Rating: *** Presenter: Ark Films & Entertainment Presents Story, Music & Producer: Aniruddha Kale Director: Subhash Kale Cinematographer: Anil Xavior Choreographer: Phulwa Khamkar Cast: Sanjay Narvekar, Siya Patil, Vinay Apte, Ashok Shinde, Kamlakar Satpute Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

“On the edge of destiny, you must test your strength.” Aniruddha Kale and Subhash Kale’s new film ‘Mohaan Aawatey’ which is based on this viewpoint, is an action packed story of a common man whose life takes a new turn after coming to the city of Mumbai from a village in Maharashtra. Not like many others who come to Mumbai only with dreams of becoming rich , Mohan like a typical Maharashtrian youngster, joins his elder brother’s business of cycle repairing in a small shop in central Mumbai; only with an intention of helping him.

Mohaan (played by Sanjay Narvekar) is otherwise happy and contended with whatever God has given him. Like any other youngster of his age, he too falls in love with a charming flower vendor- Gauri (Siya Patil). He does all that mischief in love and even sings and dances with her around the trees. He also works sincerely in his brother’s shop. But, there is also a good quality that he possesses and that is, he just cannot tolerate injustice in society. Whether, it is somebody snatching chain of a woman or somebody trying to threaten someone using muscle power. He would then go all out to help such people in trouble. It is this quality in him, is noticed by the chawl owner Premjibhai (Prasad Pandit) where his brother’s shop is located.
Soon, destiny brings a sudden change in Mohaan’s life. Highly impressed by his gutsy behaviour and honesty, Seth Premjibhai, who has other big business of Forwarding and Clearing agency, appoints Mohan in-charge of the same. He also pays him handsomely and also offers him a bungalow to stay. But, as they say; when you are showered with Good things, something bad is bound to happen. Mohan too, goes through a bad phase. “Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater”. So, when he recovers, he teaches a lesson to all those politicians and their goons in their own style. It’s like tooth for a tooth and eye for an eye. In the process, he gets public sympathy and with the help of that he defeats the main politician in his own constituency.

So, what’s so great about this film with such a theme? The difference between Mohaan Aawatey and many other action filled films, whether in Marathi or Bollywood is that, this film before its start, openly admits that it is based on a true story of a true person. Nowhere it is stated that it is a work of fiction. And that commitment itself gives the film more realistic look. Generally, people enjoy watching true stories. The screenplay and direction by Subhash Kale is good and so is the story of Aniruddha Kale. One duet and the title song penned by Supriya Kale were enough to go with the film’s script, however, the inclusion of two additional songs applies break to otherwise thrilling screenplay.

The film’s screenplay, especially after interval has been largely inspired by bollywood style angry young man’s courageous show. You can witness Mohaan dragging the villain and Minister Vinay Apte, resembling to Amitabh Bachchan dragging Madan Puri or Sudhir in Deewar. The way he fights at a time with a big team of goons of the Minister, he reminds us of Sunny Deol’s Ded Mann ka haath. Moreover, the way he takes the revenge, it clearly indicates that there is no role of Police in the film. But, leaving apart these few flaws, the film’s presentation has been very good. In fact, it is a well presented Marathi film with good background music and equally good performances from all the artistes.

Sanjay Narvekar playing the title role, fits perfectly into that character of an honest turned angry young man. He has different shades to present through his character. Initially, he is a simple, shy, honest and romantic hero and in the later part of the film, he turns into an angry young man followed by a shrewd person using his diplomacy to defeat his enemy. Siya Patil as Gauri is impressive through her limited role. Kamlakar Satpute and Suhas Paranjape as Mohan’s brother and sister-in-law respectively, are remarkable and so are Vinay Apte and Ashok Shinde as selfish Politicians. Ramesh Wani and Prasad Pandit support well. Photography by Anil Xavier and background music by Anirruddha Kale go well with the film’s screenplay.

More attention has been paid on the post production techniques. The film is likely to invite attention of action film lovers and those who enjoy watching true stories.