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Senior Citizen

Genres: Drama Censor: UA Duration: 150 min. Studio / Presenter: An Aum Creations Producer(s):  Madhuri Naganand, Vijaykumar Narang Director:  Ajay Phansekar Writer: Ajay Phansekar Cast: Mohan Joshi, Smita Jayakar, Suyog Gorhe, Amruta Pawar, Sneha Chavan, Kamlesh Sawant, Ashish Pawar, Vijay Patkar DOP: B. Laxman Editor: Rakesh Kudalkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

In the recent past we have seen newspaper reports and TV news highlighting the attacks on senior citizens. Some of the attacks have been either over property issues by close relatives or even by builders and developers threatening them to vacate a particular plot. Many a times such people are found murdered in their own houses. We have seen such harassment suffered by senior citizens through many Hindi and Marathi films in the past. In 2010 there was a Marathi film ‘Second Innings’ which showed how a group of senior citizens fight with proper planning to take the revenge of murder of their friend.

The latest released Marathi film ‘Senior Citizen’ produced by Pramod Mohite and creative producer Raju Savla and written- directed by Ajay Phansekar present the extra ordinary self defence skills of 75 year old retired Major General Abhay Deshpande (Played by Mohan Joshi) , who has won many bravery awards including gallantry award. Popularly known as Tiger among his morning walk senior citizens group friends , the retired army officer lives with his wife Lakshmi ( Smita Jaykar) in a bungalow. His young son has already sacrificed his life for the country, while serving Indian army. Still very active with his office work , while running a security agency Mr. Deshpande keeps himself busy, while his wife trains young girls in dancing at their own bungalow.

One day, Mr. Deshpande counters the attackers who are beating up an old man. With all his strength and strategies he knocks down the attackers. His bravery act is noticed by a TV News reporter Sunita Rao ( Sheetal Kshirsagar) who makes him a hero and is eager to interview him soon. In the meanwhile many such incidences happen in Mr. Deshpande’s life , including the murder of old couple in the neighbourhood. This makes him feel helpless. But, his encouraging wife tries to instill his self confidence.

How Major General Deshpande regains his self confidence to face more trouble in his life bravely, is what the film is all about. At the same time the writer director has also linked the so called freethinking section of young generation of today, which is being drawn towards drugs and rave parties and later black mailed by the party organisers. The message sent through this film is very clear – ‘Never take the senior citizens for granted’. There could be someone very tough like Abhay Deshpande who will challenge such attackers by demonstrating his ‘One Punch Knock out’ strategy.

The performances by all the artistes are good. But, Mohan Joshi stands tall among them with his wonderful portrayal of Maj. Gen. Abhay Deshpande. Good support comes from Smita Jaykar, Shital Kshirsagar, Kamalesh Sawant and a big team of youngsters. Technically, it is a well made film, but two songs are misfit into the screenplay. Extra time has also been wasted in the gimmicks of party organizer and his blackmail practices. Abhijit Narvekar’s music is just fine, but DOP B. Laxman has done a good job in capturing all action scenes. All in all, this film will certainly inspires people from all age groups.