Not all the films become the topic of discussion among the film lovers, before its theatre release. Latest Marathi film ‘Dhag’ prior to its official release, not only received critical acclaims at few International film festivals held during past few months; but, has also bagged prestigious awards, including the Natinal award for Best actress( Usha Jadhav) , best director(Shivaji Lotan Patil), and special Jury mention for child actor Hansraj Jagtap. Incidentally, the film has bagged 6 awards at the Ma Ta Sanman, including the best Marathi film award.

‘Dhag’ is a path breaking Marathi film, which revolves around a 13 year old boy Krishna, living in a village with his father Shripati( who runs a crematorium),mother Yashoda, a housewife, old Grandmother and a younger sister. Krishna is not interested to continue the family tradition of managing a crematorium and hence studies at a village school. He does a part time job at a juice centre, besides studying in school. But, the remarks from his teacher about his family’s profession, forces him to drop out of the school.

The family is solely dependent on the money earned during the last rites performed and hence, when there are no deaths in village, Shripati has to find some work at his friend- Mangya’s workshop. But, his dues are pending as his friend’s wife is also ill and bed ridden. One day, Shripati dies of snake bite and the whole family is shattered. Mangya takes care of the family; but, Krishna and his mother are hesitant to accept his help Krishna’s grandmother also warns her daughter in law about Mangya’s intentions of being generous. Krishna listens to their discussion and he realizes that without joining the same old traditional job, he can not help his family. So, he steps into his father’s shoes; and also continues attending school for a better future.

The film is very realistic and thought provoking. Marathi Movie World spoke to the producer and director to congratulate them and to know more about making of this film. Producer Vishal Pandit Gavare was more than happy to talk about making of this film. “When I heard the story of this from Shivaji Lotan Patil, I was very happy, as the kind of subject I always wanted to make a film, was there in this story. So, we decided to go ahead with selection of artistes. Since in this film the story revolves around a teenager, we took auditions in Mumbai. Finally, we were very much impressed with this boy from Beed, who had some local acting background at his native town. This is his debut film.” he said.

Mr. Shivaji Lotan Patil, was all praise for the producer, who he felt understood what he wanted to make. “It was my luck that I found the right person in him. Thereafter we worked on screenplay with the help of Nitin Dixit and managed to present what exactly I wanted. Today, I am glad that the film has been receiving compliments from well known personalities besides winning awards, before its official release. I am also glad that the boy has performed exceptionally well, besides good performances from other artistes.” said Mr. Patil.

Having already spoken to the award winning actress of this film and having carried her exclusive interview, we just congratulated her, as we had anticipated her to win many awards for her outstanding performance. But, we could not resist the temptation of speaking to the teenager Hansraj, who has played the central role of Krishna in this film. It was his last day of the school, when we first called him over phone. But, the hard working boy from Beed, told us that he was thankful to the director, assistant director and all the artistes for encouraging him. Hansraj has won the Ma Ta Sanman for Best child actor and has also received Sp. Jury mention at the National awards.

Now, the film is expected to be released in theatres in May 2013, according to the producer of this film. So, don’t miss it. Even children should watch this film, to understand the living conditions of the poor, living in villages.