Rating: na Presenter: Eros International, Satya Ashwami Films, Everest Entertainments Producer: Sanjay Chhabria, Ashwami Manjrekar, Satya Manjrekar Director: Mahesh Manjrekar Story: Mahesh Manjrekar Screenplay: Ravi Jadhav Lyrics:Guru Thakur,Shrirang Godbole, Nalesh Patil Music: Ajit, Atul, Samir Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Bharat Jadhav, Saksham Kulkarni, Gauri Vaidya, Siddharth Jadhav, Kranti Redkar, Vidyadhar Joshi, Vaibhav Mangle, Kamlakar Satpute, Kishore Pradhan, Sandeep Pathak Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Till now, our experts in education department and the Government representatives have ignored the most sensitive issue of rising suicides among children. No one has really bothered to find the exact cause and a solution. But, as they say, media has lot to do. Film making is a very creative filed and if a particular issue is presented properly, it can certainly invite the attention of one and all. A change in our educational system is a long time demand and director Mahesh Manjrekar decided to take on this issue seriously through his latest film ‘Shikshanachya Aaichha Gho’( SAG) .

He did face the opposition before release of his film, for using a konkani slang in the title; but managed the opposition diplomatically. Finally, ‘SAG’ saw the opening day at theatres all over Maharashtra with houseful shows even in multiplexes. A simple story of a teenager from a middle class family ( Saksham Kulkarni) , who is good at cricket but is an average student in his studies. The father ( Bharat Jadhav) who is working in Municipality office, wants his son to do well in his studies too. He does not approve his progress in cricket, as he feels that the game will only come in the way of his studies. One day, he scolds his son for non performance in exams and breaks his bat. He beats up his son and in a scuffle, pushes him away, when the child hits his head against the bed and bleeds turning nconscious. He is rushed to hospital and is operated upon, but does not recover as he moves into coma.
The father repents, but his friends and well wishers in the neighborhood including his daughter(Gauri Vaidya) extend both financial and moral support during this period of crisis. He brings his son back home under the advice of hospital doctor and offers all treatment at home. Finally, one of his friends who is working in a hospital, arranges an operation of his son by a US returned doctor(Mahesh Manjrekar) . The son recovers and the father wins his battle against the education system, with the chief minister giving him assurance to look into this issue. Now, to present this issue, director Mahesh Manjrekar has displayed a good cinematic presentation through touching scenes and hard hitting dialogues to make the audience think seriously about the change
required and instigating the parents to oppose such a system. At the same time, he has tried to convince the parents not to expect too much from their children and encourage them more in the areas of their interest. Very cleverly he has used certain locations to create the desired impact through his 1hour 48 mins long film.

In this film, you will find Bharat Jadhav in a different role. Though there are few scenes to bring in humour, especially in the company of a shop keeper cum money lender Ibrahim( Siddharth Jadhav) and his kind hearted neighborhood friends comprising of Kishore Pradhan and others. The character of Nalini (Kranti Redkar) having soft corner to this family, has been cleverly used to complete the requirement of female lead; as the hero is shown as a widower. And, she has played her part well.

Both the children Saksham and Gauri are proper choice in the film doing their respective roles. The director’s favourite -Sachin Khedekar makes his appearance as the chief minister in that climax scene. Overall presentation of the film is good, with not much scope for music, but clever editing work keeps the audience engaged with the screenplay. The sincere effort of the film maker is to be lauded for taking on this taxing educational system through this film.

The imporatnt changes in our education system at school level the film suggests are:
1) Allowing students with their choice of subjects.
2) Vocational guidance a must at seondary level. &
3) To do away with rank system.