Rating: ★★★★ Studio: IME Motion Pictures Producer: Abhay Gadgil, Shrirang Godbole Director: Nitish Bharadwaj Writer: ABased on a novel by Sudha Murthy Editor: Abhijeet Deshpande Cinematographer: Mahesh Ane Cast: Tanuja, Sachin Khedekar, Suhas Joshi, Mrunal Deshpande, Om Bhutkar, Ketaki Vilas, Purvi Bhave and Madhura Jugade, Omkar Kulkarni,Rupesh Bene Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

It is always a pleasure for children to receive love and affection from their parents; but, it is very difficult to digest the facts about their mysterious past. We have seen few such stories in the past by well known authors on big screen. Now, Sudha Murthy’s novel has been brought live in cinematic form by Nitish Bharadwaj, through latest Marathi film ‘Pitruroon’. This is also Nitish’s debut film as a director and he has done a commendable job, to retain the originality of the story.

Set on the backdrop of Pune, the film talks about the tragic story of Bhagirathibai (Tanuja) , an old widow, who lives with her small family comprising of Venkatesh alias Sangeetappa (Sachin Khedekar) and two grandchildren; in a small village off Pune. One day, a Professor from Pune city Venkatesh Kulkarni (double role of Sachin Khedekar), who has just lost his father; arrives in the same village in connection with his archaeology work; along with his daughter (Purvee Bhave) passionate about Photography. When Professor’s daughter tells her father about his look alike noticed by her in the village, initially he ignores it; but out of curiosity he goes in search of his house, along with her, during his free time next day.

Venkatesh not only meets another Venkatesh Kulkarni; but also his family. Kind hearted Bhagirathibai suggests the visiting professor to have lunch, since she and her family are offering prayers in memory of her departed husband in presence of a family priest. During the course of rituals, the professor notices similarity in the names of ancestors and Gotra uttered by Sangeetappa.

Surprised by the similarities noticed about the names of their ancestors, the professor shares the same with rest of his family members, comprising of his wife Mrunal Deshpande and Mother ( Suhas Joshi) on return to his home. However, they don’t pay much attention to his story, after hearing about the death of Bhagirathibai’s husband long ago. The film turns more mysterious, with the sequence of events that follow one after the other. The real mystery unfolds in a very systematic manner during the climax of the film.

Director Nitish Bharadwaj has very cleverly handled every important situation in the film, clearly indicating his skills, to generate more interest in the screenplay from start till the end. It’s almost like reading an interesting novel. He has himself written the screenplay of this film along with Praveen Tarde. The past of Bhagirathibai set on the backdrop of beautiful Konkan is well handled in the flashback, with Ketaki Vilas playing the young Bhagirathibai. Bollywood Cinematographer Mahesh Ane has captured these beautiful outdoor locations very well. Music by Kaushal Inamdar also goes well with the film’s subject. The well suited background music and required sound effects, are worth mentioning plus points of the film.

It’s a lifetime role for veteran actress Tanuja, who has portrayed the character of Bhagirathibai very well. Sachin Khedekar has cleverly managed to present two different characters using his expertise, while delivering the dialogues and through body language. The other characters in the film have limited scope; but Suhas Joshi, Mrunal Deshpande, Purvee Bhave, Ketaki Vilas, Madhavi Soman, Om Bhutkar and others have offered very good support, to give this film a realistic look. Certainly a worth watch for all those, who like a film with a good story and arty presentation.