Rating: na Banner: Pratibha Films, Quality Cards Producer: Raju Jogeshwarji Ghivdhonde, Mangesh Pitale, Adv. Raman Senaad Story, Director: Salim Shaikh Dialogues: Salim Shaikh, Parag Ghonge Music: Nandu Honap Cast: Santosh Juvekar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Sai Tamhankar, Manasi Kulkarni, Kishori Shahane, Vinod raut, Tejaswi Patil and Shadab. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Corruption has become part of every field of profession and medical profession is no exception. As there are good committed doctors, there are doctors, who are not only involved in unethical practices, but also involved in frauds and cheating business. In the name of Multi- speciality clinics, there are many malpractices noticed at many places in the state. This has come to light, through regular media expose. Recently, we also saw one such episode of Aamir Khan’s reality show, where such unethical practices were brought to light.

Latest released Marathi film ‘Aghor’, produced by a team of producers from Nagpur comprising of Raju Jageshwar Dhivdonde, Mangesh Madhukarrao Pitale and Ad. Raman Laxmanrao Senad and directed by their colleague Salim Shaikh, has exposed few such acts by a selfish doctor, who owns one such Multi speciality clinic. For Dr. Batra( Dr. Vilas Ujawane), profit is considered as a driving force in his business. The film shows all his ways to grab money from the patient, initially in the form of advance by getting first the details of his income in the admission form.

Though the main theme of this film is based on day to day newspaper and TV reports of corruption cases in medical profession, it is backed by frustration among unemployed youth and those in sports, who have been denied their dues. Dr. Sathe ( Ad. Raman Laxmanrao Senad) a principled and committed doctor, who runs his clinic with the help of his wife ( Kishori Shanae), regularly encounters three youths namely Prakash ( Aniket Vishwasrao), Sam ( Santosh Juvekar) and Lucky ( Shadab); and is well aware of their problems.

Sai Tamhankar, Santosh JuvekarOne day, Dr. Sathe in an attempt to save a little girl, is knocked down by a speeding vehicle. He is admitted to Dr. Batra’s hospital, who suggests an emergency operation and asks Ms. Sathe to deposit Rs 4 lakh immediately. The three youngsters raise the amount in their own ways and them begins the fight against Dr. Batra and his team. Luckily for them in a typical filmi style Dr. Batra’s close friend’s daughter( Manasi Kulkarni) and Dr. Batra’s own son join hands with them to teach a lesson to Dr. Batra, in his own way.

‘Aghor’ does have a good theme, but lacks grip in the screenplay . The efforts of the Nagpur based team to make a film on a social issue is highly appreciated; but, to create an impact, the screenplay and the order of sequences should have been handled more skillfully. The director, who is himself a story and screenplay writer, hasn’t paid much attention on this aspect. The first half of the film just goes on understanding the background of the three youngsters, besides knowing about the past love of Sam. The two songs in pre interval stage are okay; but the one picturised on Santosh Juvekar and Manasi Kulkarni hasn’t been timed well. At a time, when the film should have taken a firm grip on revenge, after noticing a serious case of crime, the break for a song only diverts the attention of the audience.

Some of the incidences, such as Sam’s first girlfriend( Tejaswi Patil) killing herself, Dr. Sathe trying to save the girl Kishori Shahane VIjon the road, Dr. Sathe shown too generous in treating his poor patients and the happenings in the climax; don’t give a realistic look. But, few events like a Medical representative of the company offering attractive packages to the Doctor for prescribing costly medicines in place of generic medicines; a Municipal contractor exploiting a senior old female worker, keeping the already dead patient on ventilator, forcing the husband to undergo test after he threatens to divorce his wife for not conceiving for eight years, the honest doctor understanding the psychology behind the attitude of youngsters; have been included in the film, to send across a message to the society.

There is not much scope for music in this film, but two songs by popular singers have been picturised well on new locations in Nagpur. The angry young man of Marathi films Santosh Juvekar has limited scope in this film. But, he has played his role with ease. Aniket Vishwasrao too, plays his part well. Newcomer Shadab has very little to do with acting, except for being with the two friends and punching rivals, whenever required. The three young girls have very little to their share. Sai Tamhankar as a lawyer, is just namesake girlfriend of Aniket Vishwasrao, with just few scenes. Manasi Kulkarni ( TV serial Mission.com fame) looks confident on her debut through few scenes, besides a song sequence. Tejasvi Patil is in the film almost like a guest performer. Producer Raman Senad gives a satisfying performance in the role of Dr. Sathe, on his debut. Dr. Vilas Ujavane plays the antagonist effectively. But, it is Kishori Shahane, playing Ms. Sathe, finds a better role. ‘Aghor’ is no doubt a sincere effort to expose corruption in medical profession; but it lacks the desired sensational cinematic approach to create an impact through its screenplay.