Rating: na Company: Dawn Studios Pvt. Ltd., My Dream Production, Dawn Studios Pvt. Ltd. Director: Aditya Ingale Story: Abhiram Bhadkamkar Music: Narendra Bhide Lyrics: Vaibhav Joshi Cast: Jyoti Chandekar, Subhodh Bhave, Kishore Kadam, Madhura Velankar, Anand Ingale, Hrishikesh Joshi, Seema Deo, Abhiram Bhadamkar, Vijay Kenkre, Vaibhav Tatvawadi, Rajesh Pathak, Prachiti Suru, Dhiresh Joshi, Astad Kale, Sachin Bankar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Someone has rightly said, “Dreams are like stars…you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.” In the case of Anant Deo , a young singer who comes from Sangli to this so called dream city Mumbai to become a singer, also has big dreams in his eyes and is very confident about his talent. But, what he experiences during his struggle period, makes him believe that money speaks. Soon, he realizes that Unless, you invest and market yourself, you cannot become a big singer.

Film maker Aditya Ingale’s film ‘Paulwaat’ presents this struggle in the life of a young talented singer Anant Deo, played by versatile actor Subodh Bhave. To give a cinematic look to this otherwise simple tale, the director prepares a ground with suitable characters and situations to fill with the music which is the USP of this sensible film. So, when Anant first arrives in Mumbai, his local friend Babya (Hrishikesh Joshi) finds a suitable quiet place for his PG accommodation in an old ancestral house owned by Godu akka (Jyoti Chandekar).

It takes no time for Revati,(Madhura Velankar- Satam) the niece of Mr. Nene(Anand Ingale) – living in the neighbourhood; to become friendly with Anant. An otherwise disturbed Goda akka, who initially tries to teach discipline to Anant, starts liking him later. Watching his struggle, she develops a kind of relationship almost on the lines of Lalita Pawar and Raj Kapoor in Bollywood film ‘Anari’. Watch her walking style and behaviour and you will notice the similarity.

During his struggle period, Anant meets few well wishers, who in appreciation of his talent, try to help him; but his bad luck prevents success coming closer to him. His older friend, philosopher and guide Usmanbahi ( Kishore Kadam) who has seen good time in the past, tries to explain to him as to how, to remain successful, the struggle must continue…” But, when Usmanbhai himself after facing humiliation, decides to leave for his native place selling his old house, Anant too loses hopes, though he continues doing petty jobs in music field, to earn for his living. Revati too suggests him to take up a proper job and then pursue his music side by side; but, Anant takes it the other way. One day, he takes a decision on his own hurting all those, who had come closer to him by that time. Destiny has something else in store for him. Finally, Anant swears that he would do something for all those talented strugglers who come to this city with the hope of becoming singers.

The film captures selfish human nature through certain characters in this materialistic world. Music, which is the USP of this film, finds suitable situations in the screenplay supported by humour filled dialogues to bring in that required change in this otherwise serious tale. Especially, the conversation between Goda Akka and Mr. Nene clearly shows how helpless they both are in their respective lives, yet don’t leave an opportunity to taunt each other. Anant’s outbursts at certain situations, shows the frustration of young people in this dream city. While the character of Revati suggests that a young girl looks for stability, when it’s time to settle down in life with a partner.

The film displays memorable performances from Subodh Bhave and Jyoti Chandekar. In fact, it is the interaction between these two characters, that suggests many things to sensible film lovers. Madhura Velankar- Satam plays happy go lucky but thoughtful Revati with her gifted talent . Anand Ingale plays the middle aged Sane confidently with variety, using a neck collar and suggestive body language to indicate his ageing process. But, it is Kishore Kadam in the role of Usmanbhai, invites all the attention with his perfect Urdu diction. Others in the supporting cast are just fine. Photography is good. Watch that last scene, perhaps shot at Banganga, Walkeshwar, with the light of the lamp reflecting through the water on the faces of the few characters seated on the stairway. Above all, music is just apt for this sensible film, which has about seven songs. “Paulwaat” is a real ‘state of the art’ kind of film. No wonder, it is produced by seven like minded people like Mukta Bhide, Manasi Pethe, Revati Gund, Alka Datar, Vyankatesh Mandke, Ajay Bhide, Anuradha Ekbote and Smita Bhagwatdar, all coming together to offer this sensible creation.