‘Braveheart’ presents a real touching story of a brave son and his encouraging father
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Rating: ★★★ 1/2
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Nikhil Films Producer(s): Sacchidanand Karkhanis, Santosh Mokashi Director: Dasbabu Music: Arnab Chatterjee Writer: Shrikant Bojewar Cinematographer (DOP): Vili Cast: Sangram Samel, Dhanashree Kadgaonkar, Arun Nalawade, Ila Bhate, Atharv Talvelkar, Sulbha Deshpande, Vijay Chavan, Kishore Pradhan, Abhay Kulkarni, Atul parchure Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In the year 1971 through Hindi film ‘Anand’ we saw an emotive story of a cheerful youngster, who had to say good bye to this beautiful world, because he suffered a rare type of ailment. But, the lead character of the film –Anand , remained cheerful, till his last breadth, making others realise that every moment of the life should be filled with energy, no matter even if it is short. Now, after 46 years, we find a father- Sachhidanand Karkhanis, coming forward to produce a Marathi film ‘Braveheart‘ , to narrate an inspiring touching story of his brave son, who fought against one such rare ailment, which paralysed all parts of his body one by one, beginning from his legs. But, not deterred by this spreading ailment in his body, the youngster showed courage to offer his network programming knowledge to others, till his last stage.
Generally, the films are a work of fiction, unless they are biopics on well known personalities. But, ‘Braveheart‘ is a real story of Nikhil Karkhanis (Played by debutant Sangram Samel) who fights against all odds in his life, when the ailment he suffers from, is declared as Killer ailment, with just one percent chance of survival. But, Nikhil takes up the challenge, with the support of his caring grandmother (Sulbha Deshpande) and helpful father Sachhidanand Karkhanis ( Arun Nalawade) , who remains by his side, till the end. Being an expert network programmer in an IT company, Nikhil becomes popular among all his colleagues and also finds his better half Sulekha( Dhanashree Kadgaonkar) in the same company, who is also hopeful of his recovery. Nikhil is deputed for four years to London from his company and his wife also accompanies him.
Nikhil’s ailment aggravates, after his return to India, as a result of which, his selfish wife leaves him. Nikhil finds support from his Company’s HR head( Ila Bhate), who realising his potential, uses his skills, by appointing him as a faculty member to train the newcomers. Nikhil’s father encourages him to build his confidence. As we see all these inspiring scenes in the film, with Nikhil’s fight against his ailment, to keep himself active, we notice his frustrated alcohol addicted uncle at home, without any work. This contrast has been very well presented by director Dasbabu , in the screenplay of the film.
‘Braveheart‘ is not a music based film, but the wonderful lyrics by screenplay writer Shrikant Bojewar have been cleverly used by music director Arnab Chatterjee. Background music by Amar Mohile, is also apt during many emotion filled sequences. Speaking about the performances, Sangram Samel has given an impressive performance on his debut. Watch his expressions through his eyes, when he reacts in the concluding scene. Good support also comes from Kishore Pradhan, Ila Bhate, Dhanashree Kadgaonkar, narrator Atul Parchure, Dr.Vilas Ujavane, Master Atharva Talvelkar and others. But, the remarkable performance comes from versatile actor Arun Nalawade, who has perfectly displayed father’s concern for his ailing son through his impulsive facial expressions.
All in all, ‘Braveheart‘ is real touching story of a brave son and his encouraging father, presented very artistically by director Dasbabu. Salute to producer Sachhidanand Karkhanis for producing this film, to pay tributes to his brave son.
‘Kanika’ –A ghost film with a social message
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Rating: ★★ 1/2
Genres: Revenge Horror Film Censor: A Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Seven Wonders Motion Pictures Producer(s): Sandeep Manohar, Pushkar Manohar Director: Pushkar Manohar Music: Amey Nare Writer: Pushkar Manohar Cinematographer (DOP): Chandrashekhar Nagarkar Cast: Sharad Ponkshe, Smita Shewale, Chaitrali Gupte , Kamlakar Saatpute, Falguni Rajni, Nilesh Behere Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Abortion of a female foetus outside of legal methods, is a crime in our country. We still find some of the doctors conducting sex determination tests and subsequent abortions at their clinics. In the state of Maharashtra too, we find many doctors arrested on these charges. Set on the backdrop of this criminal act, producer Sandeep Manohar and director Pushkar Manohar have presented their latest released Marathi film ‘Kanika’. And, to punish and teach a lesson to all those doctors involved in this illegal practice, they have used the ghost of a girl Kanika, who is killed by her own father, for being a girl child.
