at the traffic signal, little stories of people traveling in cars also unfold. The film is a cross section of a typical day at the traffic signal and the canvas portrays a wide range of characters.
Trouble starts when a builder aspires to construct a flyover at Kellar Marg signal. And hoping to benefit from this project is the local political leader Dubey. Work on the flyover will begin soon, disrupting the homes of Silsila and his tribe. In great anguish, he takes a courageous step to rescue his people. What does he do? Watch 'Traffic Signal.'
The film may not be a box office hit nor does it entertain. But it reveals and exposes the nexus between the political leaders and the underworld. How in order to realize their gains the man on the street is pawned.
Most of the actors are new faces, yet each one of them makes an impact with their acting. Kunal Khemu as Silsila is charming. Konkana Sen Sharma, a natural actor essays the role of Norrie with ease.
"Traffic Signal" is quite an eye opener and worth a watch.
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