‘Re Raya’ inspires in spite of limited content
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3
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During the past few years, in our country we have witnessed many international level sportspersons emerging from small villages. Best examples are Umesh Yadav Cricket, Deepika Kumari( Archery), Vijay Kumar ( Shooting), Sushil Kumar ( Wrestling), Mary Kom( Boxing) and the latest sensation in athletics –is 18 year old Hima Das. If none had spotted their talent and brought them into light, they would not have achieved what they have done till now.
Latest Marathi film ‘Re Raya‘ which is set on the backdrop of sports, revolves around one such national and international level Athlete Aadesh Bhosale( Bhushan Pradhan) . Aadesh, in spite of being the top athlete in the state of Maharashtra and India, is ignored for the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati award by the state administrators and instead of him an inferior athlete is chosen for this award. Dejected by this favoritism, Aadesh leaves for his remote village at a district place . During his short stay there, he comes across three youngsters from poor families Rahul ( Vivek Chabukswar) , Aakash( Sudarshan Patil) & Vasu ( Hansraj Jagtap) who are really good in sprinting, high jump and archery respectively.
After taking permission from their parents and asking his guardian to take care of their families, Aadesh brings them to city to offer them training in their respective sports. Since he does not know much about archery, he requests another coach Gavde Sir( Abhijit Chavan) to train Vasu. After some struggle and rigorous training the three youngsters achieve what their mentor Aadesh had expected from them. Though this is an inspiring tale , the turn of sequences in post interval stage become predictable. Besides these three sports, the audience do not get glimpse of any other sports, thus it gives a feeling that National games are played only for these three games.
However, the director has cleverly highlighted the Politics in sports selection, right from the grass root level to the selection of sportspersons to represent state team. He has also thrown light on how the people who have not played a particular sport are made selectors. The non availability of facilities like proper food and toilets especially for girls is clearly shown through two scenes. This is a clear expose of our state associations representing different games and the host state. And therefore, to some extent he has succeeded in presenting what he wanted to convey to real sports lovers.
The best thing about this film is the selection of the artistes to play all the important characters. Bhushan Pradhan looks a perfect athlete and has displayed his emotions well. The three young artistes Vivek Chabukswar , Sudarshan Patil & Hansraj Jagtap have fulfilled the expectations from them with hard work displayed clearly through their body language, as they were more involved in action sequences. Sanskruti Balgude has been used as a show piece in this sports oriented film. Her role has not been defined properly. But, as a strong supporter of her boyfriend who is totally committed to coaching, she does well in all those few scenes to her share. In the supporting roles of School Sports teacher and Archery Coach, Uday Tikekar and Abhijit Chavan are impressive. Playing the role of little Aadesh, child star Malhar Dandge is good and so are Prakash Dhotre and Nayan Jadhav in the respective roles of Aadesh’s father and close friend .
Music by Mangesh Dhakde is just fine but Pratap Nair has captured all those action moments through his camera superbly. Story idea of Kiran Berad is inspiring, but he should have paid more attention on expanding the screenplay extra skillfully and supporting it with dialogues more capturing, with his limited content. However, the intention of film maker is good and he sends across a good message to the society and especially to all those sports lovers.
‘Youngraad’ presents a thought provoking subject in an entertaining manner
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3.5
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Writer director Makarand Mane who made his debut in Marathi films through his 2015 film ‘Ringan‘, went on to win the National award for the best Marathi film at the 63rd National Film Awards. Now, his new film ‘Youngraad‘ has been released this Friday. Once again highlighting another social issue on the importance of education, very cleverly the director has shown how a group of four teenagers from a district place like Nashik move on the wrong track, only to realize their mistake later . Actually, Youngraad is a slang used for young wanderers, which is predominantly used in Nashik.
‘Youngraad’ revolves around a teenager Vikas Chavan alias Vickya ( Chaitanya Deore)around 17 years of age, who comes across three other boys Monya, Antya & Bappa almost of his age group, who have only one common interest to bunk classes and get involved into all mischievous activities. Watching the guts of Vickya while interacting with him, the local goon turned politician Ballal Surve( Vitthal Patil) employs him and his team as recovery agents in the market. When Vickya falls in love with a lady Vendor’s daughter Teju ( Shireen Patil) , he feels ashamed of his work and leaves this work. But, he and his friends are trapped by Ballal in a murder case committed by his own people.