Dr.Kaushik Pradhan( Sharad Ponkshe) runs a hospital and is also involved in such illegal practices, with the support of Dr.Sachin (Nilesh Behre) & Dr.Rashmi (Falguni Rajani). Vidya(Smita Shewale) is referred to Dr.Pradhan by his doctor friend from a village, for sex determination test during her pregnancy, as her husband and Mother in law want her to deliver only a baby boy. But, Vidya( Smita Shewale) refuses abortion and delivers baby girl, who is later killed by her own father. So, Kanika’s ghost later punishes all those doctors behind this illegal act. One by one she takes the revenge and finally sends Dr.Pradhan to a mental hospital, to make him realize his sin.
‘Kanika’ nearly two hour length film is technically well presented in the first half, but fails to capture the attention of audience in the later half. There are few lapses in the screenplay, such as the role of Dr.Pradhan’s Police Officer friend Rawal( Kamlakar Satpute), the presence of two female characters in the house, without establishing their relationship. Even, the doctor’s wife Vaishali( Chaitrali Gupte) is introduced as doctor, with a surprise, during the discussion between husband and wife in the later half of the film. Why the ghost troubles a watchman of the bungalow is not known. Doctor’s wife is spared by the ghost, but uses her to attack her husband. Similar other scenes, instead of scaring the audience, are entertaining. However, the intention of the film maker is good, to pass on a social message.
Sharad Ponkshe does well in the role of Dr.Pradhan. He finds good support from Chaitrali Gupte, who has played his doctor wife. In the limited role Vidya, Smita Shewale is impressive. Amey Nare and Sajan Patel have done a good job of offering suitable background music with impressive VFX by Shrikant Jadhav. Kuldeep Mehan’s editing work is good and so is the camera work by Chandrashekhar Nagarkar. All in all, ‘Kanika’ is a Ghost film with a social message .
‘Garbh’ presents a typical story of exploitation of woman
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Rating: ★★ 1/2
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Sheer Swami Vakratund Films Producer(s): Rajendra Atol Director: Subhash Ghorpade Music: Ashok Wayangkar, Ravi Singhal Writer: Ramesh Tiwari Cinematographer (DOP): Arun Fasalkar Cast: Siya Patil, Sushant Shelar, Nishigandha Wad, Yatin Karyekar, Anant Jog, Hemant Thatte, Vibhuti Patil, Pallavi Vaidya Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In our Marathi film industry, during 60s and 70s , we have seen many films on women oriented subjects, where male folks were shown dominating the women. Later, in 80s and 90s, we saw women themselves harassing other women and now we are watching through television serials, we see the Saas-Bahu dramas. Now, combining all these different ways of harassments, producer Rajendra Ramchandra Aatol and director Subhash Ghorpade thought of presenting a family social drama through their latest released Marathi film ‘Garbh’ with a tagline ‘Kunkawache Astitva’.
In this film, we witness two parallel stories of two couples running simultaneously in the screenplay. One is that of Sanjay Kulkarni( Hemant Thatte) owner of Kulkarni Group of Companies & his wife Rekha Kulkarni ( Vibhuti Patil Thakur) and the other is that of youngsters Rahul Mhatre (Sushant Shelar) and Kavita (Siya Patil). When Rahul a collegian, finds kavita , his girlfriend form his college, being harassed by her Uncle ( Anant Jog) beyond limits, he takes a quick decision to marry her and brings his newly wed wife to his house, to give a big surprise to his parents. But, realising the situation, the parents welcome their daughter in law, with a big heart. Rahul works hard and also finds a job of an accountant in Kulkarni Group of Company and that’s how the new link between Mhatre and Kulkarni family is established.
