Rating: ★★★

Studio/presenter: Nanda arts ,  warrior brothers motion pictures.

Producers: Smt. Nanda Chandrabhan Thakur & Smt. Shashikala Kshrisagar

Directors: Sanjay Londhe

Genres: Romantic, Action

Censor: U/A

Duration: 120 Min.

Cast:   Gashmeer Mahajani, Kashmira Kulkarni

There is nothing wrong in copying a formula from Bollywood , while presenting the theme of a love story in a Marathi film; provided, it is precisely presented. Latest released Marathi film ‘Carry On Maratha’ produced by Nanda Chandrabhan Thakur , co- produced by Shashikala Kshirsagar and directed by debutant Sanjay Londhe also presents one such love story , which is however set on the backdrop of Maharashtra – Karnataka border, for a change. This story revolves around Martand (Gashmeer Mahajani) a young dairy businessman from Kolhapur and an educated Kannada girl Kusum (Kashmira Kulkarni) belonging to a rich joint family in neighbourhood village located at Maharashtra Karnataka border.

So, we find Martand living with his grandmother , who has brought him up , after he loses t his parents in a tragic accident. While Kusum living with her uncle , aunt and strict grandmother, with her father undergoing jail sentence. So, we notice friendship happening between these two, when Martand meets this kannada speaking girl Kusum, during the break of his journey at a dhaba. Initially, they fight with each other; but soon turn good friends, with passage of events.

After their journey together , Kusum forgets Martand; but charming Kusum finds place in Martand’s heart. Circumstances bring them together once again, like a typical formula type love story. Then begins the real conflict, with family members of Kusum opposing Kusum’s friendship with Martand. At the same time, Appa ( Arun Nalawade) and his What’s App addicted son( Samir Khedekar) cook up plans against Martand. At the same time, Martand’s Grandmother ( Usha Naik) who knows some secret; doesn’t reveal it to Martand. But, Kusum does come to know the secret about her father.

Soon, with this popular recipe of twists and turns, we see the film progressing towards typical dramatic climax, which concludes with predictable end. But, the film does have its plus points. The director has tried to offer something in the form of message, to the people from different communities, with traditional rivalry. There are new locations selected for outdoor shooting, which have been captured skilfully, through the camera work of Arun Prasad.

Though some of the dialogues are in Kannada language, Kusum is quick enough to translate them into Marathi, through her local accent. So, people living in these two different states, will be able to learn each other’s language. With the help of good music provided by Bollywood music directors Shail and Pritesh; choreographers Sujit Kumar, Raju Khan & Adil Sheikh have attempted creative choreography, during song sequences. Make up by Subhash Shinde is perfectly done, for all the characters, while beautiful art direction by Sanjay Kharat needs special mention. Even costume designs of lead pair are novel, during song sequences.

Speaking about the performances of the artistes, Gashmeer Mahajani and kashmira Kulkarni are highly impressive. If Gashmeer has used in his own voice in this film, then he is really too good, with his knack of combining the pause and diction well . Many a times, with his smart looks, he reminds you of Arjun Rampal, during his young days. Kashmira has good screen presence. In the supporting roles, Shantanu Moghe does well, in the role of Sudama. One wonders, as to why this youngster with good physique, hasn’t been able to find good roles ? The two look alike characters with beard, played by karim Hajee and Amin Hajee remind you of typical south Indian film characters. After ‘Swades’, Kishori Ballal finds a negative role this time, which she has performed very convincingly. Good support is lent by other artistes like Omkar Kulkarni, Arun Nalawade, Samir Khadekar, Devika Daftardar , Amey Kumbhar and Sachin Deshpande & others.

All in all, ‘Carry On Maratha’ has succeeded in offering standard entertainment, through its engaging screenplay, except for the lengthy road journey undertaken by the lead pair in the initial stages, on a highway.