Rating: ★★ ½ Genres: Patriotic, Black Comedy Censor: U/A Duration: 125 Min. Studio/presenter: Karrm Movies Producer: Satish Pilangwad Director: Raj Durge Writer: Raj Durge Lyrics:  Daasu Music: Mayuresh Kelkar Cinematographer (DOP): Aniket Khandagale Cast: Siddharth Jadhav, Jyoti Subhash, Zakir Hussain, Dr.Sharad Bhutadia, Gautam Patil, Piyusha Kolte Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Presenting a period story and that too on ‘Hyderabad freedom movement’ is not a bad idea. This historical event had taken place after country’s independence. Not many people today, are aware of this movement and the atrocities of Razzakars’ in Hyderabad region, which was then under the rule of 7th Nizam Mir Usman Ali. Latest released film ‘Razzakar’ takes you to this post independence era of 1947 and 1948, when the Nizam of Hyderabad, refused to be part of Indian states, after India’s independence. He had instead supported the terrorist group of Razzakars’ to form their own army, opposing Hyderbad’s merger into an Indian state.

Set on the backdrop of a small village Khandgaon, in Marathwada region, this new Marathi film ‘Razzakar’ has been presented by producer Satish Pilangwad & director Raj Durge. The film shows, how a youngster Hari ( Siddharth Jadhav) from this village, dared to fight the cruel commander of Razzakar army- Dilawar Khan ( Zakir Hussain) and his people, with the blessings of his mother ( Jyoti Subhash). The screenplay of the film begins with exodus of villagers, with the fear of Razzakars’ attacking their village. But, for next 50 minutes, we only notice the gimmicks of Hari followed by the arrival of a family in the village. Comprising of five people headed by Sadashivrao ( Dr.Sharad Bhutadia), a Gandhian, they try to unite the villagers, to oppose Razakars .

It is only little before the stroke of interval, we actually see the arrival villain Dilawar Khan on the screen, with his cruel methods of killing poor villagers. When, Dilawar and his small army arrive in Hari’s village, Sadashivrao is away to welcome a freedom fighter. So, we notice a dozen of people including village landlord Deshmukh , his son Bali ( Gautam Patil) and Hari taking on the mighty Dilawar. Initially they surrender, with all their gold belongings. But, when Dilawar and his men kill few villagers including Hari’s mother, we notice a brave Hari daring to fight Dilawar and his two men, by first snatching his hen, held by him always in his arms. Finally, we see the Indian army coming to the rescue of Hari, in the concluding scene.

‘Razzakar’ is a sincere attempt by director Raj Durge; but, he has failed to create the required impact of the freedom movement. Instead, he has shown the villagers, most of the time living under fear. The three old men from the village shown gossiping on few occasions, is the best example. The character of Sadashivrao, who is supposed to be a fearless freedom fighter in the initial stages, is seen running away from the scene, after the actual arrival of Razakars in the village.

One fails to understand, why so much of importance was being given to secret love affair between Deshmukh’s son Bali and Sadashivarao’s daughter Iravati( Piyusha Kolte). In most of the scenes, Iravati walks, as if she is walking on the ramp in fashionable white Saree and make up. There is one particular scene, where Deshmukh the landlord collects the Gold ornaments from all the villagers, including those from his wife, but, is seen wearing a thick chain around his neck in the next scene.

However, barring these few errors, the director has tried to present a period story, taking lot of efforts on selection of location and especially presenting the three main characters of Hari, his mother and Dilawar khan. He seemed to have given full freedom to the lead actor Siddharth to go his own way, on many occasions. But, Siddharth has given full justice, to his selection for this role. Jyoti Subhash does well, to express her emotions well. Zakir Hussain is impressive as cruel villain. But, he has nothing different to offer in Marathi , as all his dialogues are in Hindi, in the entire film. It is doubtful, whether such a character can connect with Marathi audience? Actually, the name of the film should have been something different.

Fine photography by Aniket Khandagale, good art work by Narendra Bhagat, suitable background music by Salil Amrute and perfect sound design by Manoj Mochemadkar & Sandeep Madkholkar are the plus points of this film. Not very impressive; but, a must watch film for all Siddharth fans.