Film Review: Newton Confronts The “Democracy” Of Elections
Newton is a stickler for principles – whether with respect to his unusual name or the not entirely orthodox way in which his arranged marriage has been handled. Proudly he volunteers for Election Day. A helicopter drops him off in the jungle, populated by an indigenous tribe and violent Marxists. Newton must keep devious military personnel and oddball bureaucrats in check – even as the suspicious voters, the very people the whole thing is about, remain strangely absent. When a foreign election monitor arrives, the tide turns in his favor – but only temporarily.
Watching Amit Masurkar’s Newton after the election debacle of 2016 made me cringe. The Indian film screening in Tribeca shows that, all around the world politics and power plays, are open for corruption, but not just on a national base. After the most recent election, America learned that foreign agents can have a powerful say on our election, and Newton both humorously and dramatically approaches the openings that governments have to infiltration, especially when its people just stop caring for it.
Newton Kumar is played wonderfully by Rajkummar Rao who shows enough emotional nuance to make sure the character’s penchant for organization and rules does not come off too annoying or retentive, especially when in contrast to the many characters in the film that do not care. There Newton is, deep in the jungle, trying to assure that voting is fair, equal, and even possible for a people that, more than anyone, NEED to vote. The important irony of Newton as a film is that it shows apathy is the wrong answer, especially for those most unfortunate in the world. While I am not surprised that those running the election, from security guards to pollsters, do not care, it is the people’s lack of care for their voice that is most frustrating. Yes, it is hard to be resilient against the many times people try to silence you, both politically and socially, but does it mean you silence yourself? It is in this notion that the film becomes a surprising drama and brazen commentary on the fact that the worst person to hurt you is yourself.
As the film progresses, you witness that Newtown truly believes in voter equality and that all voices should have a say in their country. He goes from seemingly “nerdy” to heroic, because Rao shines as the titular character everyone can empathize with, even if his fellow characters do not. Although, as a review, I am focusing on the more dramatic aspects of the film; it is pretty funny. Newton is bound for some humorous altercations and dialogue with the people in his surrounding who do not know nor care how much he cares. Hence, I REALLY recommend you see Newton for poignant film with laughs and truth abound.
Mon April 24 @ 8:00pm, at CIN 6
Tue April 25 @ 9:15pm at CIN 5
Wed April 26 @ 3:45pm at CIN 2
Thur April 27 @ 9:45pm at Regal Battery Park Stadium 11, 102 North End Ave
