Vidarbha region in Maharashtra is known for facing worst drought situation every year. But, this region is also known for producing talented stage artistes through ‘Zadipatti’ a hub created at places like Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia and part of Nagpur district . For the past 60 years the tradition of tent theatre has flourished in these areas where budding artistes get an opportunity to showcase their talent. These stage plays which are good form of entertainment in remote areas, receive a very good response from people who gather at such places in large number.

These stage plays are held between the period Diwali to Holi i.e. between October to March, when the plays are performed whole night in these regions. Forthcoming Marathi film ‘Zollywood’ presents the true story which happened in the lives of these ‘Zadipatti’ artistes and is set on the backdrop of this region. Produced by Wishberry Films and Directed by Trushant Ingale the film shows the plight of these stage artistes, in an entertaining manner. The focus of the film is on the production houses, which are called ‘Press’ who form their own group, right from selection of the script, artistes, giving publicity to the event by printing posters, erecting tents, selling tickets and making payment to the artistes. And we get to see the competition among them to attract the audience.

The six main characters in the film Aman (Anil Uttalwar) & Raja (Kajal Rangari) the two cousins running the ‘Press’ who separate over financial matters, NarayanRao ( Dinkar Gavande) a well wisher of theatre art, who believes in keeping this art alive, Dipak (Ajit Khobragde) a young writer who later turns producer, Poonam(Ashwini Ladekar), Rajni (Asawri Naidu) look so natural through their respective characters. They bring liveliness in every scene . In addition to this, the superior photography by Yogesh Rajguru, clever editing work by Vaibhav – Dabhade and excellent sound recording by Anmol Bhave provide very good technical support to this film.

Very cleverly the director who is himself a writer has created a perfect environment within his budget, through selection of suitable artistes who utter their dialogues in typical Varhadi dialect to give that local feel . Though the content is limited , the director has created many interesting sequences to generate humour in the screenplay right from the beginning till the climax. And towards the end he doesn’t forget to send across a strong message to the viewers that no matter whatever happens, the show of this traditional art must go on.

The film was screened at the ongoing Jagran Film Festival on Thursday 26th September 2019.

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