Rating: ★★★ ½ Studio / Presenter: Yashwantrao Pratishthan, Essel Vision Producer: Maharashtra Shasan Director: Jabbar Patel Screenplay: Arun Sadhu Cinematographer: Sikandar Sayyad Music: Anand Modak, Cast: Ashok Lokhande, Om Bhutkar, Lubna Salim, Vaishali Dabhade, Meena Naik, Rekha Kamat, Supriya Vinod, Satish Alekar, Rahul Solapurkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan was a big name not only in Maharashtra Politics but also in the Indian Politics. Having served as the Chief Minister of Bombay state, then being the first chief Minister of independent Maharashtra, followed by the various cabinet ministries, he represented at the centre; he was highly respected politician in the state. But, after becoming the third chief minister of then Bombay state in 1956 and little before that when he was in the cabinet of Morarji Desai; he was targeted by the opposition leaders and few media persons, for not joining the United Maharashtra Movement.

Mr. Yashwantrao Chavan passed away in 1984, at the age of 71, when he was serving as the Chairman of the 8th Finance Commission of India. But, his contribution as a leader of Maharashtra and India certainly needed a detailed biopic on his life. And, the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan and Government of Maharashtra thought that it was the right time to pay him tributes, besides making the new generation aware of his political journey. ‘Yashwantrao Chavan – Bakhar Eka Vadalachi’ distributed by Essel Vision, is the most suited title of this film, directed by Dr. Jabbar Patel, which is released today. Unfortunately, in spite of the heavy advertising campaign on Zee Marathi channel, the film has not received the desired response at multiplexes in Western suburbs. At one of the multiplexes, for 3.15 pm show, there were just 12 people, which was unfortunate.

The film begins with two Political science students doing research and taking keen interest in the political career of Yashwantrao Chavan. They request one senior History Professor (Nana Patekar) to share with them the political journey of this eminent leader from Maharashtra. Beginning with his funeral, he takes them down memory lane, narrating his childhood, full of struggle, and then explaining how he became part of the Quit India movement as a youngster, immediately after his marriage.

Giving a complete account of his poverty and motivation from mother and Uncle to offer him good education; the film goes on to show the biggest storm in his life, during the United Maharashtra Movement , when the opposition leaders and section of Marathi press criticised him for not resigning from the Ministry, in protest against the killing of 105 people in police firing on the orders of Morarji Desai and Centre’s delay in announcing Maharashtra as a separate state with Mumbai as its part. After showing this crisis, even after becoming the chief minister of independent Maharashtra, the film takes you to Delhi, in the second part of the film, to show his progress in the Indian cabinet and at the same time how he had to make adjustments with Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru and Ms. Indira Gandhi, during his tenure as minister with important portfolios in their cabinet.

The film has also shown how he had difference of opinion with Ms. Indira Gandhi, over the selection of candidate for the president of India and also due to interference of Sanjay Gandhi in Centre’s politics. His joining Congress(U) after the defeat of Indira Gandhi and later returning back to Indira Gandhi’s Congress(I) after her return to power with victory. But, the film clearly shows how he was treated after that, offering just the post of Chairman of Planning Commission.

In short, this film is a complete biopic of the strongest leader from Maharashtra, who had risen to the heights in Indian politics, just missing the prime minister’s chair, because of his big heart. The film has however, tried to make critical remarks on great freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, for his ‘Hindutva’ principle, which was not necessary. But, it clearly indicated that through this film, the producers took a chance to criticize the biggest opposition party, with the same belief. Isn’t that a clever timely move by Maharashrta Government? The film has also conveniently avoided to show Balasaheb Kher, the first Chief Minister of Mumbai state, though his cabin has been shown in a scene where Mr. Chavan goes to meet him. But, in his absence, meets then Home Minister of Bombay state, Mr. Morarji Desai, in the next cabin.

In the post interval session, the film almost takes bilingual form in dialogues in English and Hindi, as the scene shifts to Delhi. There are Marathi dialogues, but Mr. Chavan’s interaction with Pandit Nehru and Indira Gandhi are in English and Hindi. In the role of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, Benjamin Gilani and Supriya Vinod have given satisfying performances. Yashvantrao’s role during his younger days has been played by actor Om Bhutkar with total commitment; but actor Ashok Lokhande who portrays senior Yashwantrao Chavan, gets an opportunity to skilfully present his cool attitude and changes in his political career, right from the period 1946 till his death in 1984. And, he has done a good job. In the roles of his wife Venutai, Vaishali Dabhade, plays the part during his younger days; which is later taken over by Hindi stage actress Lubna Salim, who finds a major part as his companion. Both have given good performances; but, Lubna Salim’s dialogue delivery is not very impressive. Her different accent in comparison to Vaishali Dabhade, who played her younger day’s character; could be easily noticed.

Good performances come from Meena Naik, who plays Yashwantrao’s mother and others in the supporting cast. However, it is not known, why Meena Naik has been replaced by other actress, to play the old mother of Yashwantrao? When there was a reputed award winning make-up man like Vikram Gaikwad as part of the crew, he would have certainly make her look more older. There are many meaningful songs rendered by many popular singers in this film, including a lavani, picturised on Bhargavi Chirmule; but, they are not lengthy and are suited just for the right occasion. Camera by Syed Layauet Ali, art direction by Shyam Bhutkar & Mohan Ratnaparakhi, editing by Nitin Rokade and music by Anand Modak are worth appreciating.

As a director Dr. Jabbar Patel has presented the film well, with good support coming from the screenplay of noted writer Arun Sadhu, not forgetting to mention all those politicians of his time and giving due credit to Yashwantrao for some of his crucial decisions taken during his tenure as Defence, Finance and Home minister of India. More importance has been given to the political leaders, with whom Yashwantrao was closely associated, besides his family members. Don’t treat this film as a documentary. But, watch it, considering it as a feature film. It is certainly an inspiring film for today’s young politicians, coming from district places. It’s also a tribute to Iron man from Maharashtra.