Rating: ★★★  Studio / Presenter: Panoramic Group Producer: Vidnyan Siddhi Films Ltd. Director: Saisparsh Executive Director: R. Viraj Writer: SaiSparsh Editor: Nilesh Gawande Cast: Rajesh Shurngarpore, Amita Khopkar, Madhavi Nimkar, Nakul Ghanekar, Arun Nalawade, Prajakta Mali, Dr. Vilas Ujawane, Anshuman Vichare, Sushant Shelar, Ajay Purkar.. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Inspired by some of the Bollywood films of Dharmendra, Jitendra, Mithunda and Sunny Deol, released during 70s,80s and 90s; director Viraj Raje, presents his action packed Marathi film ‘Sangharsh’ with a team of talented artistes form Marathi film, television and stage. Set on the backdrop of slowly diminishing chawl culture in Mumbai, the film goes on to show the unity and strength of few youngsters living in such a colony; played by Rajesh Shringarpure, Nakul Ghanekar , Anshuman Vichare and young honest Police Inspector Devdatt Nage . Together, they not only go out of their way to help people in their neighbourhood; but also foil the plan of a cunning politician Rahu dada ( Sushant Shelar) , who is a link between the corrupt Home Minister( Dr. Vilas Ujawane) and the underworld; with an eye on their chawl, for redevelopment.

Now, if there are such young handsome dynamic heroes, you need to have their girl friends too. So, you find a committed Journalist played by Sangeeta Kapure, secretly in love with Ravi Shinde- the Bhai of the chawl (Rajesh Shringarpure), a pretty girl Prajakta Mali living in the same chawl in love with Nakul Ghanekar, who aspires to become a dancer and Madhavi Nimkar (who plays the younger sister of Rajesh) in love with young well built Police officer played by Devdatt Nage. Tavlya played by Anshuman Vichare, is however shown without a girl friend, for obvious reason, as someone has to sacrifice his life; in the battle against injustice.

Then, to cook a commercial recipe, there is a kind hearted mother( Sulbha Aygurav) , whose operation is to be performed, during the period of crisis, a sincere president of the chawl committee and Tavlya’s father ( Arun Nalawade), who is always there to support the youngsters; one aunty( Amita Khopkar) , who reminds the residents of the chawl, about their duty, during the time of adversity, a corrupt Police officer( Ajay Purkar) , who tries to implicate the youngsters in a well planned criminal act, on the orders of the corrupt Home Minister and a honest duty bound Police Commissioner( Mohan Joshi) who cleverly tackles the situation, in spite of the political pressures. In this common man’s fight against corruption, finally, it is the victory of Good over the evil.

Now, with this typical commercial presentation, what is good about ‘Sangharsh’? It is the excellent team work. All these artistes, with the combination of young and experienced, have worked very hard to present their respective characters to create a strong impact of the clash for their survival. With his strong physique, gifted height and rich voice, Rajesh Shringarpure is impressive in the role of Ravi Shinde. Nakul Ghanekar perfectly fits into the role of an aspiring dancer. It is a good film debut for him. Prajakta Mali looks pretty in the song sequence; but, has very less scope to show her acting talent. Madhavi Nimkar has few emotion filled scenes, while Sangeeta kapure who plays the Journalist, looks different in every scene. To show her glamorous looks, the director has offered her a romantic song; which is picturised on both the pairs at a time. Anshuman Vichare finds his share of acting, through few emotion filled scenes.

But, as has been the practice in such films filled with conflict; there have to be strong bad men around. And, to meet that requirement, Dr.Vilas Ujawane, plays his character of corrupt Home Minister in his own style, very effectively. One fails to understand, as to why he uses a yellow cab, without any security, allowing someone to follow him; while visiting his so called sound proof place for all underworld activities? Sushant Shelar plays a comedy style of politician in a different style, impressively. In the role of corrupt police officer, Ajay Purkar looks very natural. Sulbha Aygurav, Amita Khopkar, Arun Nalawade, Mohan Joshi, have supported well through their respective roles.

Songs in this film have been picturised well with the help of a team of well known Bollywood choreographers like Saroj Khan,Raju khan, Rajiv Surti and Raju Warghese. Music and back ground music of Nishikant Sadaphule and Bapi Tutul respectively has added some flavour into this action packed emotion filled drama, neatly captured through his lenses by Sandy. Jayawant Waigankar’s art is noticed, during the dream song picturisation, involving both the couples. Dress design during the same song sequence is also worth appreciating. The second part of the film, is more gripping than the first part, for which due credit goes to clever editing by Nilesh Gawand. Action director Javed Ejaz has the same work as director Viraj Raje in this film; as it is more an action packed film, with Bollywood flavour. The fight scenes presented in this film, are no less than any Bollywood action film. Barring few errors, ‘Sangharsh’ is technically well made film.