Genres: Drama, Childrens Film
Censor: U/A
Duration: 122 Min.
Studio/presenter: Running Reel Productions
Producer: Supriya Chavan
Director: Amol Padave
Writer: Vikram Chavan
Screenplay: Amol Padave
Cast: Sharau Sonavane, Viraj Rane, Aditya Kawale, Anay Patil, Shreyali Vahane, Purva Shah, Jeevan Karalkar, Vibhav Borkar, Samiha Sabnis, Smita Talwalkar, Sampada Jogalikar-Kulkarni, Shekhar, Shekhar Phadke
Very few film makers in Marathi, offer something for the children, especially in the age group of 10 to 12 years. It is the most important age of children, to understand what is good and bad for them, in this world. In last year’s film ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’, we have seen, what this age group children did, to help their close friends. Now, in the latest released Marathi film ‘Aatli Batli Phutli’ produced by Supriya Chavan and directed by Amol Padave, we see a group of six close friends, in the age group of 10-12 years, living in the same housing society. They try to help a girl of their age, from the trouble faced by her, from her selfish aunty and uncle.
The story of this film written by Vikram Chavan revolves around these six children, who go to the same school, travelling together in a school van operated by a filmy buff Dadu( Shekhar Phadke), who is a great admirer of Madhuri Dixit. When these little children come to know about the sad story of Asha , the new girl in their society, who is made to do all the housework, they try to help her, with the help of Dadu and one well wisher aunty living in their society.
‘Aatli Batli Phutli’ has many important sequences, which are emotion filled, as well as filled with humour. Through the character of the school principal (late Smita Talwalkar), the director has tried to present a helpful and kind hearted lady, while through the characters of Dadu and the society watchman, he has tried to create light humour. Through the character of a college going girl, he has shown, how today’s collegians are addicted to continuous talking on mobile phones. Through different parents, we notice the variable attitude of the parents. At the same time, through the character of Shivani karadkar, he has shown, a cruel person.
To extract the best out of the children in this film, the director has found all talented artistes like Sharayu Sonawane, Viraj Rane, Aditya kawale, Poorva Shah, Jivan Karalkar, Anay Patil, Shreyali Vahane; who are well supported by Samhita Sabnis, Vaibhav Borkar, Swapnil Jadhav( ‘Aik’ fame) , Sachin Deshpande, Sampada Joglekar and others.
There are few errors noticed in the film; but looking at the sincere effort of the film maker to offer something for the children, during vacation, they can be overlooked. Cinematographer Aniket K. Has cleverly captured all the close up scenes well, to display the emotions on the faces of the little ones. Music and background music are appealing and go well with the script. In the songs, we notice the voices of Avadhoot Gupte and Swapnil Bandodkar. By the way, Madhuri Dixit hasn’t performed in Marathi films, but her presence is felt in the film, through the photos displayed by the school van operator, in his van. The film is a tribute to Late Smita Talwalkar.Perhaps, her last film, before her sad demise.
All in all, ‘Aatli Batli Phutli’ is an entertaining film with a social message for the little children and their parents. For those, who would want to know the meaning of this phrase (‘Aatli Batli Phutli’, it is- Breaking News!) It is a timely film, released during the vacation time of the children. A must see, for all children.