Rating: ★★★★ Studio/presenter: Shivam-Jemin Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. Producer: Shivam-Jemin Enterprise Pvt. Ltd Writer, Director: Mrinal Kulkarni Art: Nitin Chandrakant Desai Director of Photography: Ate Editor: Jayant Jathar Music: Anand Modak Genres: Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 135 Min. Cast: Alok Rajwade, Parna Pethe, Ravindra Mankani, Mrinal Kulkarni, Prasad Oak, Sonalee Kulkarni, Amol Kolhe, Shruti Marathe, Shruti Karlekar Movie Review by: Sanskruti Bhatkar

Directed by Mrinal Kulkarni under the banner of Shivam Jemin Films Pvt. Ltd., new Marathi film Rama  Madhav is based on the Era of the Peshwa Period. It is 17th Century’s immortal love story. Having made debut in direction last year, through ‘Prem Mhanjae Prem Asata’, this is the second film directed by Mrinal Kulkarni. Through this film Mrinal kulkarni presents the love story of Rama and Madhavrao, covering important happenings in their life.

The film begins with Madhav, (played by Alok Rajwade), son of Narayanrao Peshwa; getting married to little Ramabai (Shruti Karlekar), in a private ceremony in Pune. Then, we find the humour filled incidences, where little Rama interacts with different people in that huge palace, including some appealing encounters with teenaged Madhav. She does receive the affection from Gopikabai ( played by Mrinal Kulkarni) and aunty Parvatibai ( Shruti Marathe); but, has to face the arrogance of another aunty Anandibai ( Sonalee Kulkarni), who is selfish.

After the death of Nanasaheb, sixteen year old Madhavrao is made the next Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. But, Nanasaheb’s brother Raghunathrao( Prasad Oak) , who is supposed to assist him in the administrative affairs, walks out of the office displaying his anger, having lost his chance. Then begins the love and hate story of this film, after Rama grows older by six years, and under the peshwaship of brave Madhavrao, Maratha power recovering from the losses suffered during the Panipat Campaign.

Time comes, when Madhavrao’s health deteriorates after 1770, as he is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Despite the efforts of the best doctor, his end comes at the young age of 27,when Rama sacrifices her life, as sati, the tradition that prevailed those days.

The film has a magnificent feel, because of the costumes made by Poornima oak, suited to that era, lovely art work by Nitin Chandrakant Desai, good music by Anand Modak , proper editing by Jayant Jathar and excellent photography by Rajiv Jain. Mrinal Kulkarni has done a wonderful job as a director and above all, the great performances come from all the artistes right from Shruti Karlekar to veteran Ravindra Mankani. The film is really grand and a worth watching movie. Can watch with your family. In this modern century also, people would surely like to watch such a historical film on big screen.