"Aatmapamphlet" — what a weird name, right? That’s exactly what I thought when I first heard about this film. It was one of those movies that sat on my watchlist for months, and I kept postponing it despite my friends compelling me to watch this masterpiece. But when I finally watched it, I was flabbergasted that I hadn’t done it sooner. Without any exaggeration, I can say this is by far the best satire movie I have ever watched, period. And here’s why:
Satire on caste, religion, and Indian politics
Aatmapamphlet looks like a coming-of-age drama on the surface, but at its core, it is a beautiful political satire. The movie feels so fresh, entertaining, and thought-provoking that you can’t help but learn a thing or two from it. This Marathi film handles delicate topics such as religion and caste in such a witty and joyful way that it leaves us amazed at its brilliance. I honestly feel the movie is so good it deserves to be screened across schools in the country. Unlike most political films, this one is very special.
Brilliant cast and performances
The film’s casting is too good to be true. It features wonderful child actors whose performances are mature, nuanced, and incredibly authentic. Their innocence brings a rare honesty to the story. Everything could have gone wrong without their brilliance, but instead, they elevate the entire film. What makes the cast even more special is their effortless comedy, something even many big actors struggle to pull off.
The outstanding screenplay
Another remarkable aspect of Aatmapamphlet is its screenplay. It’s beautifully structured, weaving major events in the country into the life of the protagonist. Pulling this off isn’t easy, and only a few films like Forrest Gump have done it so well. Paresh Mokashi—the mind behind this script—is a phenomenal writer and filmmaker. Remember his name. He also made another Marathi gem, Elizabeth Ekadashi, which is now considered a cult classic.
The subtle message
Aatmapamphlet begins as a simple coming-of-age drama, but it gradually evolves into a political film that conveys the message of peace with remarkable subtlety. It covers a wide range of issues—casteism, reservations, inter-caste marriages, communal riots, world peace, and more. The surprising part is that the filmmakers managed to include all of this in just a 1.5-hour runtime without compromising the protagonist’s story.
I think these reasons are more than enough to make you want to watch this film ASAP. So why wait? Go watch it now!
Available on Prime Video
