Rating: na Presentor & Producer: Great Maratha Entertainment Company, Twinkle Group & Mirah Entertainment Director: Sanjay Jadhav Story: Mahesh Manjrekar Music: Ajit – Sameer Camera: Sanjay Jadhav Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Sanjay Narvekar, Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Jadhav, Aniket VIshwasrao, Saksham Kulkarni, Manava Naik, Kranti Redkar, Santosh Juvekar, Vaibhav Mangle, Amruta Khanvilkar, Nagesh Bhosale, Hemangi Kavi, Bhalchandra Kadam Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

If you are under the impression that Marathi films cannot do commercial business as Bollywood films do, then latest Marathi film ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana!’ would prove you wrong. This action packed thriller Produced by Mahesh Waman Manjrekar and directed by Sanjay Jadhav offers all that, a hit Bollywood film posesses. It contains all that masala or in other words the perfect formula to make a film hit. Only drawback is that it is full of violence going on the lines of a typical South film. But, then we should not forget that most of the hit Bollywood films are a remake of those hit Masala South films.

Don’t be surprised if Mahesh Manjrekar decides to do a remake of his own film with top Bollywood actors prepared to play the five man army. Yes, you may give this another name to ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana!’, so much is the impact created by these five finest actors comprising of Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Jadhav, Aniket Vishwasrao, Santosh Juvekar and Sanjay Narvekar from the Marathi film industry. They combine well to form that team under the leadership of their Don- Babubhai played by none other than Mahesh Manjrekar

In today’s existing situation, our own politicians have turned villains of the common man. Therefore, the film needed a strong character to perfrom the role of a shrewd Minister and his cunning brother. And, there wouldn’t have been a better choice than going for talented Sachin Khedekar and Sanjay Khapre respectively. The film begins with the sad state of affairs in a village, where politicain turned Industries Minister Patil and his brother with the help of local politician Kulkarni ( Vaibhav Mangale) make the lives of poor farmers miserable forcing them to sale their lands after the SEZ comes into force.

The only opposition comes from an ex-seviceman (Satish Pulekar) who refuses to bow down. He is murdered by Kulkarni and his men but his mentally challenged nephew is the mute witness against Kulkarni. His helpless uncle after witnessing the thumb rule, rushes him to the city in search of an elder nephew( Bharat Jadhav) of the ex-seviceman. Thus begins the revenge. The five man Army comprising of those sharp shooters belonging to the gang of Babubhai then proceed to the village. Some of them carry funny names like West Indies, Kanfatya and Paani Kam ( the little boy who serves tea to the five man army).

Not realising the power of the Minister, the Five man army confront directly with Minister’s brother and Kulkarni, only to be trapped by the shrewd Minister. When they are about to leave the village, another tragedy occurs, when they all swear to finish off the trio comprising of the Minister, his brother and kulkarni one by one. How they plan it and execute it is all that we see in the second part of the film full of action and thrills. As someone has rightly said, “Kuch Paaneke Liye kuch khona bhi padata hai”; the five man Army put up a brave fight against the corrupt system of the Minister forcing him to resign. The film does not end there, as a thrilling climax awaits for a sweet revenge.

Cinematographer turned Director Sanjay Jadhav has cleverly combined this action film with few scenes of emotions besides ccreating that required humour through Sanjay Narvekar and Siddharth Jadhav. Both of them time well with their dilaogues, during tense situations. Bharat Jadhav has a serious type of role having lost his love to Minister’s brother. But, his arguments with Aniket Vishwasrao ( Alex) are well knitted into the screenplay. Aniket plays the character of Alex with full commitment. Above all, it is Santosh Juvekar who impresses in the character of Salim. In one particular scene he tries to explain the difference between a sharp shooter and a terrorist and captures the attention of all.

Kranti Redkar finds a totally different role in this film and she does her part well. Sachin Khedekar, Vaibhav Mangle and Sanjay Khapre play the negative characters with authority. Hemangi Kavi has little for her share, but she plays that small role with total dedication. Amruta Khanvilakr and Manasi Naik have been used to offer a Lavani and Mujra respectively to complete the formula.Vishakha Subhedar finds that small role of Munnibai during the Mujra. The newcomer young boy plays the mentally challenged character well. Dialogues are well written but at many places the Censors have blown their whistle. Mahesh Majrekar as portrayed a Don in his own style.

The film is fast paced, hence not giving much scope to the viewers to question as to how the five man Army manage to move from their hide out to the city and back during the heavy police vigil. But, surprisingly, film has clearly hinted a revolution in this country, if the politicians cross their limits. On the whole, ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana!’ is a complete package filled with that required masala to draw sizable crowds. But, those who deslike violence and bloodshed , should keep themselves away.