JP Motion Pictures and Mentis Films’ Daman (dubbed from the Odiya film of the same name; UA) is the story of a young doctor’s mission to eradicate malaria from the tribal areas of Odissa.
Dr. Siddharth Mohanty (Babushaan Mohanty) completes his MBBS from a government-sponsored hospital in Bhubaneswar (Odissa) and is posted for five years to the tribal areas in Malkangiri district. At first, he tries to escape but things change after he meets pharmacist Ravindra (Dipanwit Dashmohapatra). How Dr. Siddharth Mohanty educates the tribals about malaria and its prevention forms the crux of the drama.
Vishal Mourya and Debi Prasad Lenka have written a story which is more in the nature of a documentary. By its very nature, the topic is dull and drab. The duo’s screenplay is not very engaging as it moves on a single track and at a slow pace. Therefore, although the intentions are noble, the drama doesn’t hold the audience’s interest. Vishal Mourya and Debi Prasad Lenka’s dialogues are routine.
Babushaan Mohanty does well in the role of Dr. Siddharth Mohanty. Dipanwit Dashmohapatra is good as pharmacist Ravindra. Manaswini Takri is alright as nurse Lata. Sriharsha Purohit is okay in a very brief role as the head of ICMS. Others pass muster.
Vishal Mourya and Debi Prasad Lenka’s direction is quite good. It is definitely better than their script. A fair musical score by Gaurav Anand is complemented by Dibyajeet Sahoo’s routine lyrics. Arka Deep and Gopal Krishna’s background music is average. Pratap Raut’s camerawork is nice. Debi Prasad Lenka’s editing is quite sharp. Dubbing is appropriate.
On the whole, Daman is a film meant more for the festival circuit. It will, therefore, not do anything substantive at the ticket windows. Lack of promotion is another drawback. However, it will win critical acclaim.
Released on 3-2-’23 at Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Panorama Studios. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over.