When Rahul meets with an accident, his pregnant wife seeks help from Rahul’s Boss- Sanjay Kulkarni, for huge money required for her husband’s operation. Rekha Kulkarni initially stops her husband from offering help. But, realising her own problem of not conceiving a child for 10 years, finds a good opportunity to force Kavita to enter into a contract against offering her help. Kavita sings on blank stamp paper, which results in a big drama taking place in the second half of this film. In the meanwhile, we notice some dramatic happenings in the story, to show how two different women face the challenges in their lives in different ways. So, it’s all about selfishness v/s sacrifice drama in the film. But, finally, it’s happy end for the audience.
Talking about the performances, both Sushant Shelar and Siya Patil have given satisfying performances. They find good support from Nishigandha Wad, Vandana Waknis,Yatin karyekar, Anant Jog, Pallavi Vaidya and others.
All in all, ‘Garbh’ presents a typical story of exploitation of a woman, which has two different shades. Those who love to watch social family films on such serious subjects, may like this film; but for others looking for pure entertainment, may not enjoy it. The film does have 2-3 songs for music lovers, but, they disturb the continuity of the story. Arun Kulkarni’s dialogues are just fine, but the screenplay should have been made more gripping. Arun Fasalkar’s photography is good and so is the background music by Amar Desai.
‘Premay Namah’ is just another love story on big screen…
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Rating: ★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: White Onion Entertainment Producer(s): Uttam Chorade, Suyog Gaikwad Director: Jagdish Watharkar Music: Chandrashekhar Janawade, K. Sandeep Kumar Writer: Shashikant Kamble Cinematographer (DOP): Dhanaji Yamkar Cast: Devendra Chougule, Rupali Krishnrao, Surekha Kudchi, Prakash Dhotre, Miss Sayali Magdum, Milind Oak, Narendra Desai, Snehal Raj Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
There was a time, when Kolhapur used to be the most active centre of Marathi film production. But, after 80s Marathi film makers preferred the locations in and around Mumbai with the help of studios and bungalows located in Mumbai. However, some film makers still prefer Kolhapur and sea belt of Konkan as the backdrop of their films. Producer Uttam Chorade and director Jagadish Vatharkar have offered their latest film ‘Premaya Namah‘ on the backdrop of today’s well developed Kolhapur city and picturesque Gaganbawda.
So, we find a young man Prem( Devendra Chougule) , the only son from a wealthy family, falling in love with a girl Preeti ( Rupali Krishnarao), after he meets her outside a departmental stores. It’s a love at first sight. On this very first occasion, he helps her find her money purse snatched by a thief, but she casually thanks him. Prem happens to meet her again and again, but Preeti ignores him, thinking him to be a roadside romeo. Bythe way, there is a real road romeo and a gang leader also after her and Prem encounters him and his goons, showing his muscle power. Finally, Prem along with his mother( Surekha Kudchi) arrive few days in advance, to attend the wedding ceremony of his mother’s close friend’s daughter. Here he discovers that the girl getting married is Preeti.
Dejected, he decides to return home, but Preeti stops him and boldly suggests him to elope with her. Preeti’s parents hand over the responsibility of their daughter’s marriage to Prem. Now, in dilemma, Prem has his own plans . The conclusion of this love story is not predictable, which is the only surprise in the film. But, the rest of the happenings are in typical bollywood style of films during 60s and 70s. However, the chemistry between the lead pair doesn’t work well. There is a name sake villain and his character is not at all convincing in the plot. With such a theme, the film fails to create an impact on real film lovers, as it lacks proper presentation in the screenplay. The length of the film is also too long, stretching almost to 2 and half hours.
The hero Devendra who is shown a 20+ youngster in this film, isn’t very convincing, as he doesn’t look like a real young romantic hero. On many occasions he is shown imitating styles of Shahrukh Khan and does overacting in emotion filled long scenes. He is only good in action scenes, as an angry young man. However, the actress Rupali with her Marathi & Hindi television background, has impressed through her performance. Among others, Surekha Kudchi and Prakash Dhotre have offered good support, but the actor Bharat Daini in Villain’s role has failed to impress.