It is at this stage, the creative director has shown the selfish attitude of the parents of his friends, who manage to get bail for their children. Vickya has to go through jail sentence with the well planned trap by the politician showing him as major. How he comes out of the jail and what he learns in this process , has been shown by the writer director very realistically. And, this makes ‘Youngraad’ stand apart from rest of the films on this subject. Special mention for those scenes, where the Mother of Teju tries to convince Vickya about his mistake of falling in love with her daughter without completing his education and not knowing his responsibilities in life and Vickya reuniting with his father after undergoing jail sentence.
The performances of the four youngsters namely Chaitanya Deore, Jeevan Karalkar, Saurabh Padvi & Shiv Wagh are very natural and all four of them have surely fulfilled the expectations from their intelligent director. Shashank Shende who was in director’s debut film ‘Ringan’ plays Vickya’s helpless father with total conviction. There is not much in the film for young actress Shireen Patil in the role of Teju, whom Vickya loves, but she has played her role convincingly. Good support comes from Monika Chaudhari, who has played Teju’s friend and also from Vithal Surve, Shantanu Gangne and Sharad kelkar who surprises with a different type of character undergoing jail sentence and uttering all his dialogues in Hindi.
Besides good direction the enthralling screenplay by the trio comprising of Makarand Mane, Shashank Shende & Aziz Madari present a thought provoking subject in an entertaining manner. Good music by Hriday Gattani – Gandhaar( ARZ) , suitable background music by Manan Munjal and fine cinematography by Hari Nair are the other plus points of this film.
Kedar Vaidya brings Arun Sadhu’s novel ‘Ziprya’ lively on screen
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3.5
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Well Known writer and Journalist Arun Sadhu is no more. But, the illustrious Marathi writer will always be remembered for the wonderful gift he has offered to the voracious readers through his 26 books. And one of them is his novel ‘Ziprya’, which described very effectively the actual lifestyle of the group of teenaged shoeshine boys in the city of Mumbai. With this interesting story in hand, film maker Kedar Vaidya who has also written the screenplay and dialogues of his new film with the same title, has actually paid tributes to the prolific writer & Journalist.
Keeping all the original characters of the writer intact, Kedar has worked hard on presenting this subject very realistically, by choosing the right locations in Mumbai. And the result on screen has been too good. In short, Kedar has brought every important character of the writer lively on screen and this is his biggest achievement. With the maximum number of scenes shot outdoors, has given a very realistic look to this story. The inter connection of every shoe shine boy with the other and their willingness to come out of their routine and see big dreams, has also been shown very effectively , using the cinematic liberties. What is more appealing is that he has also succeeded in sending across a strong message to the society, through this action filled film with emotional touch.
Kedar has picked up the right artistes to play all those important characters, which is also another plus point of this film. And all these artistes, namely Chinmay Kambli( as Ziprya) , Prathamesh Parab( as Aslam) , Hansraj Jagtap( as Ganju), Amruta Subhash( as Leela), Nachiket Purnapatre( Pinglya), Pravin Tarde( Pakyabhai) ,Deepak karanjikar ( Kirtane Master),and few others, have done full justice to their respective characters. The action scenes of Abbas Ali Mughal , background music of Toufiq Qureshi and fine editing work by Devendra Murdeshwar makes this film more presentable. There are very few drawbacks noticed in this film. But, looking at the efforts of the team in presenting this interesting tale, it is certainly a worth watch film.
‘Lagi Toh Chhagi’ is an action packed thriller with a difference
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3.5
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Over the years Marathi films have made tremendous progress, as far as the story of the film is concerned. But, not all of them have been able to convert the story into a good gripping screenplay to offer something interesting to the audience. However, there are few films, where the film makers have made their limited subject interesting through excellent spellbinding screenplay to capture all the attention of the audience. Latest released Marathi film ‘Lagi Toh Chhagi‘ falls in the second category. Directed by Shivdarshan Sable ( the grandson of Late Shahir Sable) the story, screenplay and dialogues are also written by Shaivdarshan Sable along with his brother Hemraj Sable. And, this has given a freehand to the director to present the film and its every important sequence, using all his creativity.
‘Lagi Toh Chhagi‘ has been set on the backdrop of 2011 World Cup Cricket matches and people involved in the heavy betting taking place during the matches. But, the actual plot of the film revolves around two youngsters Aalap ( Abhijit Satam) and Bunty (Ravindra Singh Bakshi) who borrow loan from Loan sharks and get involved in betting over one such game to raise money for the business of Aalap. Then we find a bunch of ruthless drug dealers, international gangsters and the Narcotics department team headed by a bright and dashing woman ACP Surabhee Mhapsekar( Nikita Giridhar) all set to expose them.
