Balasaheb Thackeray was the most powerful and charismatic leader in Maharashtra who controlled his political party Shiv Sena in such a way that the party was voted to power not only in Mumbai Municipal Corporation but also during the Assembly elections. Under his leadership the party also won Parliamentary elections in most parts of Maharashtra, this spreading its strength at National level. But, the young generation is not aware of Balasaheb’s entry into politics during his younger days, when as a Cartoonist he worked in Free Press Journal as a cartoonist.

In the biopic ‘Thackeray’ released on Friday 25th January, we find the legend’s journey right from the days, when he launched his own weekly ‘Marmik’ in early 60s . Well, everybody knows that the popularity of this weekly and the hard hitting views in the interest of local people expressed by him as a firebrand journalist, influenced the people from Maharashtra. In the film we find all these happenings but interestingly the story of birth and evolution of Shiv Sena has been clearly shown how a Congress CM saw the end of rising pressure of Leftists by indirectly supporting Shiv Sena.

Actually, the film covers the journey of Balasaheb’s rising popularity from early 60s till 1994 when he was questioned in the court about his role in Ayodhya dispute. And therefore, we find his interactions with many political leaders right from Mr. Y.B. Chavan, who was then CM of Maharashtra during early 60s, followed by his successor Vasantrao Naik, PM Indira Gandhi and many others. His style of functioning and his trust in his close associates has been clearly shown through many important scenes. Hence we find the characters of his trusted leaders like Datta Nalawade, Wamanrao Mahadik,  Dattaji Salvi, Manohar Joshi and few others getting importance in the film. At the same time, we find his friendly relations with his political rivals Mr. Sharad Pawar and George Fernandes. However, characters of important leaders who were earlier close to him and later ditched him, have been conveniently avoided in this film. Instead the film presents the strong influence of charismatic Balasaheb, taking right decisions at the right time and standing by his words.

Writer Sanjay Raut and director Abhijit Panse have accordingly paid more attention on his body language, style of delivering his speeches and his belief in himself and his soldiers whom he addressed as Sainiks. This has offered better scope to Nawazuddin Siddiqui to show his skills and he has done full justice to his role. Amrita Rao in the role of his wife Meena Tai Thackeray suits very well in that character . Many versatile artistes offer excellent support through their respective character roles, though they have limited scope. Music by team of Amar Mohile, Rohan-Rohan, Sandeep Shirodkar goes well with the film’s screenplay. Cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee is also impressive. Though at some places in the screenplay, it gives a look of a documentary, all in all it is a well presented film.

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Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 124 Min.
Studio/presenter: Maratha Entertainment, Sanjay Raut
Producers: Swapna Patkar
Director: Atul Kale
Screenplay: Ganesh Pandit, Ambar Hadap
Director of Photography:  Ajit Reddy
Editor: Ashish Mhatre, Apurva Motiwale
Cast: Umesh Kamat, Neha Pendse, Prasad Oak, Anand Ingale, Tiku Talsania, Bhau Kadam , Sharad Ponkshe, Pushkar Shrotri
Movie Review by: Keertikumar Kadam

Presented by Sanjay Raut and produced under the banner Royal Maratha Entertainment the new released Marathi film ‘Balkadu‘ is produced by Swapna Patkar and directed by Atul Kale. This film is inspired from one of the most charismatic socio-political persona of recent times, late Balasaheb Thackeray.

Balkadu’s story is about a simple and straightforward Balkrishna Patil, a young history teacher in a school, possessing special ability to hear voices of great historical figures like Nehru, Shastri, Savarkar, Subhash Chandra Bose and Balasaheb Thackeray. Balakrishna, who originally resided in a Lalbaugh chawl, had to shift his residence to Nalasopara during his childhood. After many years, he meets his close childhood friend Sai Bawdekar (Neha Pendse).

When he shares his thoughts with Sai, she understands him and supports him, in his every action. besides She helps him to do a part time job as a dubbing artist in Marathi, in her history channel, where she works as EP. After seeking help from a psychologist, the voices Balakrishna hears, vanish but one voice clings onto him, i.e. Balasaheb’s voice. How a simpleton, who turns into an angry young man, for betterment of local people, is the story of the film.

In the film, Director has tried to do a sincere job, he has smartly used Balasaheb’s voice-over, to create the impact in certain scenes. Balasaheb’s interactive dialogues with the lead actor, are well crafted and make an interesting watch. The ‘cartoon’ aspect is also creatively used. There is a lot to be desired in screenplay department (Ganesh Pandit, Ambar Hadap) which seems disjointed. In fact, it starts with a promise of a good screenplay, but goes wayward towards the latter half. It has become unnecessarily lengthy and preachy towards the end. Aman Vidhate’s art direction is satisfactory and so is music (Ajit-Samir), though the ‘Powada’ is very good. Avadhoot Gupte’s song is very well used in background. The costumes are satisfactory, but Neha Pendse‘s costumes are more impressive and stand out.

The saving grace of Balkadu are the dialogues and performances. Especially, the Dialogues are fabulous . They have the required punch and comic punches, which are smartly interlaced. Umesh Kamat has come out of his comfort zone and has essayed the lead role with conviction. He scores points in wittiness and subtle timing. Neha Pendse does what was expected of her and looks ravishingly stunning, on screen. Prasad Oak carries a negative shade reasonably well. Rest of the cast, Anand Ingale, Tiku Talsania, Bhau Kadam , Sharad Ponkshe, Pushkar Shrotri lend good support. Supriya Pathare as mother, steals the show with her comic timing used in simple situations.

‘Balkadu’ is a must watch for Balasaheb’s followers scattered all over Maharashtra. Others may like it watch it, for good performances.

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