Movie:  Mantr Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio / Presenter: Vedarth Creations, Dreambook Productions Producer: Sanjay Katkar DOP: Pran Shirurkar Director: Harshwardhan Cast:  Saurabh Gogate, Deepti Devi, Manoj Joshi, Pushkraj Churputkar, Siddheshwar Zadbuke, Shubhankar Ekbote Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Marathi film makers challenging the exploitation of people in the name of God through their film’s subject, is not new to Marathi film lovers . Film ‘Deool‘ was the best example. Actually, it all depends on how effectively this subject is handled, to present the package of entertainment, which is so necessary to invite the audience to cinema halls. Latest released Marathi film ‘Mantr‘ also deals with one such subject. In this film, the leading female character of the film Antara played by Deepti Devi who is an atheist, voices against the blind faith of the people in the priests and so called Godmen.

Holding a cigarette in one hand and sometimes a glass of drink, she brainwashes her new boyfriend friend Niranjan( Saurabh Gogate) who is three years younger to her and whom she likes. But, Antara is not aware that her new boyfriend is the son of a renowned Hindu priest Sridharpant ( Manoj Joshi) , who lives in their neighbourhood in Pune. However, when she comes to know about it, she slaps him for hiding the facts from her. Niranjan, who is also cheated by one of his close friend David in an incident, drinks heavily that night and dares to question his father about the transparency in his profession. Disturbed by this all of a sudden happening, forces his father to proceed to his native place for peace.

Actually, Niranjan is himself is in a dilemma, whether to take up a priest job in Germany for a short period, as suggested by his father. But, he decides to go only because his friend promises him a Business Dev Manager’s job of his web development company over there. Antara is also going on an assignment to Germany. In the meanwhile , an unexpected incident in the climax of the film, brings the lead pair together, with Antara also realising the importance of Niranjan and his point of view.

Debutant Director Harshavardhan has tried to create humour in the screenplay of this film, through some interesting happenings taking place among the three friends, between Antara and Niranjan & between Niranjan and his brother kashinath( Pushkaraj Chirputkar). Through the character of most respectable Sridharpant, Manoj Joshi has tried to put forward the side of all those sincere priests, who are preserving the traditional culture of showing faith in God.

Wonderful Performances by all the leading artistes is the plus point of this film. In the role of Sridharpant Manoj Joshi is at his best. Deepti Devi finds good scope in this film and she finds good support from debutant Saurabh Gogate, who has performed well. Pushkaraj Chirputkar and Shubhankar Ekbote generate the required humour to entertain the audience. Music by Avinash Vishwajeet is fine .Pran Shirurkar’s camera work is impressive . Writer –director Harshavardhan does pass a timely social message through this film. ‘Mantr‘ does have some content to voice the opinion of a section of young generation, but it remains to be seen, how this subject would be accepted by the regular film lovers?