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Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio / Presenter: Viacom18 Motion Pictures, A Happy Minds Production Producer: Sangram Surve, Amar Pandit DOP: Amalendu Choudhary Director: Prakash Kunte Cast:  Hrishikesh Joshi, Bhalchandra Kadam, Priydarshan Jadhav, Deepti Lele, Abhijit Chavan, Vidyadhar Joshi, Sandesh Kulkarni, Pradeep Velankar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

All of us in this beautiful world are possessive about a particular thing. And suddenly, after disappearance of that thing, we are disheartened. It is at this particular time, we need someone to console us to recover from this stage; so that we rediscover ourselves to live rest of our life happily. Known for systematic presentation of his subject, film maker Prakash Kunte has released his latest Marathi film ‘Cycle‘, which is based on this philosophy.

Actually, ‘Cycle’ presents a frivolous subject, which makes you rediscover yourself, while watching this 100 minute length film. Set on the backdrop of picturesque Konkan during late 50s, the film narrates the story of Keshav( Hrishikesh Joshi) and his possessive attitude towards his bicycle, which is an antique piece. Keshav has acquired this cycle as a gift from his grandfather, who had received this as a parting gift from a British Officer, after India became Independent from British rule.

Keshav takes very good care of this cycle which is unique in its appearance with its original yellow colour. He is so possessive about this cycle that he does not even allow anyone to ride on it. One day, unexpectedly when the entire family is away at a village temple to watch a mythology based drama performed by local artistes, two thieves Gaja ( Priyadarshan Jadhav) and Mangya ( Bhalchandra Kadam) who enter this village, looking for their next adventure, break open the lock of Keshav’s house and steal the ornaments, precious idols of God and flee on his cycle parked in the compound, after they notice the dogs barking at them.

While dejected Keshav who is a renowned Palmist ,wonders if he would ever find his cycle, the two thieves are on the run, moving from one village to another. On the way, wherever they take halt, they meet people who recognize Keshav’s cycle. But, the thieves who are well versed in this profession, keep posing that they are Keshav’s cousins and are using his cycle for their business purpose. At one stage, they realise the importance of Keshav as a person and his helping nature and decide to leave his cycle at one place from where, they decide to find escape route through a boat. All is well at the end, with Keshav also recovering to understand himself.

Director Prakash Kunte has cleverly narrated this simple story which seems to be inspired by the world cinema and especially the style of Majid Majidi’s Iranian films. But, there are few flaws in the film, which are noticed in the screenplay. Except for the two thieves, he has paid more attention on the costumes of all the other characters, to give a realistic look of 50s era. The only song in ‘Cycle‘ film and that too played in the background and composed by Rohan Rohan is very apt to the situation, but the background score by Aditya Bedekar is more appealing for every situation. Manoj Machemadkar’s sound recording is also good. Locations selected are too good and so is the wonderful photography by Amalendu Chaudhary. Performances by lead artistes is also another plus point of this film. Good support comes from other artistes like Manoj Kolhatkar, Dipti Lele & Maithili Patwardhan as family members of Keshav, while Abhijit Chavan, Vidyadhar Joshi, Sandesh Kulkarni, Pradeep Velankar are also impressive through their limited roles.

‘Cycle‘ will surely invite the attention at various international festivals; but for others it will offer a light entertainment.