Rating: ★★★ Genres: Biopic Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Kimaya Motion Pictures, Manglmurti Films Producer(s): Dr.Monish Babre Director: Shekhar Sartandel Writer: Shekhar Sartandel Music: C. Ramchandra, Santosh Mulekar Cinematographer (DOP): Uday Devare Cast: Mangesh Desai, Vidya Balan, Vidhyadhar Joshi, Prasad Pandit, Swapnil Rajshekhar, Vighnesh Joshi, Shahnawaz Pradhan, Jyoti Joshi, Shriram Kolhatkar, Arun Bhadsavle, Riyaaz Mulani Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

After ‘Harischandrachi Factory‘ which was a biopic on legendary Dadasaheb Phalke, now it is the turn of Bhagwan Dada, the popular actor of stunt films turned film maker, who earned a name for himself, after achieving success through his super hit film ‘Albela‘. But, this latest released Marathi film ‘Ekk Albela‘ , which is based on the acting journey of Bhagwan Dada Palav is more like a tribute to this actor-director. 65 years have passed, since he made this hit musical Hindi film and released it, taking up a challenge to make a social film, on the advice of his friend and well wisher Raj Kapoor.

‘Ekk Albela‘ produced by Manglmurti Films and Kimaya Motion Pictures and directed by Shekhar Sartandel features Mangesh Desai in the role of Bhagwan Dada and Vidya Balan as Geeta Bali. His wife’s role is played by talented actress Tejaswi Patil, while another important role of his friend C.Ramachandra, the music director is played by Vighnesh Joshi. The magic of original music of C.Ramachandra has been retained in this Marathi film, with two full songs namely, ‘Shyam Dhale…‘ and ‘Shola Jo Bhadke..‘ in Hindi. Even we notice glimpse of other two original songs.

The hero of this film Mangesh Desai has found a lifetime role in this film and he has not only looked like Bhagwan Dada, with perfect make up, but has also cleverly portrayed the body language of the legendary actor. He has two best scenes in this film, the first one with Vidya Balan, when he persuades her to work in his film and the other when he goes to check the crowd response on the 13th day of the film, in the second week . Vidya Balan who takes entry into this film little before interval , has made her presence felt, in all those scenes in the film, in the post interval session. Her entry into Marathi film industry is certainly appreciated. Good support comes from Tejaswi Patil, who has played Mangesh Desai’s wife in the film. One wonders, as to why she is not being considered for better roles in Marathi films. Vighnesh Joshi as C.Ramachandra is impressive, while good support also come from Swapnil Rajshekhar, Vidyadhar Joshi, Vaibhavi Shandilya and others.

The only drawback of this film is that the makers of this film have only focused on the happy days and progress of Bhagwan dada as an actor and director in this film industry, taking some risks. But, they have avoided his downfall period, post ‘Albela‘ success, when he had to actually sell his bungalow and fleet of cars.

Nevertheless, director Shekhar Sartandel has sincerely presented some memorable moments in the life of Bhagwan dada, supported by good dialogues in Marathi and Hindi. The director has also picked up a perfect artiste to play Raj kapoor during his young days. Many other characters in different roles, look very natural. Thanks to the perfect make up. Some of the references made in the film’s screenplay, shows the hard work put in by the research team. The second part of this film is more appealing. The film’s cinematography is by Uday Deore, who has done a good job with music composed by Santosh Mulekar. All in all, ‘Ekk Albela‘ is certainly a worth watch film, for its well presented screenplay and its timeless music , which reminds us of the great work of C.Ramachandra. Indeed, this film is a perfect tribute to late Bhagwan dada.