There are very few things worth appreciating in this film and they include good background music and decent cinematography which has captured outdoor locations and one underwater song picturisation very well. Even some action scenes with the help of special effects, have been shot well. All in all, ‘Premay Namah‘ can be described as just another love story in Marathi, on big screen.
Ashwini Bhave steals the show in ‘Dhyanimani’
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Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Great Maratha Entertainment Producer(s): Aniruddh Deshpande, Medha Manjrekar Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni Music: Ajit Parab Writer: Prashant Dalvi Cinematographer (DOP): Ajith Reddy Cast: Mahesh Manjrekar, Ashwini Bhave, Abhijeet Khandkekar, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Madhav Abhyankar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Every actor or actress desire to perform a lifetime role in their acting career, be it on stage, television or films. And, very few of them get an opportunity to do so, in their second innings. Actor Amitabh Bachchan did find such opportunities through films like Cheeni Kam, Black, Paa, Piku & Pink. In Marathi, Nana Patekar found it in ‘Natasamarat‘. But, all are not lucky, especially the female artistes. But, Ashwini Bhave has found one such role in latest released Marathi film ‘Dhyanimani‘. She is the backbone of this film.
The film ‘Dhyanimani‘ revolves around her central character of Shalini Pathak a 40+ wife of Sadanand Pathak ( Mahesh Manjrekar) based in Roha on an job assignment. A newly married young couple Aparna ( Mrunmayee Deshpande) & Sameer ( Abhijeet Khandkekar) arrive in their house on a short vacation, as Pathak couple is close to Sameer’s father, a retired and highly respected school teacher( Madhav Abhyankar) .
Sadanand & Shalini welcome the young couple but soon the young couple notice some mystery in the strange behaviour of the couple. At the stroke of interval, the young couple and audience receive the first jolt and in the second half it is the uncovering of the mystery. ‘Dhyanimani‘ is based on the Marathi play by Prashant Dalvi which was staged in 90s. The play was directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni , who has now directed this film with the same name. Through this film, he has managed to present this mystery based screenplay of Prashant Dalvi well and has also skilfully exploited the best out of all four lead artistes well, but, he hasn’t taken much cinematic liberties through this film. Therefore, in many scenes the film has the look of a stage play, with more emphasis on long dialogues, especially those uttered by Ashwini Bhave.
Nevertheless, Ajith Reddy’s camera work, Paresh Manjrekar’s editing, Ajit Parab’s background music and Sandeep Mochemadkar’s sound design are plus points of this film. All in all,’Dhyanimani‘ film is not entertaining like typical Marathi films; but, does offer something different for those, who love to watch mystery based subjects with good performances.
Inspiring, meaningful and entertaining ‘Baghtos Kay Mujra Kar’
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Rating: ★★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Everest Entertainment, Ganraj Productions Producer(s): Gopal Taiwade Patil, Vaishnavi Jadhav Director: Hemant Dhome Music: Amitraj Writer: Hemant Dhome Cinematographer (DOP): Milind Jog Cast: Jitendra Joshi, Aiket Vishwasrao, Akshay Tanksale, Parna Pethe, Neha Joshi, Rasika Sunil, Vikram Gokhale Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
The strength of Marathi films is growing day by day. Besides offering good subjects, Marathi film makers are also paying attention on technical aspects, to offer a quality film. And, the best example is latest released Marathi film ‘Baghtos Kay Mujra Kar‘. Set on the backdrop of a village ‘Kharbujewadi’ based at the foothills of a historical Fort of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Off Satara, the film revolves around a young Sarpanch of the village Nanasaheb Deshmukh( Jitendra Joshi) who wants to preserve the beauty of the Fort in his village, with the help of his two friends Pandurang alias Panda Seth( Aniket Vishwasrao) and Shivraj Vahadne( Akshay Tanksale) and they start a campaign to keep the fort clean, by prohibiting encroachments.