Very creatively the director presents his action packed screenplay by simultaneously introducing each and every important character from his film and their inter connection. So, we find the two youngsters getting trapped into this wrong business through a dangerous Money lender Woongly Shetty ( Milind Uke), who is impressed by Aalap’s English communication. How they get into deep trouble, after getting involved into betting at the illegal business of a Pathan( Surendra Pal) and rescued by ACP Surabhee is what this film offers through its interesting screenplay.
Technically, this is well presented film going on the lines of some Hollywood films and likes of some action packed Bollywood films on this subject. The director seems to have been inspired by few of them, but he has taken efforts to present, what was in his mind, by not compromising on his budget. He has selected many outdoor locations in Mumbai and Goa, to give a realistic look to this film. Very few artistes are known faces in ‘Lagi Toh Chhagi‘ film, but others are new to Marathi film industry. Nevertheless, debutant Nikita Giridhar has proved her ability as an all round actress, with her quick reflexes during fight scenes and also shaking her legs when there was a need for a dance sequence. For a change, to deviate from his present TV image, Abhijeet Satam finds a good role. Good support comes from many character artistes, but, there is too much of Hindi spoken in this film especially by non Marathi speaking characters. So, on many occasions, it gives an impression, as if we are watching a Hindi film.
Music by Devdatta Sable and Anurag Godbole is fine for the two songs picturised in the film and good support also comes from Anurag Godbole for using the appropriate background music to make this film more interesting. DOP Pradeep Khanvilakr and editors Apurva Motiwale and Ashish Mhatre have handled their respective work very efficiently. All in all, if you love to watch action packed crime thrillers, this is a good experiment in Marathi. Only the title should have been more appealing to suit the theme of this film.
‘Farzand’ presents bravery act of an unsung hero
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3.0
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There have been many feature films made in Marathi on popular rulers of India who fought against the invasion by outsiders. And one of them was Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. But, behind every successful King there are many unsung heroes, whose bravery acts are not known to all, especially the new generation. There is enough scope to make films on their lives and latest released Marathi film ‘Farzand’ is the best example.
Being a period film, the story of this film revolves around one such brave Soldier from Chhhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s army. Little before his official crowning ceremony , Shivaji Maharaj feels that his main wish hasn’t been fulfilled yet and hence insists that his crowning ceremony will be held only after capturing the historical Panhala Fort, Off. Kolhapur. So, he selects a brave young fighter Kondaji Farzand trained by his ex commander Late Tanaji Malusare, to lead the attack.
Being the most difficult task, the Kind asks Farzand how many soldiers in thousands he would need, but the brave hero opts for only 60 best soldiers to be part of his team. With his Special 60, Farzand plans his tricky attack, which has been skilfully pictured by director Digpal Lanjekar with the help of action director Prashant Naik and expert cinematographer Kedar Gaikwad.
However, this 155 minute length film has wasted a lot of time in unwanted conversations and few action scenes, especially in post interval and climax part, which is the only drawback of this film. Also there is lot of bloodshed with continuous stabbing during the actual battle, in the climax, which could have been avoided with the help of special effects. Otherwise, the director has succeeded in offering the best talent from among the Marathi artistes, including the hero Ankit Mohan playing the title role, who is a non Maharashtrian. In the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj , Chinmay Mandlekar is very convincing. In the role of Jijamata, Mrinal Kulkarni has given her best by modulating her voice very well to suit her older character. Prasad Oak has found a good role of Bahirji Naik and he succeeds in bringing some humour into this war film. Good support comes from other artistes like Mrunmayee Deshpande, Harish Dudhade, Astaad Kale, Neha Joshi, Nikhil Raut and above all Sameer Dharmadhikari, who has portrayed the cruel Moghul King Beshak Khan effectively.
Overall, it is a good effort from film maker Digpal Lanjekar. Those who like to watch war films based on Maratha history, would certainly love to watch this film.
Madhuri uses ‘Bucket List’ for her fine debut in Marathi
3.0
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For almost two decades she ruled Bollywood with her wonderful performances through variety of roles. 5 years ago she made her grand comeback through films like ‘Dedh Ishqiya‘ and ‘Gulab Gang‘ . And now, she has opened her second innings through Marathi film ‘Bucket List‘. Yes, we are talking about Dhak Dhak Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit who has used ‘Bucket List’ for her fine debut in Marathi.
