Rating: ★★★ ½ Studio: Passion World Producers: Kiran Deshpande, Ashish Deshpande, Mohan Damle, Sanjeev Langarkande Director:Shantanu Anant Music:Sachin – Deepak Cinematography: Vinayak Jadhav Cast: Arun Nalawad, Alka Kubal, Aaksah Waghmode, Jayant Savarkar, Devendra Dodke, Deepjyoti, Ashok Pawade, Baban Joshi, Sanchit Yadav & Poornima Vawhal Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Swami Vivekanand once said, “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” Based on this philosophy, new Marathi film ‘Majhi Shala’ has been set on the backdrop of a small village in Khed, Ratnagiri. Ram, a 10 year old son of a farmer in a village, is passionate about taking education and walks miles to take lessons from a village teacher, who teaches poor children from surrounding villages.

When Ram completes his education, he starts educating children from his own small village. Even after his marriage, his wish is to start a full fledged school in the village. Ram spends from his own pocket to promote education in village and attract children to his school. He makes all his efforts, with the help of his wife Savitri, who does laborious jobs; to meet the family expenses. They offer good education to their own son with the hope that he would also join the mission to spread importance of education in the village. However, the son, watching the financial condition of his parents, prefers to take up a job of a teacher in Mumbai. The desire to escape normal life and do something different for the society, keeps Ram’s mind, body and spirit totally involved, to accomplish his mission in life.

It is Ram’s strong wish that keeps him going; and finally we see his dream come true. But, an unfortunate incidence takes place little before interval. However, that does not deter the strong wish of Ram. The film sends a strong message to the society, emphasizing the importance of education in rural parts of India. We have been hearing of Government schemes; but, is the education reaching to the grass root level ? This is what the film has tried to voice through its script. It also throws light on corruption at Panchayat level, raising its ugly head, due to illiteracy in villages.

The film looks like a documentary at the initial stage; but, little before interval writer- director Shantanu Anant Tambe brings a twist into the screenplay, challenging the science and medical field; besides the administration. At the stroke of interval, you get the feeling that the film is over; as the director’s name appears on the screen, instead of the word ‘interval’. But, soon you realise that the dream of the school teacher is yet to be fulfilled. The post interval session is unpredictable, which goes in believing the unbelievable things; only to see the happy end.

This low budget Marathi film is well presented. But, showing Arun Nalawade and Alka Kubal as newly wed couple in the flashback looks little odd. That is the only drawback of the film. The director could have opted for a young couple instead; as there were not many scenes . There is no doubt about their performances; as both Arun Nalawade and Alka Kubal Athlye have given their best like versatile artistes, through all their emotion filled scenes. In the role of Ram during his childhood, child actor Akash Waghmode has performed well. In the supporting cast, there are equally good performances coming from Jayant Sawarkar, Ashok Pawde, Deepjyoti, Baban Joshi, Sanchit Yadav, Purnima Vaval

Some of the dialogues in the film are hard hitting at neglect of education in rural areas by the Government. MLA of the area is shown more keen on investing in a beer bar in Mumbai, rather than offering financial help to his village school. This is evident from some of the other scenes shown in the film. Background music by Sachin Deepak is well suited to the screenplay. Sound effects are used well with the village backdrop. Cinematography by Vinayak Jadhav has captured the night scenes very well. The director has shown his commitment to the presentation of his own subject. And the artistes have responded well through their notable performances. ‘Majhi Shala’ has thus turned out to be a stimulating film, with a social message.