Instead of just supporting the Politicians representing their area, Nanasaheb’s friends suggest him to contest the elections and become MLA, so that he could use his power in preserving the Forts of Shivaji Maharaj. They make an effort to meet Dy.CM Vandana tai (Ashwini Kalsekar) , to get the ticket for Nanasaheb. However, she suggests Nanasaheb to not only raise funds, but also do something, which would invite the attention of Party’s High Command. So, the three friends strike with an Idea and prepare to go to London to bring back the sword of Shivaji Maharaj from the museum of England. They do visit London and also return home with the sword, but the Opposition leader Bapusaheb Ghadge ( Vikram Gokhale) is approached by Nanasaheb’s rival from the village Shamsher Patil.
Both the Politicians play their political games, for their personal benefit. Realizing their mistake, Nanasaheb and his two friends begin with the good work of preserving the heritage of the fort in their village and set an ideal before the villagers. The film does hits out at the proposed construction of memorial of Shivaji Maharaj. Instead, the film suggests to preserve the heritage of all historical Forts in Maharashtra and beautify them, to make them tourist spots.
The screenplay of this film and dialogues are highly impressive, besides the story idea, which makes ‘Baghtos Kay Mujra Kar‘ film not only inspiring and meaningful but also entertaining. The film’s climax has been stretched a little longer, which is the only drawback of this film. But, all in all this film is a worth watch. Hemant Dhome has emerged as the talented film maker on his debut. He seemed to have studied the psychology of the Marathi film lovers, as he has offered what was expected from him.
Besides direction, Hemant Dhome has also played an effective negative role. Jitendra Joshi as Nanasaheb is simply superb, as he has proved his ability of being a versatile actor. He finds good support from Aniket Vishwasrao and Akshay Tanksale. There is nothing much for female characters in this male oriented film; but, Neha Joshi, Parna Pethe and Rasika Sunil( ‘Majhya Navryachi Baiko’ TV serial fame), have made their presence felt, through their respective characters. Good support also comes from Ashwini Kalsekar, Vikram Gokhale, Anant Jog and others. Other plus points of this film are its suitable music by Amitraj and wonderful camera work by Milind Jog , who has captured the beauty of historical fort with aerial photography and also beauty and cleanliness of London city through his lenses very well.
‘Zhalla Bobhata’ tickles your funny bone
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Rating: ★★★½
Genres: Comedy Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Kings Creation, Digitechno Enterprise Producer(s): Sainath Rajadhyaksha, Mahendranath Director: Anup Jagdale Music: A. V. Prafullachandra Writer: Anup Jagdale Cinematographer (DOP): Krishna Soren Cast: Dilip Prabhavalkar, Sanjay Khapre, Kamlesh Sawant, Bhau Kadam, Mayuresh Pem, Reena Agrawal, Teja Devkar, Monalisa Bagal Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Over the years, Marathi films have always preferred village backdrop, whenever it was time to offer a situation based comedy. And, if the screenplay and dialogues were well suited to versatile artistes, who knew their timings well, such films were well appreciated by the audience. Latest released Marathi film ‘Zhalla Bobhata‘ directed by Anup Ashokrao Jagadale falls in this category. He has offered this film, story of which is written by him, keeping in mind two important words- ‘just entertainment‘.
Set on the backdrop of a beautiful picturesque village in Patan, in Satara District, the film begins with the love affair of two youngsters Pashya ( Mayuresh Pem ) and Priya ( Monalisa Bagal), but brings a sudden twist in the screenplay, with the happening of an event, when an old barber Appa ( Dilip Prabhavalkar) from the village hears the conversation between a man and a woman during night hour and suspects it to be an affair of a married woman from the village with another man. Appa turns unconscious and gives a clue about the affair, when he becomes conscious only for few seconds. This worries all the men in the village, including the Village Sarpanch ( Kamalesh Sawant ) and others. The chain of misunderstandings spreads from one family to other. Dinu ( Bhau Kadam ) a bachelor from the village, whose marriage is overdue, also has his say in the sequence of fun filled events.