Director Tejas Deoskar who had earlier made Marathi films like ‘Ajinkya‘ and ‘Premsutra‘ has presented 50+ Madhuri Dixit in a tailor made role of a 41 year old cheerful housewife Madhura Nene from Pune. After going through a major heart transplant operation, Madhura bounces back to her routine, attending to the home Kitchen and meeting the demands of her joint family comprising of husband, two children, father in law, mother in law and Granny in law.
Though Madhura is in the process of recovery, she is keen to know the name of the person who donated this vital body organ to give her new life. She succeeds in finding the name of the girl ( Sai Deshpande) and her home address. One day, she visits her family and comes to know about the fine gesture of the deceased . Though parents of Sai welcome Madhura to their house, Sai’s twin brother Salil does not like Madhura. But, Madhura takes up the challenge and with the help of Salil’s friends. Salil feels that his sister has given Madhura her heart but cannot find his sister’s soul in her.
When Salil is about to destroy Sai’s Bucket List, Madhura acquires it and then makes up her mind to fulfill all the wishes expressed by Sai, with the permission of her husband and support from her cheerful Granny in law( Shubha Khote). Sai’s friends and Sai’s parents except Salil help her to achieve her goal. Story screenplay writer and director Tejas Deoskar has very cleverly picturised all those humour filled sequences with emotional touch, showing the efforts made by Madhuri Dixit and its reaction . At the same time the sensible film maker passes a very timely message about the importance of organ donation.
At few places this 130 minutes length film does move with slow pace with stretched conversation, but most of the time we witness humour filled scenes, created by versatile actress like Madhuri Dixit , who is at her best. She looks a perfect fit in all those designer costumes in second part of the film. Good support comes from young Sumedh Mudgalkar in the role of Salil and he has very confidently confronted the veteran actress in all those scenes with her. Sumeet Raghvan plays the character of Madhura’s husband with total conviction. Among others, veteran artistes like Shubha Khote , Vandana Gupte, Renuka Shahane, Pradeep Velankar, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Ila Bhate have performed their roles very naturally, while youngsters like Ritika Shrotri, Krutika Deo, Shalva Kinjawadekar and others have also impressed through their respective characters representing the new generation. In short, the film has representation of all generations, but highlights more the emotions of a housewife.
Those who have liked Bollywood films like ‘English Vinglish‘ & ‘Tumhari Sulu‘, will surely enjoy ‘Bucket List‘ film. All in all, it is an entertaining film and Madhuri’s fans will surely like it.
‘Redu’ is another Marathi film going on the lines of World Cinema
3.5
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Just two weeks ago, there was a Marathi film ‘Cycle‘ which dealt with an object in the form of a Bicycle, which made its presence felt in the film with its abnormal looks. The film also showed how a person could be so possessive about this Bicycle and its sudden disappearance would make his life miserable. Now, director Sagar Chhaya Vanjari has presented somewhat similar kind of theme through his latest released film ‘Redu‘, which is also set on the backdrop of picturesque Konkan but during the period of early 70s.
‘Redu‘ which means a radio in short form in that region’s local language, plays an important object in this film, almost like a character, as those days( 1972) it was the biggest medium of communication and entertainment in almost every household in cities and towns but not in villages. In villages, it was like a luxury item. The story of ‘Redu‘ revolves around Tatu ( Shashank Shende) a hard working labourer in a small village, who did all odd jobs along with his wife Chhaya( Chhaya Kadam) to earn enough for the day to day living and meet the small demands of his only little daughter Saru( Mrunmayee Supal). One day, Tatu’s sister in law Suman( Gauri Konge) arrives from Mumbai along with her husband Baban( Vinamra Bhabal)to spend time with the family for four days. While returning home, Baban presents his portable Radio to Tatu as a parting gift.
The possession of this new gift makes Tatu more than happy as it not only brings happiness into his monotonous life but also becomes his prized possession. One day this prized possession goes missing , which makes Tatu restless. He suspects his nephew who had visited his place, besides suspecting theft. So, the search goes on, as Tatu cannot concentrate on his labour work. His wife Chhaya accompanies him in that search operation visiting nearby villages. What he discovers during this search operation is an unusual experience for Tatu. And, this is the best part of this film, which identifies it on the lines of world cinema.
