Review of a Gujarati movie Reva: ( Written by Vijay Bhatt for Blog Posting July 2019):

Review of a Gujarati movie Reva: ( Written by Vijay Bhatt for Blog Posting July 2019):
Finally, I got to watch a well-received Gujarati movie Reva.
Reva is based on TATVAMASI (तत्त्वमसि), an acclaimed novel by one of the finest poets and writers of contemporary Gujarati literature, Dhruv Bhatt. I had read Tatvamasi years ago. I loved the novel’s the spiritual, cultural, mystic, and social undertone. It is one of the remarkable Gujarati novels of recent times.

The screenplay is written by and directed by Rahul Bhole and Vinit Kanojia. Music by Amar Khanda, Cinematography by Suraj C Kurade.
The movie makers must have their own reasons to change the name to Reva, meaning river Narmada. I would have kept the same name as that of the book’s- ‘Tatvamasi’. तत्त्वमसि means (तत् त्वम् असि) – That is you!, It has many meanings and connotations like - it is very near you, in you, It is right near in you, right around and in you. The title tells a lot!

The movie is focused around river Narmada's mystical and spiritual connection with people who consider her as holy and most sacred form of divine mother and Goddess. They feel her blessings and presence with them all the time and within them. The movie is about conflict between mystic faith and non-religious rational thinking of a youth of modern times. The protagonist, rightly due to his background, is a typical young material minded capitalistic NRI who wants his claim on inheritance left by his grandfather. His grandfather has left all estate to a spiritual charity called Narmada Ashram, which is run by trustees. He comes to India to get signatures of the trustees so he can get the inheritance. The story is about his experience, transcendence, and realization of Reva on the banks of Reva. He witnesses and experiences unconditional love, faith, and dedication for divinity and virtual presence of Reva, the Goddess-like stature of river Narmada with the mysticism and spirituality around her.

There are few observations I must make. The film’s many non-Gujarati including a Gujarati singer Kirtidan Gadhvi, did good. Some important characters are non-Gujarati. At times, the female protagonist Supriya’s sari is relatively (‘BHAARI’- for the lack of a better word) fancy, and heavy necklace and ornaments look a bit odd (not a negative). Little simpler costume could have been more in-sync with rural set-up. It irritates when Gujarati actors emphasis SH, like in drama. Karan’s English pronunciations do not reflect his long stay in US ( not a negative).

Chetan Dhanani’s role as Karan carried very well for a debuting actor. Monal Gajjar as Supriya is worth admiring for her expressions and poise in her role. Acting of all characters including lead roles did very good justice to their characters.

We have always had low expectations of Gujarati movies due to the fact that for the last fifty years Gujarati movies have always been folk oriented and rural culture based of religious themes.
In contrast, this movie stands apart tall and laud!
I give a lot of credit to the original author Dhruv Bhatt for a brilliant theme of connection between human beings and the nature via the river Narmada and the connotation with PARIKRAMA.

Music is well done, having said that, the music director had an opportunity to make a big mark. Remember what Ismail Darbar did in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which also had Gujarati backdrop. Imagine if Sanjay Leela Bhansali made this Gujarati film. May be more of Limbudaa, Dhol, Mor Thangaat and more! (just a crazy thought!)

Good cinematography, excellent direction, and justifying acting by all actors. A must watch! Please read Tatvamasi as well! I give 9 out of 10 especially and only because it is a Gujarati movie.
- (Written by Vijay Bhatt for Blog posting July 2019)