Rating: 2.5 Banner: IME Motion Pictures, Arbhaat Nirmitee Producers: Abhay Gadgil, Shrirang Godbole, Girish Kulkarni, Umesh Kulkarni Director: Nikhil Mahajan Music: Atif Afzal Cinematography: Jeremy Reagen Cast: Girish Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni Sr., Saie Tamhankar, Bharti Achrekar, Kiran Karmarkar, Shrikant Yadav, GP Deshpande, Swanand Kirkire Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created his fictional detective in the form of Sherlock Holmes. Now, Australia returned film maker Nikhil Mahajan has dared to create his Amar Apte as private detective in latest Marathi film ‘Pune 52’ in his own style. Moreover, as claimed in the credits, that the film is based on a true story, this film is expected to draw attention.
Set on the backdrop of early 90s, it is the story of a private detective Amar Apte (Girish Kulkarni) from Pune, who operates from his old house, in an adjacent room with a separate entrance. Amar sneaks into the personal lives of others, especially those adulterous wives, as part of his assignment. During one such assignment, he clicks a builder (Kiran Karmarkar)in his private acts ; who sends police to his house to recover the amount from his wife, for interfering into his personal life.

In comes, Neha, who introduces herself as the same Builder’s wife and hires Amar on an assignment. She even pays him advance. However, Amar, who is disturbed by his demanding wife Prachi (Sonali Kulkarni Sr.) gets trapped into Neha’s seductive nature. This has given ample scope to the film maker to show some hot intimate scenes between Amar and Neha. But, for filming these intimate scenes between Girish Kulkarni and Sai Tamhankar , the film has received ‘A’ certification. Obviously, this has invited the attention of Marathi audience; since not many youngsters below 18, are otherwise keen on watching Marathi films. Not a bad idea!
The pre- interval session of the film is bit slow, as the plot of the film doesn’t become clear till interval. It is only in post –interval stage , the film generates interest among the audience. It is a sincere effort by the director to incorporate twists and turns; which only the true film lovers are able to understand. Other wise, watching this film in a theatre, would also invite lewd remarks from a section of audience, on certain scenes; as witnessed by this critic in Movie Time- Hub, on the first day. The film is technically well made, with perfect sound effects & suitable background music by Atif Afzal. Wonderful cinematography by Jeremy Reagen from New Zealand, makes this film more appealing. Watch some of the scenes shot in dark and those in close up. It’s a remarkable work.
Girish Kulkarni finds a totally different kind of role through this film and he has given justice to his charater. Sonali Kulkarni finds a suitable role of his wife, who has cleverly shown quick change of behaviour in her character, as per the requirement of the script. Sai Tamhankar is at her best. She perfectly fits into the role of Neha. It was nice to see Kiran Karmarkar playing that intricate character of a builder, with ease. Bharati Achrekar plays a convincing mother in law of Amar Apte. Though there is a mention about Amar’s father-in-law, his appearance has been cleverly avoided.
To say something about the complex screenplay, few sluggish scenes should have been edited to make the film more interesting in the first part of the film. Otherwise, the film has turned out to be a devious path breaking film in Marathi. The English sub titles are expected to turn in favour of the film.