MMW Rating 3.0 User Rating 4.29 (7 votes) Sending

Genres:  Drama Censor: UA Duration: 115 min. Studio / Presenter: viacom18 motion pictures Producers: Mahesh Vaman Manjrekar,Avinash Athaley, Vaibhav Pandit, Mahesh Patel, Virendra Upadhye DOP: Karan B. Rawat Director: Mahesh Manjrekar Cast:  Sagar Deshmukh, Irawati Harshe, Vijay Kenkre, Shubhangi Damle, Deepti Lele, Swanand Kirkire, Madhura Velankar Satam, Neena Kulkarni, Sanjay Khapre, Veena Jamkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke.

Last month we saw very good response received by the film ‘Bhaai – Vyakti Ki Valli’  a biopic on Maharashtra’s beloved personality late P. L. Deshpande. Now, ‘Bhaai – Vyakti Ki Valli- Uttarardha’ (Bhaai – Part 2) which covers more events which had taken place in the later part of the life of legendary writer- actor- director, has been released along with seven other Marathi films this week. But, this film stands tall, because it goes on to show more interesting happenings in the life of ‘Pu La’ while interacting with many more prominent personalities of Maharashtra. In this second part, we find the second innings of P. L. Deshpande and hence we find Sagar Deshmukh and Irawati Harshe Maydeo shown in their 50+ age with more communication happening between them.

The characters of Bhimsen Joshi, Vasantrao Deshpande, Hirabai along with P.L find more scope sharing their company with Kumar Gandharva ( Played by Swanand Kirkire) during his last days. The classical songs rendered by the trio to make happy their ailing friend is a real treat for music lovers. ‘Bhaai – Part 2′ fails to appeal in the first half but takes off well in the second half with lots of happenings which appeal the audience.

The scenes presenting Pu.La’s involvement in social work have been cleverly shown with his involvement through financial help to Dr. Anil Avchat’s ‘Muktangan- a rehab centre for those addicted to excessive smoking and drinking and also in Baba Amte’s Anandvan centre for rehabilitation and empowerment of people suffering from leprosy. His popular song ‘Nach Re mora…’ in the company of little children from Anandvan has been picturised very well.

The film has also shown the straight forward views expressed by Pu La on the functioning style of politicians of his time. The controversy arising after ‘Pu La’s critical speech read out by his wife while he was conferred with a prestigious award in presence of then Maharashtra C.M. Manohar Joshi, is also part of this film. There is also another scene where he warns Janata Party’s newly elected MP( Portrayed by Bharat Ganeshpure) shows his fearless nature.

To generate some humour the film also presents Girish Kulkarni as Barkya a childhood neighbourhood friend of PU La, who meets him coincidentally, revealing his present identity. There is also a humour filled scene showing Pu La directing Satish Dubhashi and Bhakti Barve during rehearsals of his super hit play ‘Tee Phulrani’. Actress Pooja Sawant makes a surprise appearance as Jaymala Shiledar in a scene while presenting a classical play. In the same scene we witness sarcastic remarks made by the character of Vijay Tendulkar about this play.

Not to forget the best performances by all the artistes. The only drawback of this Part 2 is for not presenting the screenplay in first half that well as compared to second half. But, certainly a worth watch film for all those admirers of Pu La the great.