The first half of this film is longer, but entertains the audience , with wonderful performances coming from all the artistes. Dilip Prabhavalkar , Bhau Kadam, Sanjay Khapre and Kamalesh Sawant offer wholesome entertainment through their respective characters. Young Mayuresh Pem does well through his notable performance. As his co star young Monalisa also invites attention through her debut. Another female actress Deepali Ambikar , who has played the role of Sarpanch’s wife, has also done well. Teja Devkar is seen in a different type of role, which suits her the most. But, the credit goes to the director, for generating the laughter moments throughout the film. He however fails to appeal in the concluding part, when he uncovers the mystery about the woman in question.
Nevertheless, the film ‘Zhalla Bobhata‘ entertains the masses, which is the plus point of this film. Arwind Jagtap’s dialogues are well written. A.V.Prafulchandra’s background music also appeals, besides excellent cinematography by Krushna Soren. ‘Zhalla Bobhata‘ is an entertaining film which tickles your funny bone .
‘Nagpur Adhiveshan’ presents routine political satire
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Rating: ★★½
Genres: Drama Censor: A Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Vidharba Pictures Producer(s): Anil Keshavaji Jalamkar Director: Nilesh Raosaheb Jalamkar Music: Amit Tale Writer: Nilesh Raosaheb Jalamkar Cinematographer (DOP): Chandrakant Meher Cast: Makrand Anaspure, Bharat Ganeshpure, Mohan Joshi, Ajinkya Deo, Vinit Bhonde, Sankarshan Karahade, Dipali Jagtap, Chetan Dalvi, Amol Tale, Sneha Chavhan Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Films on the backdrop of political situation in Maharashtra, are not new to Marathi film lovers. In the past, films like ‘Samna‘, ‘Sarkarnama‘, ‘Made In China‘ invited attention of many film lovers, for presenting the political situation especially in Maharashtra very realistically. However, in the recent past, none of the film makers could present their films on this subject effectively, so as to hold the film goers to their seats from start to finish. Some film makers did attempt political satire, to entertain the audience.
Latest released Marathi film ‘Nagpur Adhiveshan- Ek Sahal‘ also presents a light comedy, on the backdrop of Winter session of Maharashtra legislature, held every year in the orange city. Produced by Anil Keshavrao Jalamkar and directed by Nilesh Raosaheb Jalamkar this film presents the effect of this session on the officials of State Government department housed there. The film focuses on all such employees busy in meeting the demands of the visiting elected representatives, through corrupt practices. Through different characters, the film tries to show the attitude of each one of them, engaged in ‘give and take’ business.
The film begins with a leader of the opposition Prataprao ( Ajinkya Deo) planning a cycle march from his village to Nagpur,to show his strength to gain political mileage; but faces opposition from a young protagonist Aju ( Amol Tale) from his village. Somehow, he manages to convince him to accompany him along with his followers. However, on reaching Nagpur, Prataprao plays his political game with the help of his local Political worker Waghmare ( Bharat Ganeshpure ) based in Nagpur , who seeks help of a clerk from Government office Mr. Solanke ( Makarand Anaspure ) and his team.
The film does not pass any strong social message, but has tried to show the excitement amongst the leaders attending the sessions , who are in a picnic mood instead of discussing the problems faced by the people. All these events have been picturised to generate some humour. However, the film’s screenplay fails to pick up till interval. Even after interval, there are not many interesting happenings, giving it a look of a routine political satire. It is only towards the climax, the screenplay presents some hilarious moments. The intention of writer-director has been good while presenting this subject, but he has not been able to make it gripping. In an attempt to offer scope to every important actor in this film, he has lost the track.
In the beginning of the film, you are under the impression that Ajinkya Deo is the hero of this film. Then, the focus is shifted on Amol Tale and soon you find Makarand Anaspure and Bharat Ganeshpure getting the attention. But, there is also time given to young Sankarshan Karhade, who finds his space to romance with Sneha Chavan. Then, there are other artistes like Mohan Joshi, Chetan Dalvi, Satish Phadke, Deepali Jagtap and Vinit Bhonde , who find their share as supporting artistes. All of them have given good performances, with Mohan Joshi attempting something different. The film’s music is not very impressive, as there are two conventional style songs, but the film’s cinematography is good, capturing some outdoor locations of Nagpur skillfully.
