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.