Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 100 min Studio/presenter: Shivkumar Lad Productions Producer(s): Shivkumar Lad Director: Ramdas Phutane Writer: Asaram Lomte Music: Sambhaji Bhagat Cinematographer (DOP): Charudatta Dukhande Cast: Upendra Limaye, Veena Jamkar, Dr.Mohan Agashe, Kishor Kadam, Savita Malpekar, Swarangi Marathe, Jaymala Inamdar, Vijay Joshi, Meera Umap, Vasant Avsarikar, Uday Lagoo, Anand Panse, Jayvant Wadkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

In Maharashtra, we see the network of Panchayati raj spread across villages in different districts, with regular elections. Even with introduction of reservation for women and caste, we still notice the dominance of powerful politicians, who get elected their own trusted people to this most powerful post of Sarpanch, holding the strings in their hands.

Latest released film ‘Sarpanch Bhagirath‘ is set on the backdrop of one such village, in rural Maharashtra, where we find, Kakasaheb Deshmukh ( Dr.Mohan Agashe ) endorsing the name of Bhagirath Girve( Upendra Limaye), a farmer from his village, belonging to OBC category.

Bhagirath, after taking over this coveted post, tries to be impartial, with his straight forward nature. He refuses to bow down to the pressure tactics adopted by Deputy Sarpanch ( Savita Malpekar) and close associates of Kakasaheb. However, kakasaheb being as shrewd veteran politician, tries to play his dirty game, with his divide and rule politics. When, he comes to know that Bhagirath’s wife Rahi( Veena Jamkar) is pregnant, he suggests Bhagirath to abort the foetus , as giving birth to a third child, would disqualify Bhagirath from his post.

Otherwise, a happy family man with progressive thinking , Bhagirath suddenly becomes desperate and insists his wife to go for abortion. His wife refuses to do so. His old parents also go against his wish. On the advice of his close friend ( Kishore Kadam) from the same village, Bhagirath takes his wife to another village hospital and plays his game, by cheating his wife. Later, he repents on his decision and swears to work for the good cause.

With this limited substance, director Ramdas Phutane, has tried to cleverly induct the caste and religious politics in the screenplay. Another story of Salma( Swarangi Marathe) living in the neighbourhood of Bhagirath, has been used for the purpose of erupting religion based riots. Some of the dialogues are hard hitting on the existing caste and village level politics. The clever use of views expressed by famous political leaders like Sharad Pawar and Sushilkumar Shinde on caste politics in the state, does help to pass on a social message.

Through the characters like Bhagirath, his close friend, his wife and Salma, the film has made a strong statement against caste politics. Therefore, it is a timely film. But, certain situations in the screenplay of this film, fail to convince. How could straight forward Bhagirath become so desperate to take a drastic step, when he is otherwise a balanced person? When he is himself against taking bribe, where from he raises huge money, to bribe the doctor? Does that mean that Power corrupts all. ? And, last but not the least, how his educated poet friend suggests him to do something illegal?

Barring the few above non convincing happenings, this one hour 40 minute long film, is a sincere attempt to deliver a timely message to the society. Music of this film gives a rural feel and lyrics penned for the songs are just apt to the subject. Good performances are given by the lead pair of Upendra Limaye and Veena Jamkar. They look so realistic! Good support also comes from Dr.Mohan Agashe, Kishore kadam, Savita Malpekar & others.