Rating: ★★½ Genres: Love Story, Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Saarrthi Entertainment, Blue Fox Entertainment Producer(s): Nalini Patil, Uday Pictures Director: Prashant Patil Writer: Avinash Ghodke Music: Sagar Dhote Cinematographer (DOP):Bunty Deshpande Cast: Siddharth Chandekar, Manava Naik, Paula McGlynn, Prasad Pandit, Sanjay Kulkarni, Madhav Abhyankar, Farida Daadi Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Foreign actresses performing prominent roles in Marathi films, is not new to us. In the past, we have seen Billiana Rodonich, Stacy Bee and Suzanne Bernert playing suitable roles in Marathi films. Now, Canada born Paula McGlynn also makes her debut in Marathi, through latest released film ‘Pindadaan‘. But, the story of this film seems to be the only reason to offer her this role of Ana.

The film revolves around Ashutosh Devkar( Siddharth Chandekar) , director of documentary films, attached to Chanel 6 in London. On a special assignment given by his chief, Ashutosh arrives in India to make a film on the post death rituals i.e ‘Pindadaan‘, along with his camera person cum editor friend Ruhi ( Manava Naik) , from his London office . When they arrive in India, they proceed to a place in Maharashtra, on the banks of a river , where such rituals are performed.

The private vehicle driver Tukaram( Sanjay Kulkarni ) engaged by them not only acts as guide, but acts as a waiter in a hotel, which is converted from a old palace into a hotel. In short, Tukaram is all in one, to help them. But, Ashutosh forgetting his work, falls in love with a young foreigner lady Ana (Paula McGlynn) , whom he meets on the banks of the river, during early morning hours and nights. Ruhi, who is in deeply love with Ashutosh , is ignored by him, in spite having sexual relationship with her.

Not happy with the behaviour of Ashutosh, Ruhi decides to return back to London, when she notices some strange happenings. Rudra Baba, the local priest ( Madhav Abhyankar) who silently observes Ashutosh and the change in him, finally speaks, revealing the truth .

Director Prashant Patil has tried to develop Avinash Ghodke’s story into cinematic form. But, he has failed to generate that desired impact, required from such subjects. Even the story is not very appealing, as we have seen such themes in many films of the past. The screenplay of ‘Pindadaan‘, also gives clues about the happenings to follow, right from the beginning of the film. However, good performances by Siddharth, Manava, Paula, Sanjay Kulkarni & Madhav Abhaynkar are worth appreciating. Siddharth has a different look, but, Manva has cleverly used the right accent, to suit her NRI status; while Paula does her best to speak Marathi . Though the film is limited to around 2 hours length, you still feel that something went missing in the screenplay.

There was not need to have so many songs in the film, as they take away the interest of the audience from the happenings to follow. Music is just average. But , the background music and sound designing is impressive, with good support from art design. Bunty Deshpande has done his best to capture the day and night scenes, especially on the banks of the river. All in all, ‘Pindadaan‘ presents mystical but predictable love story. And hence, this film has turned out to be just an average film, with nothing extra ordinary to deserve better rating.