Rating: ★★★ Genres: Romantic Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Minakshi Sagar Production, Video Palace Producer(s): Minakshi Sagar, Amrut Sagar, Akash Chopra Director: Swapna Waghmare-Joshi Writer: Shirish Latkar Lyrics:  Ashwini Shende, Mandar Cholkar, Mangesh Kangne Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Pankaj Padgan, AmitRaj, Nilesh Moharir Cinematographer (DOP): Prasad Bhende Cast: Swapnil Joshi, Sonalee Kullkarni, Prarthana Behere, Ila Bhate, Aruna Irani Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Presenting good music with a tragic love story, has always been the tradition of Bollywood films since 70s and 80s. So, don’t be surprised, if someone is inspired by them, while making a Marathi film today. New Marathi film ‘Mitwaa’directed by Swapna Waghmare-Joshi, also goes on the lines of few bollywood films of 80s and 90s. But, barring this, the film counts on good music, excellent performances and superior technical support.

The story of ‘Mitwaa’ is set on the backdrop of Goa and revolves around three main characters , Shivam ( Swwapanil Joshi), Awnee (Prarthana Behere) and Nandini (Sonalee Kulkarni). So, in the beginning of the film, we notice Shivam nearing 40, trying to convince his little daughter, for arriving home late. A successful businessman, he has had a past, full of fun, romancing with different girls. But, as we see him meeting his good old friend Awnee, who manages his business affairs, he narrates her his intense love story with Nandini (Sonalee Kulkarni) .

As we are taken into flashback, we notice a flamboyant lifestyle of Shivam, the young businessman and owner of a big resort. Awnee being his close friend, manages his business, besides looking after all his needs, like a good friend. She also loves Shivam through her heart; but unlike typical girlfriends, is never jealous of Shivam’s affairs with other girls. Nandini, who walks into Shivam’s company, she is the first girl, who does not give much importance to Shivam, besides doing her job with sincerity. Shivam , who falls in love with Nandini at first sight, finally expresses his love to Nandini in a style. But, Nandini who has her own mystery filled past, refuses to marry Shivam. After this event, we notice many dramatic developments in the film’s story.

‘Mitwa’ is not the kind of film, with predictable end. It has a substance, which director Swapna Waghmare-Joshi has used well, to make it more emotion filled; but in the process, she has made it little complicated. The character played by Nandini is no doubt a mysterious character, as per the requirement of story; but on few occasions, she is shown in double mind. An intense love scene between Shivam and Nandini in the lobby of the resort, says it all. Actually, Shivam kisses Nandini in a prolonged scene, in presence of other people waiting and watching in the corridor and Awnee, who is witness to this scene, asking the people to mind their own business. But then, why does Nandini try to keep Shivam away? And, this secret is revealed later.

There are few other lapses in this film. The Goan lady’s character played by Aruna Irani, neither speaks Konkani nor Marathi well. Also, don’t exactly know, the reason for using the premises of an Eye Care Hospital in the film, when we see a patient in Coma. Was it only, because they were co sponsors of this film? Another co sponsor, 9x Jhakas have also used their slide, flashing frequently, during one song cum dance sequence in the film. By the way, the director has made good use of all the other finalists from the Lux 9x Jhakaas talent contest, through small character roles in the film’s pre interval stage. It may be recalled that Prarthana’s selection was made through this talent contest.
Swwapnil Joshi is the real star in this film. He captures all the attention, with his flamboyant as well as emotion filled image. He has also done well, in some intense romantic scenes. Sonalee Kulkarni, does well to present a confused, yet duty bound woman very well. Her character itself is mysterious, in the film, which has generated some interest in the screenplay. Prarthana Behere gives a big surprise, with her confident looking portrayal of Awnee, a matured and composed woman. She looks very glamorous, in this film. She will surely have more fan flowing, after this film. There is less scope for the character of Ashwin Desai played by Sangram Samel in this film. But, without his presence, the film’s story is not complete. Good support comes from Ila Bhate and others.

The film has support of good music. Two songs in this film have been picturised very well. They remain on your lips, even after leaving the cinema hall. The picturesque locations of Goa and wonderful cinematography by Prasad Bhende, add beauty to the film. In fact, the film has a lot of resemblance to 1983 Bollywood film ‘Agar Tum Na Hote’. Similarity is also observed in one of the female characters, who is also brought up in an orphanage.

‘Mitwaa’ produced by Meenakshi Sagar, Amrit Sagar, Akash Chopra and presented by Nanubhai Jaisinghani, is likely to catch up female audience, besides targeting youngsters. Loving couples shouldn’t miss it, on the occasion of Valentines’ Day.