Rating: na Producer: Shankar Mitkari Director: Mahesh Kothare Music: Bapi Tutul Lyrics: Shreerang Godbole Cast: Adinath Kothare, Urmila Kanetkar, Ajinkya Deo, Sonali Kulkarni Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

For the past 25 years, since he turned a director, Mahesh Kothare has been offering quality films in Marathi. No wonder, he has given box office hits. He brought a number of innovations in the technical quality of Marathi films; like introducing the anamorphic format (Cinemascope) through his film ‘Dhadakebaaz’. It may be recalled that he brought Dolby Digital sound to Marathi Cinema with the film ‘Chimni Pakhara’. He made the first Marathi film ‘Pachadlela’ with Digital Special Effects and later turned out to be the first Marathi Film Maker to produce Sci-Fi films. This time, with his latest film ‘Dubhang’, there was something special in the form of Dolby Digital 7.1.

Written by Abhiram Bhadkamkar and the Screenplay by Shekhar Dhavlikar, ‘Dubhang’ (division) revolves around a youngster Rohan Jadhav (Adinath Kothare) who has only one ambition, that is to win nationals and represent India at the Olympics to win a Gold. Like any other young upcoming sportsperson in India, Rohan too struggles in his life. On one side he has to make his coach (Bharat Dabholkar) happy by devoting full concentration to his game and on the other side, his beloved Vishakha (Urmila Kanitkar) is being forced to marry a NRI. So, Rohan takes a quick decision and elopes with his girlfriend, with the hope that his uncle would help him. But, that does not happen. His principled wife, suggests him to be self sufficient and prepares herself to take up a job.

The next few moths are real test of their patience, when it’s time for his wife to deliver a child. Rohan becomes tense, with the worry of managing a third one. However, his friend- Tapshya (Nilesh Sable) and Vishakha’s aunty (Seema Deo) extend moral support to the young couple. But, destiny has something else in store for the couple. When, one night Vishakha is rushed to the hospital, another couple (Ajinkya Deo and Sonali Kulkarni) also walk in there in a posh car. The delivery of both the females take place around the same time with both of them taking their own time to recover. It is during this time, that the big industrialist Sachit (Ajinkya Deo) and Rohan enter into a secret deal.

Both the couples live happily thereafter. In fact, Rohan’s life changes completely with a bungalow and and a car at his service. He also helps his friend in return , who is need of a loan for renovation of his hotel. With luxurious living and all the blessings in the form of new sponsor for his game, Rohan works hard to achieve his ultimate goal; but feels the guilt within him. Finally, he decides to reveal the truth to his wife. But, the wife does not take it in the right spirit and she leaves him and takes shelter at her aunty’s place. Now, Rohan has no other option but to break the deal, inviting more trouble for self. The clever director, however knowing the pulse of Marathi audience well , decides to conclude with happy end in the climax.

Going with his tradition, Director Mahesh Kothare has presented a form of entertainment with a difference. He has used this theme based on a Malyalam film, but converted it into a cinematic format suited to Marathi audience. Since this film was to decide the future of his son, he took all possible efforts to project him as young hero with an appeal. This also being the first film for the two good friends in real life now all set to get married next month, it also needed to work their chemistry well through the lead characters they played. In that respect, Mahesh Kothare has succeeded in his mission and the two youngsters have lived up to his expectations with superb performances. With his cute face supported by talent, Adinath should turn a chocolate hero in Marathi film industry.

One expected good performance from Urmila; but surprisingly Adinath also did equally well in most of the emotion filled scenes. Afterall, acting is in his blood. Ajinkya Deo, in that role of an industrialist does very well . His acting is worth watching in the climax. Sonali Kulkarni is at ease like a professional actress in those limited scenes, while Seema Deo, Sunil Tawde, Vijay Chavan, Ganesh Yadav perform their small roles effectively. Among youngsters, Nilesh Yadav and Aarti Solanki have little scope; but they do their jobs well. The other two friends are just namesake, with one of them trying to imitate Tushar Kapoor style of comedy. Music is just okay, with Mahesh using his favorite parody style in one of the songs. Photography is good and so is the editing work. Produced by Shankar Mitkari (Sai Shankar Films) with the sponsorship of Future Generally, the film, has turned out to be an action filled family social. Now, it all remains to be seen, how the Marathi audience is going to welcome this film and the new pair.