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.