Rating: na Banner: Shree Yamai Pictures Producer: Shamal Parab Director, Editor: Sarvesh Parab Story: Rajiv Joshi Screenplay, Dialogues: Sanjay Mone Music: Aditya, Prafulchand Cast: Sachit Patil, Amruta Patki, Shruti Marathe, Ganesh Yadav, Anant Jog, Pradeep Welankar, Anand Ingle, Angad Mhaskar, Atul Kale.. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

“No government power can be abused in different ways. As long as people bear it, the show goes on, using new methods. And women are nowhere behind, in the race of power.” Today, we find political leaders making mockery of the system. They are using the power for their self gain, taking the voters for granted. Their hunger for power, is bringing division in the party and at home front too.

The latest released Marathi film ‘Satya Savitri Aani Satyavan’ reminds all of us about the famous mythological tale of Savitri, who did her best to save her husband- Satyavan from the clutches of death. But, today , can we find a Savitri ? That’s what the film poses a question to the audience? The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse. That’s what the film has tried to convey. Marathi cinema is certainly going for a change. The director of the film- Sarvesh Parab, has claimed that it’s an original story , inspired by the Marathi one act play ‘Smrutipuja’.

The film begins with the case of a double murder, that of a political leader Balkrishna Pawar (Ganesh Yadav) and his bodyguard Baban Jadhav (Rahul Gore) at a district place. As per the first hand report with police, Baban Jadhav first fired point blank at Balkrishna Pawar and watching this, his second bodyguard fired at Baban Jadhav, in retaliation. Kakasaheb (Pradeep Velankar), the MLA of this district, arrives back home, as Balkrishna happens to be his son in law. The thirteenth day rituals are on, at the bungalow, when a CBI officer called Sunil Gavaskar (Sachit Jadhav) arrives from Mumbai, to carry out special investigation in the case, on the orders of the Government due to the complaint lodged by Baban’s wife Supriya, who is a school teacher in a local school. After his interaction with the two young widows, the dynamic CBI officer is stunned with their beauty and has a reason to suspect a possible conspiracy.

As the officer progresses with his investigations, he doubts many suspects and the audience keep on guessing as to who could be the real culprit. Only reliable person the officer finds from among the local police is Inspector Ramesh Bansode( Atul kale), who remains by his side from the beginning of his investigation till end. Writer Rajiv Joshi and director Sarvesh Parab have very skillfully presented every character in this film to give a realistic look of the political situation in this small town called Aadgaon. It’s not that we have not seen such kind of films in the past. Only few years ago, we saw a political thriller ‘Made in China’. Now, this film goes on to show another suspense filled political murder mystery.

Every other character has an important part to play, be it the widows Sandhya Pawar & Supriya Jadhav, the politician Krishna Pawar, his bodyguards – Baban Jadhav, Sada kadgaonkar, Kakasaheb-the MLA, Annasaheb- the Vice president of District Committee, Foreign returned Milind Torgal or Inspector Phulpagar . Their characters are all well knitted into the gripping screenplay penned by Sanjay Mone; who has also written the dialogues, which are well suited to every scene.Amruta Patki, Shruti Marathe

The manner in which the director has presented the leading lady Amruta Patki, is commendable. The former Miss India and Miss Earth, has successfully made an appeal, with her presence on the screen. Gifted with good height and stunning looks, she impresses in the very first scene of her entry in the film. Amruta was very comfortable in that role and never gave any indication about her debut. Her walking style, body language and her smile; everything looked graceful. At the same time, Shruti Marathe another talented actress, made her presence felt, with her looks and spontaneity in every scene, she was part of; in this film.

Sachit Patil has found one more good role after ‘Arjun’ to prove his ability and he has done justice to his role. In fact, he looks a perfect match (with his slim and fit personality) for both the girls, with whom he has performed in the title track, shown at the end of the film, in Bollywood style. Ganesh Yadav is at his best in the flashback scenes. Anand Ingale shows his versatility, through the devious character of Inspector Phulpagar. Veterans Pradeep Velankar, Sanjay Mone and Anant Jog match very well in their respective roles of politicians. While, Kishore Pradhan plays a typical Government servant, Angad Mhaskar plays shrewd foreign returned young man aspiring his dreams silently. Hemalata Bane impresses through her limited role of Sona Jalgaonkar; but, it gave an impression that her role was edited, to give pace to the enthralling screenplay. All others in supporting cast, have done well.
Music by Aditya Bedekar & Praful is good, though there isn’t much scope for songs. But, the background score is appealing. Cinematography by A.K.N.Sabestian is noteworthy besides perfect editing by director Sarvesh Parab himself, using his past expertise with well known hit films to his credits. He has concluded the film very well in the climax. Looking at the efforts put in post production, technically speaking, ‘Satya Savitri aani Satyavan’ is a Captivating and realistic film, which is a worth watch.