All in all, ‘Nagpur Adhiveshan Ek Sahal‘ presents a routine political satire and is a timely release as the winter session of State legislature is going on in Nagpur.
‘Vazandar’ presents casual entertainment with light humour
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Rating: ★★½
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Landmarc Films Producer(s): Vidhi Kasliwal Director: Sachin Kundalkar Music: Avinash-Vishwajeet Writer: Sachin Kundalkar Cinematographer (DOP): Milind Jog Cast: Sai Tamhankar, Priya Bapat, Siddharth Chandekar, Chirag Patil, Chetan Chitnis, Gaurav Ghatnekar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Weight gain has always been a problem for young women, whether married or about to get married. Latest Marathi film ‘Vazandar‘ tries to deal with this issue to generate light humour. Actually, the film doesn’t have an interesting plot to appeal all. Prior to its release, this film had already created a lot of hype through its promotion, banking on the two top actresses from Marathi films coming together for the first time. So, obviously, there were big expectations from this film. But, it has turned out to be a casual entertainer with light humour, offered especially to young women, who are the target audience.
‘Vazandar‘ is a narrative by mesomorph body type happy go lucky girl Pooja( Priya Bapat) who is born and brought up at Pachgani by her mother, who works as a Hotel Manager. Pooja is a computer Engineer who is trying to migrate to USA. She lives a happy life in the company of her friend Kaveri ( Sai Tamhankar), who is recently married to Omkar Jadhav( Chirag Patil) son of a owner of a big Strawberry garden . Kaveri has some restrictions at home. So, to fulfill her desire to dance at a local Pub, she accompanies Pooja, when her family members are away.
When both Pooja and Kaveri go high, dancing on the table to get noticed, the table breaks and both of them fall down. This embarrassing moment is captured on a video by someone present there and the clip goes viral on youtube. They are named as dancing aunties , being out of shape. Pooja turns furious and goes to lodge a police complaint. She also decides to trace the person who uploaded this video. In the meanwhile, she becomes friendly with Alok Dixit ( Siddharth Chandekar) who poses himself as an expert trekker rather than a tour guide. In the company of Alok Pooja develops a complex and decides to reduce her extra fat. While she attempts those widely advertised Slim fit methods of consuming pills for fat loss, she further goes to the extent of attempting a bariatric surgery. At the same time, her friend Kaveri without the knowledge of her husband and family visits a Gymnasium to shape herself for a zero figure.
How their methods help them in their respective lives, is all that ‘Vazandar‘ has tried to show in this 2 hour length film. The film does succeed in creating the right environment for fitness lovers with the selection of right locations, such as morning walks, Gymnasium, health Spa and the natural indoor hotel atmosphere of a hill station, with the suitable sound and art designs , but it lacks crispy dialogues, required to create spontaneous laughter. The first half the film does generate some interest; but, in the second half it fails to hold the grip on its screenplay. First of all, the plot of this film itself is not so appealing, as uploading the video clip showing the fall of two overweight girls from a table while dancing in a Pub, is itself a non sensational happening. This is also endorsed in the screenplay of this film by the Police Inspector on duty, who advises them to approach the Cyber cell, to decide the seriousness of such an act.
Moreover, after the Video clip going viral , Kaveri and Pooja are recognized by local schoolchildren and even vegetable vendors , but still, no one from Kaveri’s family comes to know about it, through external sources, which is surprising. Simply showing that Kaveri’s husband has stopped using PC doesn’t convince the audience. Except for few humor filled happenings, director Sachin Kundalkar couldn’t develop the story of this film, the way he did through his previous films. But still, ‘Vazandar‘ offers good performances from the lead characters played by Priya Bapat and Sai Tamhankar.
Being a women oriented film, there is less scope for the lead hero Siddharth Chhandekar. But, he has played his part well. Good support comes from other characters like Mike Sir the Gym Instructor played by Sameer Dharmadhikari, Sai’s husband played by Chirag Patil, Family Doctor of Jadhav family, played by Gaurav Ghatnekar , Police Inspector played by Umesh Jagtap, Chetan Chitnis as Pooja’s childhood friend and others. Avinash-Vishwajeet’s music just good enough to fit into the much needed requirement of space for songs in this film. But, the Photography by Milind Jog and dress design by Amit Divekar are worth appreciating.