Wonderful Performances by all the lead characters is the plus point of this film. Shashank Shende is at his best with good support coming from others. However, talented Child artiste Mrunmayee Supal hasn’t found much scope in her role of Saru. The slangs used in Malwani language are very well used in the dialogues of this film, to give a perfect local feel of 70s, besides creating humour. Fine Cinematography of Mangesh Gadekar captures the natural beauty of Konkan in 70s, while Vijay Gavande‘s music is very apt to every important situation in this film. Certainly a worth watch film for all those lovers of artistic cinema and especially those who belong to Konkan.
‘Cycle’ presents a frivolous subject to rediscover yourself
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All of us in this beautiful world are possessive about a particular thing. And suddenly, after disappearance of that thing, we are disheartened. It is at this particular time, we need someone to console us to recover from this stage; so that we rediscover ourselves to live rest of our life happily. Known for systematic presentation of his subject, film maker Prakash Kunte has released his latest Marathi film ‘Cycle‘, which is based on this philosophy.
Actually, ‘Cycle’ presents a frivolous subject, which makes you rediscover yourself, while watching this 100 minute length film. Set on the backdrop of picturesque Konkan during late 50s, the film narrates the story of Keshav( Hrishikesh Joshi) and his possessive attitude towards his bicycle, which is an antique piece. Keshav has acquired this cycle as a gift from his grandfather, who had received this as a parting gift from a British Officer, after India became Independent from British rule.
Keshav takes very good care of this cycle which is unique in its appearance with its original yellow colour. He is so possessive about this cycle that he does not even allow anyone to ride on it. One day, unexpectedly when the entire family is away at a village temple to watch a mythology based drama performed by local artistes, two thieves Gaja ( Priyadarshan Jadhav) and Mangya ( Bhalchandra Kadam) who enter this village, looking for their next adventure, break open the lock of Keshav’s house and steal the ornaments, precious idols of God and flee on his cycle parked in the compound, after they notice the dogs barking at them.
While dejected Keshav who is a renowned Palmist ,wonders if he would ever find his cycle, the two thieves are on the run, moving from one village to another. On the way, wherever they take halt, they meet people who recognize Keshav’s cycle. But, the thieves who are well versed in this profession, keep posing that they are Keshav’s cousins and are using his cycle for their business purpose. At one stage, they realise the importance of Keshav as a person and his helping nature and decide to leave his cycle at one place from where, they decide to find escape route through a boat. All is well at the end, with Keshav also recovering to understand himself.
Director Prakash Kunte has cleverly narrated this simple story which seems to be inspired by the world cinema and especially the style of Majid Majidi’s Iranian films. But, there are few flaws in the film, which are noticed in the screenplay. Except for the two thieves, he has paid more attention on the costumes of all the other characters, to give a realistic look of 50s era. The only song in ‘Cycle‘ film and that too played in the background and composed by Rohan Rohan is very apt to the situation, but the background score by Aditya Bedekar is more appealing for every situation. Manoj Machemadkar’s sound recording is also good. Locations selected are too good and so is the wonderful photography by Amalendu Chaudhary. Performances by lead artistes is also another plus point of this film. Good support comes from other artistes like Manoj Kolhatkar, Dipti Lele & Maithili Patwardhan as family members of Keshav, while Abhijit Chavan, Vidyadhar Joshi, Sandesh Kulkarni, Pradeep Velankar are also impressive through their limited roles.
‘Cycle‘ will surely invite the attention at various international festivals; but for others it will offer a light entertainment.
‘Nude’ sends across a strong message through artistic presentation
Nude Movie Review
3.5
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The nude figure is a traditional Western art. Actually, a ‘nude’ is a work of fine art which has its primary subject as unclothed human body. Using this form of art, film maker Ravi Jadhav has presented his latest released Marathi film ‘Nude‘.
It may be recalled that Marathi film makers who are known for offering unconventional subjects through their films, have never compromised on their story line, if they want to offer something very realistic. And therefore, new Marathi film ‘Nude‘ is the best example. This film presents a touching tale, which shows how a helpless woman Yamuna (Kalyanee Mulay) leaves her village along with her son, to get rid of her abusive husband, who regularly sleeps with another woman.
Yamuna lands in Mumbai at her aunt’s Chandrakka ( Chhaya Kadam) place, who works as a sweeper at J.J. School of Arts for the past 18 years; but actually she also poses as a nude model for senior batch of students, who are required to draw such paintings as part of their syllabus. Chandrakka does this, as her husband loses his job in a mill. Soon Yamuna, who is also in search of a job, comes to know about Chandrakka’s work. Initially she does not approve this kind of work, but when Chandrakka convinces her that it is safe, she too agrees to play Nude model, for the sake of her son, whom she wants to offer best education.
