Rating: ★★★ ½ Studio/presenter: Essel Vision Producer: Ranjit Gugle, Anish Jog Director: Sameer Vidwans Writer, Screenplay : Kshitij Patwardhan, Sameer Vidwans Music: Hrishikesh, Saurabh, Jasraj Director of Photography:  Arjun Sarote Editor: Charu Shree Roy Genres: Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 120 Min. Cast:   Ankush Chaudhari, Mukta Barve, VIdyadhar Joshi, Vandana Gupte, Sandeep Pathak, Shubhankar Tawde, aarti wadgabalkar, Pushkar Shrotri; Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Mumbai chawl life is not new to Marathi films. But, to make the entire film on the backdrop of a chawl, is always challenging. Way back in 1970 filmmaker Raja Thakur first depicted the chawl culture of Mumbai, through his film, ‘Mumbaicha Javai’ starring Arun Sarnaik, Ratnamala, Surekha Kudchi & Sharad Talwalkar. Then, inspired by this film Basu Chatterjee made ‘Piya Ka Ghar,’ starring Anil Dhavan & Jaya Bhaduri ( Now, Bachchan) which was a remake of this Marathi film. Then, in 2003, we saw Mahesh Manjrekar making a Hindi film based on Mumbai chawl culture.

Now, director Sameer Vidwans has presented his Marathi film titled ‘Double Seat’ indicating, how both young husband and wife, who aspire to move to a bigger house from a chawl, work hard to make their dream come true. Actually, the film hits out at the traditional joint family system, of living in One Room Kitchen and making adjustments. But, today, with both husband and wife earning, the days are changing. And, young Maharashtrian couples are willing to work harder, to buy their own house, no matter, it is far away from the city.

Through this film’s story, writer Kshitij Patwardhan and director Sameer Vidwans have tried to generate lots of humour through this emotion filled film. Being the elder son in the family and that too just married, Amit ( Ankush Choudhary) quickly understands the problems faced by his wife Manjiri (Mukta Barve) in their One Room Kitchen house in a chawl located at Lalbaug, Mumbai. So, Amit , who works as a supervisor in a Courier Company earning Rs. 25 thousand a month, takes his wife into confidence, to have their own house, where they can have their privacy. Manjiri, who works as Insurance agent, supports his idea.

After hearing about the bold step taken by her elder son, his Mother (Vandana Gupte) and Amit’s younger brother ( Shubhankar Tawde) also support him, selling some home made products to raise money. Only his stubborn father (Vidyadhar Joshi) , does not approve his idea. The film’s screenplay moves ahead, with lots of hurdles faced by Amit and Manjiri, with Manjiri also becoming pregnant. But, as they say, there is always sunshine, after the darkness. And, so we notice happy ending in ‘Double Seat’, with joint effort of entire family.

However, the end of the film, is not very impressive, except for showing the way. But, there is no solution, as to how the couple is going to travel for their jobs from a far away place, to the city. It would have been better, if the film had shown, some other way, of starting their own business. But, the new latest mobile phones shown in the last scene, only indicates, their prosperity.

The intention of the film, is to inspire today’s youth and see big dreams and work hard, to find their own house, no matter it is small and far away from the city. At the same time, it sends a message to those Maharashtrian people, who keep adjusting themselves, in this expanding and developing city, without themselves becoming part of this development. The film does go against the Joint family system; but if one has to live in this city of Mumbai, one needs to plan better future for their little ones.That’s what the writer had to suggest, through this film.

Looking at the performances, Ankush Choudhary, is at his best. He hardly finds such an opportunity, as he is generally seen in multi starrer films. The director, knowing his stage background well , has tried to exploit his full potential, through this film. Mukta Barve, who is always comfortable playing such roles, has once again proved that she is a talented actress. But, through this film, she has gone one step further, to be part of intimate love scenes. There is also a lip lock kissing scene, shot on this lead pair. But,one should not call it a bold scene. Best performances also come from versatile artistes like Vidyadhar Joshi, Vandana Gupte and other TV and film co stars like Sandeep Pathak, Pushkar Shrotri, Aarti, Shivani, Vikas, Shubhankar and others.

Music of this film goes very well with the story, with good lyrics noticed in two songs. Editing of the film is good with good camera work, especially in all those close up scenes.

‘Double Seat’ is certainly inspiring and shows the way to young dreamers.