With his movie Paidal, director Arun Kukreja not only pays tribute to Charlie Chaplin but also completes 100 movies of his banner Cinemaghar
Nobody knew him by his real name — Charles Spencer. But when he appeared on screen, in his trademark baggy pants, Derby hat and a stick, people identify him as Charlie Chaplin. His movies, in black and white, were, are and always will be rib tickling humorous with his trademark antic walk and expressions.
But several layers beneath all that amusing behaviour, his movies addressed serious issues because Chaplin realised quite early that the best way to get a point across is to present it in a way that will also entertain those concerned.
Even in the 21st century he continues to remain a source of inspiration for film and ad-makers all over the world today. But director Arun Kuckreja is so inspired by Chaplin that his forthcoming short movie Paidal is not just dedicated to him the comedian but Kuckreja himself plays Chaplin.
According to him, “Charlie Chaplin is an iconic image for everyone and this film is an ode to magnetic screen persona.”
The film depicts the humanitarian adventure of the life of a dreamer Hobo, through times of poverty, famine, war, massacre, suicides, rapes, inhuman crimes against humanity, natural calamities. And very much Chaplin, Hobo cruises through personal tragedies with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. “He walks alone on the journey of his life.
Hobo is a gentleman with a big, golden heart with an eternal song on his lips,” added Kuckreja, who has also scored the music and worked on the screenplay of the movie. “You will also see me in the role of Hobo,” he laughed.
Kuckreja has been fascination with Charlie Chaplin ever since he was a child and he enjoyed watching movies like The Kid and The Great Dictator. Recalling a memorable incident from his childhood, he said, “It was when I was studying in Modern Public School, I had a friend named Megha. She knew that I admired Charlie Chaplin’s movies and one day she gifted me a book on him. It was a wonderful gesture and that book was very inspiring.”
With Paidal, Kuckreja’s production company Cinemaghar completes a 100 films and the director cannot be more delighted about it. “I have completed 100 films by the grace of God and the blessings of my well wishers. I am happy that my work has been appreciated,” added Kuckreja.