Time comes, when Chandrakka’s son attains teenage, and he too shows his skills in drawing. So, Yamuna sends him to Aurangabad for studies, as she doesn’t want him to join the college, where she plays nude model. To meet the rising expenses of her son’s education, Yamuna starts taking up private assignments for renowned painters. A student from the college who later turns a lecturer( Om Bhutkar) accompanies her for such assignments, at her request. One such renowned painter is played by Naseeruddin Shah, whose character resembles a former celebrity painter , who was banned from entering India due to controversy over drawing nude paintings .
The film reaches at an interesting stage, when Yamuna expects her son to understand the sacrifice of his mother in offering him good education. But, does that really happen? The director has kept the audience guessing. He unveils the answer in the climax, which regular film goers may not like. But, art film lovers will surely appreciate this conclusion, for its realistic touch. Performances in ‘Nude‘ film by lead artistes are simply top class. Both Kalyanee Mulay and Chhaya Kadam have impressed through their characters. They have received good support from Shrikant Yadav, Om Bhutkar, Madan Deodhar & others. Kishore Kadam and Neha Joshi are namesake in this film, with nothing much to do. What is highly impressive is the superb cinematography by Amalendu Choudhary, who has brought liveliness in every frame shot by him skillfully. A fine support also comes from music and sound design.
As suggested through the title, there is nothing vulgar in this film. In fact, this film sends across a strong message through artistic presentation.
‘Mantr’ challenges exploitation of people in the name of God
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Movie: Mantr
Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio / Presenter: Vedarth Creations, Dreambook Productions Producer: Sanjay Katkar DOP: Pran Shirurkar Director: Harshwardhan Cast: Saurabh Gogate, Deepti Devi, Manoj Joshi, Pushkraj Churputkar, Siddheshwar Zadbuke, Shubhankar Ekbote Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Marathi film makers challenging the exploitation of people in the name of God through their film’s subject, is not new to Marathi film lovers . Film ‘Deool‘ was the best example. Actually, it all depends on how effectively this subject is handled, to present the package of entertainment, which is so necessary to invite the audience to cinema halls. Latest released Marathi film ‘Mantr‘ also deals with one such subject. In this film, the leading female character of the film Antara played by Deepti Devi who is an atheist, voices against the blind faith of the people in the priests and so called Godmen.
Holding a cigarette in one hand and sometimes a glass of drink, she brainwashes her new boyfriend friend Niranjan( Saurabh Gogate) who is three years younger to her and whom she likes. But, Antara is not aware that her new boyfriend is the son of a renowned Hindu priest Sridharpant ( Manoj Joshi) , who lives in their neighbourhood in Pune. However, when she comes to know about it, she slaps him for hiding the facts from her. Niranjan, who is also cheated by one of his close friend David in an incident, drinks heavily that night and dares to question his father about the transparency in his profession. Disturbed by this all of a sudden happening, forces his father to proceed to his native place for peace.
Actually, Niranjan is himself is in a dilemma, whether to take up a priest job in Germany for a short period, as suggested by his father. But, he decides to go only because his friend promises him a Business Dev Manager’s job of his web development company over there. Antara is also going on an assignment to Germany. In the meanwhile , an unexpected incident in the climax of the film, brings the lead pair together, with Antara also realising the importance of Niranjan and his point of view.
Debutant Director Harshavardhan has tried to create humour in the screenplay of this film, through some interesting happenings taking place among the three friends, between Antara and Niranjan & between Niranjan and his brother kashinath( Pushkaraj Chirputkar). Through the character of most respectable Sridharpant, Manoj Joshi has tried to put forward the side of all those sincere priests, who are preserving the traditional culture of showing faith in God.
Wonderful Performances by all the leading artistes is the plus point of this film. In the role of Sridharpant Manoj Joshi is at his best. Deepti Devi finds good scope in this film and she finds good support from debutant Saurabh Gogate, who has performed well. Pushkaraj Chirputkar and Shubhankar Ekbote generate the required humour to entertain the audience. Music by Avinash Vishwajeet is fine .Pran Shirurkar’s camera work is impressive . Writer –director Harshavardhan does pass a timely social message through this film. ‘Mantr‘ does have some content to voice the opinion of a section of young generation, but it remains to be seen, how this subject would be accepted by the regular film lovers?