For a movie that talks about the power of the written word, little in Satish Kaushik s Kaagaz seems powerful or inspired. It is one of those by-the-numbers biopics that could have worked more if the writing was up to it. Watchable and well-intentioned, this Kaagaz is a story better told on paper. Jan 7, 2021 By Sreejith Mullappilly
Satish Kaushik s Kaagaz is based on the life of Lal Bihari Mritak, a farmer, who was declared dead on national government records even when alive. The movie begins with the usual disclaimer that says the circumstances and the names of the characters are changed for dramatization. That change even applies to the protagonist, Bihari Lal Mritak, played by Pankaj Tripathi. Unlike the real-life Bihari, the Tripathi character here is a band player and a businessman. Even his name is changed a little for some reason.