‘Lord of Shingnapur’ – Just another film based on mythology
 Rating: ★★ ½
Studio/presenter: Rathod Films Producer:Raj Rathod Director: Raj Rathod Writer: Raj Rathod Music: Farhan Shaikh Editor: Ajit Devle Cinematographer (DOP): Prashant Jadhav Genres: Devotional Censor: U Duration: 130 Min. Cast: Milind Gunaji, Sudhir Dalvi, Ashutosh Kullkarni, Vaibhavi, Manoj Joshi, Varsha Usgaonkar, Rahul Mahajan, Yashodhan Rana, Aniket Kelkar, Pankaj Vishnu Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Films based on mythology are very common in Hindi. In Marathi too, such films are released periodically. About 20 years ago, there was a film on Lord Shanidev, titled ‘Suryaputra Shanidev’ produced by Gulshan Kumar. Now, Raj Rathod has offered a film in Marathi ‘Lord of Shingnapur’, which is a tribute to Lord Shanidev and his power .
‘Lord of Shingnapur’ is not much different from ‘Suryaputra Shanidev’, as in this film too, the director has presented a story of young lovers Rohit ( Ashutosh Kulkarni) and Neha (Vaibhavi Shandilya) . But, in this film the young couple get married, against the wish of Rohit’s father ( Manoj Joshi). When his father refuses to take the couple in his house, Rohit and Neha leave the house to an unknown destination and meet with a serious car accident. While Rohit gets drowned into a river, Neha lies unconscious in an injured state.
Rohit later finds himself in an ashram, but loses his memory; while Neha wandering in jungles, comes across Lord Shanidev in the guise of a saint, who suggests her to visit Shani Shingnapur. At the Ashram, another Saint, who heads the ashram, also suggests Rohit to proceed to Shani Shingnapur, after narrating him various tales of Lord Shanidev. Rohit’s parents, who are also in a disturbed state, move to Shani Shingnapur, where the film concludes with happy ending, with the reunion of Rohit, Neha and Rohit’s parents.
Film’s screenplay begins with not so interesting happenings, except for a song picturised on Rohit and Neha, to show their romance. The character of Rahul Mahajan is just to represent Rohit’s good friend, in few scenes. Even Manoj Joshi as Rohit’s father, has been used only to oppose Rohit’s marriage, in those few scenes, except for the last climax scene. However, Varsha Usgaonkar tries to impress through her small role of Rohit’s sympathetic mother. The film’s screenplay presents some interesting stories to show the power and strength of Lord Shanidev , when he in the form of Saturn, enters the zodiac sign of individuals, including Lord Shankara & Lord Bramhadev. Narration of these stories by a saint, shown in the film’s cinematic form, are the only interesting happenings in the film, as not many people are aware of the stories of Lord Shanidev.
However, in the process of giving importance to these stories, the main story of Rohit and Neha takes a back seat and remains just a predictable version .
Through this film, Ashutosh Kulkarni has finally found his entry into Marathi films as a lead actor. This is Vaibhavi’s second film after ‘Janiva’ and she shows promise, through her performance. Milind Gunaji, who plays Lord Shanidev in this film, taking different forms, is good and so is Sudhir Dalvi, through his small but favourite role of Sai Baba of Shirdi. The film could have been more appealing, if it had more special effects and a gripping love story, to show their struggle for reunion. All in all, ‘Lord of Shinganapur’ has turned out to be just another mythology based film , which is a tribute to Lord Shanidev. Therefore, it may appeal to regular viewers of such films. And, if it does so, ‘Shingnapur’ will turn another famous religious place, inviting more and more devotees. Others may prefer to watch this film on television, in due course of time.
“Satish Rajwade is like a school of acting” – Ashutosh Kulkarni
A graduate in Social Sciences and Sociology from Pune’s Fergusson College, Ashutosh Kulkarni came to Mumbai only to become an actor. Before that he was active with Pune’s experimental theatre and also performed at the State level competitions. When he first came to this tinsel town, he started taking keen interest on other aspects of stage, i.e lighting technical matters and even direction. He even worked as assistant director to Cinematographer- director Sanjay Jadhav, for the film ‘Checkmate‘ to get the feel of camera and floor movements. ‘Goshta Eka Lagnachi’, ‘Duniyadari‘ and ‘Peshwai‘ were some of the shows through which he got exposure and then through Zee Marathi’s TV serial ‘Asambhav’, he received special attention. Ashutosh learnt his real acting lessons from Satish Rajwade, who was the director of ‘Asambhav’.
“Satish Rajwade is like a school of acting and there is a lot to learn from him, while he directs you,” says Ashutosh, while recollecting some of the special moments he shared in his company. He also does not forget to mention about Shrirang Godbole and Smita Talwalkar, because of whom he got his timely break on television. While working in Marathi, Ashutosh also had an opportunity to be part of a Hindi TV show ‘Bure Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum’. “It was a good experience to work in Hindi,” he says.
There is not a single opportunity he has missed, when it was time for anchoring any programme or show.
“I enjoy playing that role as I feel very comfortable as an anchor,” he says with a smile. As regards his entry into films, soon, you will see him in a new Marathi film ‘Koni Mulgi Deta Ka Mulgi’, directed by Ashok Karlekar.” Having focused himself totally into this profession, he too has his own ambition of setting up his own production house one day. Whatever this young actor does, it is with full conviction. “I don’t do anything halfway and then leave it. If I take up any work, I try to complete it first, before jumping at other. It was for this reason, while I was preparing for my exams, there were no acting commitments. During that period, I was totally engrossed with my studies.” he says.
In the recent past, we have seen Ashutosh confidently performing every character, whether it was a supportive boy friend in ‘Kasturi‘ opposite Sai Ranade Sane, an ambitious and understanding friend in ‘Anubandh‘ opposite Saie Tamhankar, or as Ajay Raje Shankarshet in Star Pravah’s ‘Goshta Eka Lagnachi’ opposite Urmila Kanetkar; he has always been at ease, doing such roles. His serial ‘Lek Ladaki Hya Gharchi’ is also doing well on E-TV.
Ashutosh is now playing a more challenging lead role in the character of Vikram opposite another talented actress Rujuta Deshmukh in Mi Marathi’s popular ongoing serial ‘Tu Bhetashi Navyane’. In this serial he is in the company of versatile senior actors like Vikram Gokhale, Madhu Kambikar, Pradeep Velankar and now Sharad Ponkshe; who has also been added to the caste. “I enjoy every moment while shooting for this serial. Right from the producer, director, co-artistes to technicians; they are truly professional,” he compliments.
Observing him perform confidently and with ease in the company of big artistes, it becomes clear that he is ‘an actor to watch’ in the coming years. Being very polite, friendly with all approach and considering himself still in the learning process, are some of his good qualities that will take him to greater heights in the long run.