Rating: ★★★ ½ Studio / Presenter: Sudha Productions Producer: Anuya Mhaiskar Director: Aditya Ingle Writer: Pratap Deshmukh Cinematographer: Pushpank Gawade Music: Narendra Bhide Cast: Ashok Saraf, Vandana Gupte, Anand Ingle, Hrishikesh Joshi, Aniket Vishwasrao, Hemant Dhome, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Priya Bapat- Kamat Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Finally, a neat and clean comedy is back to Marathi cinema with the release of ‘Aandhali Koshimbir’. Set on the backdrop of  Pune city, the film revolves around Bapu Sadavarte (Ashok Saraf) , a retired widower, living in his bungalow, in the company of his only young son Shrirang (Aniket Vishwasrao) ,who is yet to settle down in his life. Shrirang with his friend Vasant ( Hemant Dhome) who manages his family photo studio; attempts different businesses; but, does not succeed. He is indebted to Goraksha, a Don in all bad business.

In order to repay the loan of Goraksha, Shrirang on the advice of his friend Vasant, agrees to mortgage his father’s house to Goraksha; with the help of a cunning lawyer Dushyant Marne (Anand Ingale), who wants to marry a widow Shantibai( Vandana Gupte) , living as his tenant with her abnormal daughter Radhika (Mrunmayee Deshpande). With Goraksha himself failing to threaten Bapu Sadavarte, Shrirang and Vasant decide plan no. 2. In the meanwhile, Shrirang falls in love with Goraksha’s sister Manju ( Priya Bapat), who also joins their plan. They try to bring Shantibai and Bapu together, since both of them always open up fights with others, on small issues. But, Bapu and Shanti instead of fighting with each other; turn good friends and that spoils the plan of Shrirang and Vasant; which also angers Marne. With this drama, enough for the screenplay of the film, it takes you to an amusing climax, to show a happy end.

‘Aandhali Koshimbir’ is solely a director’s film and hence at every situation, you notice Aditya Ingale. By the way, he has also written the screenplay and dialogues of this film along with Pratap Deshmukh. His idea of using the three different age groups together in the film’s story, has worked very well. With the help of Ashok Saraf and Vandana Gupte, he has managed their chemistry very well. At the same time, using the characters of Hrishikesh Joshi and Anand Ingale, he has tried to generate the desired momentum into the screenplay.

And finally, using the two young pairs Aniket- Priya and Hemant-Mrunmayee, he has managed to keep the young audience happy, with their different approach to their respective characters. While Aniket and Hemat have timed their humour filled scenes very well, Priya comes with a good support. For the first time, Mrunmayee has attempted something different through her abnormal character. The film is not a non stop laughter film; but certainly enjoyable. The best thing about this film is that, it does not turn vulgar at any moment.

The entire film however belongs to Ashok Saraf, who has been so natural throughout the film. His real acting talent is however noticed in the climax scene, when he reacts, turning emotional. Vandana Gupte has offered a very good support and it was nice to see these two veteran artistes together, after a long time. Anand Ingale finds a good meaty role, and he has lived up to his expectations. Anand has proved that he can fit into any character role; be it a comedy or a villain. In this film, he gets a chance to play both together.

Another actor, who has impressed through his perfect body language in the film, is Hrishikesh Joshi. He has performed the role of Goraksha, very convincingly. Excellent support comes from the young team comprising of Aniket, Hemant , Priya and Mrunmayee. But, the surprise pack comes from late Shrikant Moghe, who is the role of a Judge, makes his presence felt, in the concluding part of the film. Just watch his expressions and a variety while delivering his dialogues. This film is certainly a tribute to him.

There are very few songs in this film; but Vaibhav Joshi’s lyrics, Narendra Bhide’s music, Avinash -Vishwajeet’s title music and Pushpank Gawde’s cinematography, certainly add to film’s good presentation. Above all, the film displays a good team work. Do not watch this film with very high expectations; and then, you will really enjoy it. One thing is sure, that it has offered a situation based comedy with a variety. ‘Aandhali koshimbir’ is certainly a good ‘Time Pass’ film for the entire family.

rating: 3.5