Rating: ★★★ ½
Studio/presenter: Orangen Entertainment
Producers: Vishwajeet Gaikwad, Mandar Keni
Director: Atul Kale
Writer: Atul Kale, Ashish Raikar and Subodh Khanolkar,
DOP: Ajit Reddy
Editor: Sarvesh Parab
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 126 Min.
Cast: Sumeet Raghvan, Bhargavi Chirmule, Sharad Ponkshe, Rahul Mehendale, Arun Nalawde and Brandon J. Hill
There have been many Marathi period films, set on the backdrop of pre independence era. And, now latest released Marathi film ‘Sandook’ adds to that list. But, ‘Sandook’ directed by Atul kale has a different theme, though it is set on the backdrop of pre independence struggle , sometime during 1940s. The film revolves around a protagonist Wamanrao Ashtaputre ( Sumeet Raghavan) , a simple honest man from a village Sambhalgadh in Maharashtra. Though Wamanrao’s ancestors were actively involved in India’s freedom fight, right from the days of Shivaji Maharaj, he himself works in a post office of the village. Actually, he is scared to actively participate in freedom movement, though some of his friends have joined it.
After witnessing the atrocities of British Raj, when Wamanro expresses his willingness to join the group; his friends refuse to admit him, as Waman is a married man with a nagging wife Rukmini ( Bhargavi Chirule) and school going son Bharat ( DiveshMedge) . As the film progresses, we notice the new strict Police station- in- charge Gen Scott ( Brandon Hill) taking over , only to eliminate all those behind the murder of the previous station in charge. Trouble begins for Wamanrao, when one of his colleagues from Post Office- Bhatkhande( Rahul Mehandale) is killed in an encounter, while he is on a secret mission to kill the Gen.Scott. His another childhood friend Banya( Shantanu Gangane) , who is also the son of a Policeman Dinkarrao( Arun Nalawade) is also wanted in the same conspiracy.
Before going underground Banya hands over the small chest, which is the key to the secret storage place of arms and jewellery in a villa, which is taken over by the General, on his arrival. So, in the post interval session, we notice Wamanrao holding the custody of the chest, while the general and Police personnel, keeping a close watch on him. One expected the film to end with an interesting climax; but, it has ended like a typical bollywood style of climax, showing Wamanrao with the help of his few friends, killing the General and his few associates. But, what after that ?
As a director, Atul Kale has tried his level best to present the story of that period, selecting the right locations in Bhor village. Through the screenplay, he has also tried to generate interest with the help of some humour filled scenes, supported by good dialogues. Some of the scenes do tickle your funny bone. But, he could have made it more interesting in the pre interval stage too. The film has taken little longer, while establishing the link of Wamanrao with different people in the village. However, the suspense about the identity of Madhavrao , the leader of the freedom movement, has been well maintained till the concluding part. Good performances by Sumeet Raghavan, Sharad Ponkshe, Ramesh Wani, Arun Nalawade, Shantanu Gangane, Bhargavi Chirmule, Firdaus Mewavala and Rahul Mehendale add to the film’s advantage. Sumeet Raghavan certainly stands tall amongst them, with his stand out performance .
Few songs in this film, on the music of Ajit –Sameer, are just good enough. A lavani song on Tulika , needs a special mention, for its suitable music. But, the back ground music and sound design is impressive, to present the realistic village ambience. Mahesh Kudalkar’s art work, Mahesh Sherla’s costumes, Ajit Reddy’s cinematography, dialogues by Hrishikesh Joshi and editing work by Sarvesh Parab are other plus points of the film. Certainly, a worth watch for the entire family.