Critics Rating 3.5 User Rating 2.33 (3 votes) Sending

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Genres:  Romantic Censor: UA Duration: 138 min. Studio / Presenter: Huge Productions, Pratisaad Communications Producers: Anish Joag, Ranjit Gugle, Afeefa Suleman Nadiadwala, Kaustubh Dhamne, Ameya Patil, Salil Datar Director:  Upendra Sidhaye Writer:  Upendra Sidhaye Cast:  Amey Wagh, Sai Tamhankar,Rasika Sunill, Isha Keskar, Sagar Deshmukh, Kavita Lad, yatin karyekar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Writer& screenplay writer Upendra Sidhye who shot into fame after receiving Filmfare & Cine Blitz awards for best screenplay for the film ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ has now turned writer and director into Marathi with his latest release ‘Girlfriend’. So, being a writer himself, he has systematically developed the screenplay of this film on the backdrop of his own Pune city and using the social media very well, to target the young audience.

Through ‘Girlfriend’ Upendra presents the story of a simple and nice young man Nachiket Pradhan( Amey Wagh) a boy next door, who resembles the looks of Amol Palekar of 70s. Being simple, he has kept himself away from girlfriends. But, that comes in the way of his promotion in office and also spending time with his childhood friends, who are already in relationship. Being a graphic designer himself and active on social media, he prepares a fraudulent fb account by lifting a photo of Payal Mehta( Sai Tamhankar) and naming her as Alisha Narvekar to pose his girlfriend. What happens thereafter is a humour filled screenplay, which entertains especially the young audience.

The office and home atmosphere of Nachiket has been nicely created. Initially moving at a slow pace, the film does pick up little before the interval showing many interesting happenings in Nachiket’s life. His birthday coinciding with Valentines’ day has also been presented well to show his helplessness to find a girlfriend. The entry of Sai Tamhankar has been used well in the screenplay just before the interval. However, showing her in the narrative through a song sequence little before that has spoiled the show.

What keeps the audience engaged post interval is its Spanish connection through the character of Sai Tamhankar . Both Amey and Sai have offered variety through their respective performances, but without the support of other artistes in this film , they would not have been able to offer their best. Thanks to Yatin karyekar, Kavita Lad who play his supportive modern day parents and many other artistes who have played his close friends and office colleagues in the film. Prominent among them is popular TV star Rasika Sunil, who has impressed the most. Unfortunately, this talented actress hasn’t been used much to tap her potential. She is certainly worth considering for lead roles in Marathi films.

Other positive aspects of this film are, the music and background music by Hrishkesh , Saurabh & Jasraj , who have combined well to offer musical entertainment and nice photography of Milind Jog. All in all, ‘Girlfriend’ is an entertaining film which may draw more young audience to cinema halls.