Last Film Show 2022

Samay, a young boy living in the village of Chalala in Saurashtra, Gujarat, navigates the complexities of childhood dreams and family expectations. He resides with his loving parents, Baa (Richa Meena) and Bapuji (Dipen Raval), who have traditional values. Though they generally disapprove of movies, they decide to take him along to watch a religious film titled “Jai MahaKaali,” featuring notable actors like Amrita Singh and Shatrughan Sinha. This experience ignites Samay’s passion for cinema as he becomes fascinated by the magic of film projected onto a screen.

Samay shares a close bond with his friends, Manu (Rahul Koli) and S.T. (Kishan Parmar), who often indulge in childish adventures together. However, Bapuji’s strong stance against films due to their Brahmin cultural beliefs adds a layer of tension, as he operates a humble tea stall for a living. Despite this, Samay dreams of a brighter future, longing to break free from the limitations of his upbringing. He helps his father at the village railway station and finds delight in playing with colored glasses, observing how each hue transforms the world around him.

With an imaginative spirit, Samay collects empty matchboxes from the train tracks, where his creativity shines as he spins fantastical tales inspired by the images on the boxes. His escapism leads him to bunk school and sneak into the local Galaxy cinema, thrillingly watching films but worrying his parents when he gets stranded overnight at the Amreli railway station. During his adventures, he encounters a kind projectionist named Fazal (Bhavesh Shrimali), with whom he forms a unique friendship. Their bond deepens over shared meals of Baa’s delicious rotis and fresh vegetables, as Fazal introduces Samay to the inner workings of the projection room.

As the summer unfolds, Samay spends countless hours watching films from the projection booth, exchanging bribes of food for free movie screenings. He learns about cinematography and storytelling, experimenting with light and shadow while crafting his narratives. Despite faced with challenges—like his father’s tea stall license denial and subsequent school troubles—Samay’s creativity flourishes. He even constructs a makeshift projector using scraps at an abandoned railway station, showcasing his resourcefulness.

Excitement turns to trouble when Samay and his friends steal reels from the railway station, pushing boundaries that result in disruptions at cinemas around the region, leading to civil unrest. Eventually, they are caught by the police, but after a brief detainment, Bapuji rescues Samay. In a moment of pride, he discovers Samay and the boys have painted the Galaxy cinema, which earns them free admission to the theatre.

However, change is on the horizon as technology replaces the analog projectors in the cinema, leaving Fazal without a job and igniting a new challenge for Samay. Their journey takes a turn as they follow the fate of their beloved film reels to a scrap factory, only to witness their dreams dissolve literally and figuratively. Dejected yet determined, Samay returns home, realizing that his true path lies in education, and not just in films.

In a defining moment, Bapuji acknowledges Samay’s undeniable talent, encouraged by Mr. Dave ([Alpesh Tank]), who recognizes the boy’s potential. He supports Samay’s desire to pursue his dreams, securing a place for him to stay in Vadodara. With heartfelt farewells, Baa packs a lunch, and the family rushes to the station to send him off. As the train departs, Samay is filled with a bittersweet mix of excitement and sadness, embarking on a journey that promises to fulfill his cinematic dreams while leaving his family behind.