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.

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Music & first look of ‘Sarpanch Bhagirath’ launched.
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The post Sarpanch Bhagirath ( सरपंच भगीरथ ) appeared first on .

Well Known Poet and film maker Ramdas Phutane, who produced award winning film like ‘Samna’, followed by directing two other Marathi films ‘Sarvasakshi‘ and ‘Survanta‘ has returned to direction after almost two decades. Known for dealing with social issues, on the rural backdrop, through his films, this time Ramdas Phutane makes a strong statement on caste politics and reservation policy, through his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Sarpanch Bhagirath‘.

Story of this film revolves around Bhagirath, played by Upendra Limaye, who is made Sarpanch of the village, being an OBC, by a Political leader of the village. What problems he faces, after taking over this post and how tackles them, doing the balancing act of Political work and home front, is what the film’s story is all about. In the film, talented actress Veena Jamkar plays his wife in the film. Shahir Sambhaji Bhagat scores the music of this film, making his debut as music director in films.

Film’s first look was released on Monday, in presence of producer Shivkumar Lad , director Ramdas Phutane, and the lead pair of Upendra and Veena. The film will be released on 4^th March 2016, as per the announcement made by the makers.

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Ramdas Phutane was the happiest person on Tuesday afternoon. Incidentally, he is making a comeback as a director after twenty years, through his new Marathi film ‘Sarpanch Bhagirath’. Muhurat and First look of this film was launched in a big way at ITC Grand Maratha Hotel, Lalbaug, Mumbai, in presence of Bollywood star Reitesh Deshmukh.also present on the occasion were Udaydada Lad, Shreyas Talpade,Upendra Limaye, Kishore kadam,Veena Jamkar, Dr.Mohan Agashe, Jaywant Wadkar, Shivkumar Lad, Music directors- Sambhaji Bhagat, Vishnu Surya Wagh,Asaram Lomte, & Universal group’s Mandar Gupte with Rajan Prabhu.

Produced by Shivkumar Lad, the film has six songs suited to the social subject based on reservation policy. The film’s music was released well in advance to take the advantage of festival time, background music by Rahul Ranade, cinematography by Chandrakant Dhakade and editing by Sarvesh Parab are other credits.

The film stars Upendra Limaye, Veena Jamkar, Dr.Mohan Agashe, Swarangi Marathe, Savita Malpekar, Jaimala Inamdar, Vijay Joshi, Vasant Avsarikar, Uday Lagu, Shriram Ranade,Jaiwant Wadkar,Meera Umap, Anand Panse, Prakash Dhotre, Suhasini Deshpande and child artistes Shruti and Tanvi Thorat.

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Shikumar Laad Productions’ debut film ‘Sarpanch Bhagirath’ was launched with a grand muhurat at Aajiwasan Studios, in presence of dignitaries including Udaydada Laad. Through this film, Ramdas Phutane will make a comeback as a director. The film has music by Lokshahir Sambhaji Bhagat, who makes his debut as a music director.

The film has three songs and is based on the story of Asaram Lomte. The screenplay is written by Vishnu Surya Wagh. Dialogues and direction by Ramdas Phutane, the film’s lead artistes comprise of Upendra Limaye, Veena jamkar, with Dr. Mohan Agashe, and Kishire kadam. The film will begin its shooting from 25th November 2012.

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