‘Ventilator’ is a tribute to all Dads in the world
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Rating: ★★★½
Genres: Family Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Zee Studios, Purple Pebble Pictures, Magij Pictures Producer(s): Priyanka Chopra, Dr. Madhu Chopra Director: Rajesh Mapuskar Music: Rohan Rohan Writer: Rajesh Mapuskar Cinematographer (DOP): Savita Singh Cast: Ashutosh Gowariker, Jitendra Joshi, Sulbha Arya, Sukanya Kulkarni-Mone, Satish Aalekar, Swati Chitnis, Usha Nadkarni, Rahul Solapurkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has turned a Producer of Marathi films, with her debut production ‘Ventilator‘. She might have selected the subject of the film, perhaps to pay tribute to her father. ‘Ventilator‘ which is also a debut Marathi film for Bollywood writer and director Rajesh Mapuskar , who has directed this film, besides writing its script.
The film revolves around Kamerkar family, scattered at different places, but all the members make it a point to visit their native place to celebrate Ganapati festival every year.
However, this year, little before the arrival of Ganapati fest, the doyen of the family Gajju kaka is admitted to the hospital after suffering brain stroke. As he goes into Coma, his son Prasanna (Jitendra Joshi) takes a decision to keep him on Ventilator in ICU, to enable him to impress his Political leader( Shashank Shende) , being his right hand in all the party work during Ganapati fest. He however, admits him in the best hospital using his political influence. His mother( Sulbha Arya) and sister (Sukanya Mone) turn by turn keep a watch outside the ICU, hoping for the old man’s recovery.
As the news about Gajju kaka’s health condition spreads to the relatives in Mumbai and village, they start pouring in the hospital. There are also some of his old colleagues from the chawl, where he lived earlier. But, the most important person who finds time to visit his uncle is Raja Kamerkar alias RK( Ashutosh Gowarikar) as he is indebted to him, for having supported him, when he first arrived in Mumbai. RK has turned to be a Bollywood film director and therefore his visit to hospital becomes a special event. Like Prasanna, RK too has differences with his father( Satish Alekar) on certain issues and the film’s story focuses on this emotional cord, while presenting some humorous happenings, even in that situation.
As a writer-director Rajesh Mapuskar has cleverly handled the film till the interval, with many humor filled scenes and making the screenplay interesting with the introduction of about 100+ characters , most of whom are relatives of Kamerkar family. And therefore, in the post interval session, we find a huge gathering of people in the hospital’s waiting room , as if it is a gathering of people for a family function. And, in this crowd, you don’t notice any other relatives of patients, as if Gajju kaka is the only patient admitted there.
Due to well written dialogues and perfect timing of comedy maintained by the big group of experienced talented artistes, the film moves to the thought provoking climax, raising the curiosity of the audience. The inclusion of artistes like Usha Nadkarni, Deepak Shirke, Achyut Potdar , Viju Khote, Abhijit Chavan, Nikhil Ratnaparakhi, Bhushan Telang, Rahul Solapurkar, Namrata Awate, Nilesh Divekar and many others has enabled the director to show the attitude of every individual, even at such a situation. Producer Priyanka Chopra has two scenes in this film, as she plays her own self, uttering few words in Marathi. In the role of a Surgeon Boman Irani has tried to generate humour very naturally . Though it is a good team work, Jitendra Joshi, Ashutosh Gowarikar & Satish Alekar invite all the attention with their superb performances. Music doesn’t have much scope in this film, but the song played in background is impressive. The female version of the song has now been dubbed in the voice of Priyanka Chopra, which may help in film’s promotion on television and social networking sites. Savita Singh’s cinematography has perfectly captured the close up expressions of all these versatile artistes.
All in all, ‘Ventilator‘ is a family drama which offers humour mixed with emotions. In short, the film has paid tribute to all Dads in the world, indicating how strong is the relationship between a father and a son.