Rating: na Banner: Aarbhat Nirmiti Producer: Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Girish Pandurang Kulkarni Director: Sandesh Kulkarni Story: Girish Pandurang Kulkarni Screenplay: Girish Pandurang Kulkarni Cinematographer: H M Ramachandra Halkere Cast: Girish Pandurang Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Dr. Moha Aagashe, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Hrishikesh Joshi, Sneha Majgaonkar, Srirang Mahajan, Shrikant Yadav, Gardi Fule-Thatte, Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, Jyoti Subhash Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

As you always need a good combination of spices to bring a special flavor to a kitchen recipe; the same is applicable for a neat and clean feature film, before its final presentation. Only difference is that in the case of a film, it is the ingredients like story, screenplay, dialogues, performances, editing, cinematography, lyrics and music that should combine well to make a sensible film. Latest released Marathi film ‘Masala’ has that special flavor, well suited to its apt title.

The film revolves around the struggle of a young couple- Revan (Girish Kulkarni) and Sarika (Amruta Subhash), who move from one district place to the other in search of a small business to settle down in life. Revan tries his hands at selling the sarees door to door, convincing housewives about the quality. He also sets up a small grocery shop and later sells essential items, riding on his bicycle. Finally, fed up with the increasing creditor’s list, the couple land up in Solapur. With the help of his brother in law- kalyan and his wife ( Hrishikesk Joshi and Sneha Majgaonkar) they not only find shelter, but also see some hope of a business. Both the couples work hard and prepare a recipe of fried Groundnuts using a coating of besan, mixed with spices.

In the meanwhile, Revan is deputed by Kalyan to Pune, to show the reports of his little son to a ENT specialist, for his treatment of an ear injury. But, Revan takes a lift from wrong people driving a truck, He lands in Police lock up. However, due to the kindness of a local Businessman and his wife (Mohan Agashe and Jyoti Subahsh), he is rescued. The Businessman not only offers him shelter, but also employs him in his factory; after hearing his story. Revan works hard and plans big to start his own business one day.

‘If there’s a will, there’s a way’. ‘Masala’ is an inspiring tale, which sends across a strong message to those people in Maharashtra, not to be discouraged by failure in business. If you are honest and working hard, there is always someone to take note of your sincerity. The film has been shot at realistic outdoor locations at different district places in Maharashtra. It cleverly portrays the picture of a hard working common man in Maharashtra, who begins with small business, but aspires to start his own big business soon.

Director Sandesh Kulkarni has shot one important scene very cleverly, when the couple is taken for a ride by the truck driver. When the couple reach Solapur, their struggle does not end there; even after finding the shelter at a relative’s place. Fortunately, their wavelength matches well with that of the host couple, who not only welcome them in their house by offering shelter, but also share their problems by working together to earn for their living.

Both- Girish Kulkarni and Amruta Subhash have played the ‘made for each other couple’ in a realistic manner. Watch those scenes of their struggle, while moving from one place to other. The wife is always ready to move with her husband, wherever he plans to go. Hrishikesh Joshi and Sneha Majgaonkar lend a good support. Some characters like the businessman and his wife- played by Dr. Mohan Agashe and Jyoti Subhash; add good support to the film’s script. At the same time, the scientist ( Dilip Prabhavalkar) seriously working on the production of fuel from Bio waste, not only brings some humour, but also goes on to show the social obligation. Dr. Shreeram Lagoo has just one scene, but in that role of Idrisbhai- dealer of scents, he goes on to show how important is trust in any business.

There is not much scope for songs in this film; but, one song with Karnataki touch has been composed very well by Anand Modak on the lyrics of Sunil Sukhtankar. Background music has been used well, with the help of music arranger Narendra Bhide. Cinematography by M.H. Ramachandran is something to be appreciated for capturing all those scenes in motion. Sandesh Kulkarni leaves a mark with his film direction on debut. He has succeeded in offering a tasty recipe to Marathi audience with his ‘Masala’.