The film tries to showcase the battle between old and new way of life and changing culture. However, despite a good theme, there are many areas where the film needs improvements
Film Mogi
Pedro is a witty and full of humour. Pedro is a simpleton, Pedro is full of life. And Pedro is a true Goan who takes forward the traditional business of his father. The traditional business of a ‘poder’! Pedro Poder is his identity and recognition!
In changing times, when bakery products of the olden days are replaced with pastries and pizzas, will Pedro, who is grounded in his culture and tradition, be uprooted? Pedro Poder is a great journey on this line of thought.
Storyline:
The storyline is nice and simple. It is written and developed keeping in mind that John D’Silva is featured in the lead. The challenges facing a baker are vividly portrayed. The concept is great but the treatment given to the idea is amateurish. Moreover, the language dialects are a concoction that is ‘na ghar ka na ghatt ka!’ The Salcette dialect is prominent but badly spoken. Same characters speak in different dialects.
Screenplay:
The screenplay moves at a snails pace, but the developments are not interesting as what will happen next is pretty much predictable. There is no twist, and hence, no surprise elements. The first half seemed interesting, but then as the second half commences, the interest fades.
Music:
Elick Vaz has failed to provide appropriate background score. The old baker relates a pathetic tale and the background score turns lively. The songs too have no catchy lyrics and melodies. There was scope for more songs but the director probably ran out of ideas and imagination.
Acting:
John D’Silva plays the title role with great flexibility. His comic timing is great. His expressions are flawless but his appearance and his looks are not what the the character of Pedro demands in the script. Veronica is the perfect choice. Her charming looks and adorable style makes her a perfect female lead. Crista as the mother is charming and has a great screen presence. Mario de Vasco as the father of Pedro appeared too young. His hair could be greyed to avoid the temptation of seeing him as the elder brother of Pedro Poder. Ratnakar Govekar had a more ‘tiatr’ical approach to his character. Melwin in the negative role had good looks and screen presence but his dialogue delivery and moreover his laughs were quite unnatural. Spirito and Ramesh, the other baker, have a good screen presence but their dialogue delivery was faulty.
Cinematography:
There are no exotic or breathtaking locales in the film. The director of cinematography has probably not done his homework well as a ‘poder’ cant be separated from the traditional ‘forn’ ( traditional baking wooden oven). There is not a single shot of the baker near the oven. Neither are there any visuals of the modern electric oven.
Direction:
Unfortunately, the film falls short of expectations in this department as well. There is no clarity of thought and the implementation has its flaws. Most of the artistes are tiatrists and hence the tiatrical style of speaking invades the canvas of filmcraft making the style of dialogue delivery tiatrical.
