Rating: na Banner: Placid Films Presenter: Sachin Shamrao Jankar Producer: Sachin Shamrao Jankar Director: Machhindra More Story: Machhindra More Screenplay- Dialogues: Machhindra More Cinematographer: Raja Phadtare Cast: Nandu Madhav, Tejaswini Pandit, Milind Shinde, Nagesh Bhosale, Satish Salagare, Prashant Neman, Gauri Kamble & Charvi Sangkholkar, Ajay Jadhav. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

In the recent past, few films like ‘Gabhricha Paus’ and ‘Pangira’ have already made a statement on farmer’s suicide and have succeeded in making the audience think about the existing situation in Maharashtra. They also blamed the corrupt system and the Government for their Agricultural policies. Now, Machhindra More through his latest directorial film ‘Mukti’ goes beyond the topic of suicides, to not only show how the family of the victim suffers in this so called corrupt state of India; but has shown some hopes to the farmers of this state, who form a sizable population.

‘Mukti’ is a tale of one such farmer Bhanudas (Nandu Madhav) living in a small village of Maharashtra, which is under drought prone area. The MLA of their area promises water from a dam located at a nearby place. But, Bhanudas alias Bhana (as he is popularly called) is not willing to wait. He is more eager to farm on his 12 acre land and tries his best to dig a well to arrange for water. He thinks big and on the advice of experts decides to use the blast method. Borrowing money from local moneylender Bhujang (Nagesh Bhosale )and taking loan from the bank, he goes ahead with his plans, only to fail in his mission. Dejected with the developments, he commits suicide, by jumping into the dry pit.

After her husband’s death, his wife Baijaa (Tejaswini Pandit) faces a tough challenge to look after her two school going children and old father-in law. She is also under pressure from the Moneylender to repay his loan or surrender herself before him. The local village Sarpanch (Milind Shinde) also plays all the tricks to come close to her, under the pretext of getting the compensation for her.
‘Mukti’ shows all those hardships, a helpless widow has to undergo, after her husband’s death. The film’s screenplay keeps on reminding all those male folks, as to how difficult the life would become for their family, in case they commit suicide.

Things change in the village, in just two years time, after Baija leaves the village with her two children, to escape humiliation at the hands of the moneylender and the village headman. Surprisingly, the film shows better image of the MLA, at a time, when we are witnessing the scams of politicians in Maharashtra. But, as they say, not all politicians are corrupt. The film has however blamed the system comprising of Talathi, tahsildar and the people working in such government offices. Without a bribe, you cannot get the work done. Even to get Rs. One lack compensation released, Baija is told to pay a bribe of 75% of the dues to her, declaring the share of all the Government officers including collector. The climax focuses attention on the Budget of Central Government, where the FM announces waiver of loans by farmers and a new policy to abolish the Moneylenders in villages.

The MLA himself, announces the release of water from the dam through a canal for the village, following which, the news about Baijaa and her children begging at a nearby town reaches the retired schoolmaster. But, the film does not end after return of Baijaa and her children to their village. She has to follow the rituals by offering food to the crow to liberate her husband’s soul. And, this time, the crow does come to eat the food offered. The director begins his film, narrating the significance behind this ritual through animated version, which relates to the happening at the end, when the film concludes with a meaningful poem.

‘Mukti’ is just not the another film on Farmer’s suicide; as it does not only present the dark side but also constantly reminds those farmers, about the repercussions of such drastic steps taken by them. It shows the hope, besides reminding the administration of their lapses. The film does create the required humour into this otherwise serious tragic tale, through the comedy character of Bajaa, played by Ajay Jadhav. Nadu Madhav has played his role with sincerity and so does Tejaswini Pandit, with her fine performance. Having played the character of Sindhutai Sapkal, she looks more confident, playing a village woman in distress. Milind Shinde, Nagesh Bhosale, Satish Salagare, Prashant Neman, Gauri Kamble &Charvi Sangkholkar have done their best in supporting roles. Music does not have much scope in this film, but B.A. Tupe’s music suits well to the village backdrop.