Rating: ★★★ Studio/presenter: Chitraksha Films Producer: Vitthalrao Nanasaheb Karhade Writer, Director: Bhaurao Karhade Music: Rohit Nagbhide Director of Photography: Veerdhaval Patil Editor: Roshan Patil Genres: Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 125 Min. Cast: Shashank Shende, Anil Nagarkar, Bhau Shinde, Surekha, Yogesh Dimbale, Rasika Chavhan, Vaishnavi Dhore, Chandrakant Dhumal, Prashant Ingale, Vaishali Kendale, Amol Thorat, Hemat Kadam Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Marathi films have shown us rural Maharashtra, highlighting the problems of drought affected areas and suicides of farmers. But, we have neither seen the lifestyle of shepherds nor their rough journey for survival. Latest released Marathi film ‘Khwada’- ( Obstacle), which has won two national and five state awards, not only shows the exploitation of these poor shepherds; but, also shows, how the helpless young lot of this community, revolts against the administrators, when the injustice becomes unbearable.

Producer director Bhaurao Karhade, who has shot this film with many new faces, has opted only for one known face from Marathi films, Shashank Shende. The film is set on the backdrop of the outskirts of villages in Pune district, with focus on a family of shepherd community, which is always on the move, to find feed for the herd of their sheep, their only belonging. Raghu( Shashank Shende) , the head of the family, does all the work of taking good care of the herd of his sheep, with the help of his two sons, one of them Panda, who is married with wife and two children and the other, who is a bodybuilder youngster Balu( Bhau Shinde) . The two ladies in their family cook food for the family in the open. In fact, the living condition of this community is clearly shown by the director, through this film.

The screenplay of the film moves in a natural way, showing how the family fix the marriage of Balu and how the family becomes helpless, when the corrupt village administrator, cheats them, by picking up lambs from the herd, as and when required, without paying them. The film takes a sudden turn, in the post interval stage, when young Balu cannot stand to the harassment by the village administrator and turns a protagonist in the concluding part of the film.

During the entire film, it is one actor Shashank Shende , in the role of Raghu, steals the show, with his brilliant performance, with superb body language and use of perfect dialect, suited to his character. In his presence, Bhau Shinde has done his best to make his presence felt. Anil Nagarkar plays the cruel villain in Bollywood style; but has impressed with his performance. Good support comes from the other newcomers. There are only three fight scenes in the film and they are very natural. In fact, it is because of the perfection in sound design, usage of their language of communication between all the characters, selection of real locations and the perspective of the film maker, The film leaves a deep impact on the audience.

From the start till end, the audience imagine themselves, as part of the film; with director taking them on a rough journey, along with shepherd family. There are few flaws in the film’s screenplay. The period of this story, signifies present days, showing use of mobile phones by the family. But, the filmmaker has avoided the police and the media, over happening of serious matters. The Village head, who plays the villain in this film, represents the ‘One man rule’. But, the villagers are shown literate, reading news papers. Therefore, whatever happens in climax is not very convincing, considering the present time. The filmmaker does give a hint at the end of the film that he would return with a sequel, in 2017, showing some members of the family migrating to Pune city. So, we will have to wait for Part 2, to know more about the progress of this community and change in attitude of the administration.

Certainly, not a film for the masses; but those who like to watch realistic films on the lives of poor and oppressed people, shouldn’t miss this film. It throws light on Government’s apathy towards the shepherd community and warns all those corrupt and atrocious village administrators, about the revolt from the poor, when things become unbearable for them. Last but not the least, the efforts of the film maker, on making a film on this subject, have to be appreciated.