The Pool

Watch The Pool

  • NR
  • 2007
  • 1 hr 35 min
  • 7.2  (895)
  • 77

The Pool is an acclaimed Indian drama film directed by Chris Smith and released in 2007. It stars Nana Patekar, Venkatesh Chavan, and Jhangir Badshah. The movie is a poignant exploration of the lives of working-class people in the bustling city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. Venkatesh Chavan plays a young boy, Venkatesh, who dreams of swimming in the luxurious pool of a rich man's house in the outskirts of the city. He works as a cleaner in a nearby hotel and spends his spare time dreaming of this seemingly unattainable goal. Venkatesh is fascinated by the pool, which he sees as a symbol of wealth and success, and imagines himself swimming in it. He longs for an escape from his mundane life of cleaning and delivering food to the hotel guests.

Nana Patekar plays the role of the lonely and introverted Raghu, an adult who works as a pool cleaner. He lives in a shabby room behind the hotel with his young friend Jhangir, played by Jhangir Badshah, who assists him in his work. Raghu spends his days cleaning the pool and dreaming of a better life. However, he is haunted by past failures and regrets that have left him with a deep sense of isolation.

One day, Venkatesh and Jhangir discover the pool and meet Raghu. As they strike up a conversation, the relationships between the three characters grow slowly. Venkatesh is intrigued by Raghu's withdrawn personality and tries to get to know him better. Raghu, who is initially hostile towards him, gradually begins to open up about his past and his fears. Jhangir is an energetic and innocent young boy who is just happy to spend time with Venkatesh and Raghu.

The Pool is a beautifully shot film that captures the gritty reality of life in India with great sensitivity. The director skilfully contrasts the opulence of the pool with the poverty and struggles of the working-class characters. The movie offers an insightful and nuanced portrayal of the human condition and the challenges of living in a society that is unequal.

The film's strengths lie in its simplicity and the powerful performances by the three main actors. Nana Patekar gives a subtle and restrained performance, perfectly conveying the inner turmoil of his character. Venkatesh Chavan is a revelation as the young boy who dreams of a better life. His innocence and vulnerability make him a sympathetic and relatable character.

The Pool also explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. It shows how unlikely friendships can develop in the most unexpected places and how these relationships can change us in profound ways. The film challenges the viewer to reflect on the nature of happiness and the role that material possessions play in our lives.

In conclusion, The Pool is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a window into the lives of people who are often overlooked in society. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema or in exploring the complexities of the human condition.

The Pool is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.

The Pool
Description
Where to Watch The Pool
The Pool is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent The Pool for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 35 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (895)
  • Metascore
    77