Rating: ★★★★ Studio/presenter: Zee Studios Producers: Nitin Keni, Nikhil Sane Director: Subodh Bhave Writer: Purushottam Darwhekar Screenplay, Dialogues: Prakash Kapadia Music: Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Shankar Ehsaan Loy Genres: Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 124 Min. Cast: Shankar mahadevan, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Subodh Bhave, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sakshi Tanwar, Pushkar Shrotri, Swapnil Rajshekhar, Asmita Chinchalkar, Chinmay Pataskar Chinmay Shintre Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Giving a cinematic look to a popular Marathi play is not new to Marathi cinema. But, it is not an easy job, to do so. Much depends on the skillful presentation of the screenplay, taking maximum cinematic liberties. However, actor turned director Subodh Bhave has managed to do it, with the help of an expert Bollywood screenplay writer Prakash Kapadia. And, when you see his film ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’ , you realize, how the screenplay writer has developed this original story of Purushottam Darvhekar into a wonderful film, without disturbing its original essence.

‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’ focuses more on recreating the period of the story, with well researched set designs and realistic outdoor locations. Rest is left to the director, to accommodate the Indian classical music, by retaining some original songs from the historical play and adding some meaningful, well suited songs for the right occasions in the film. The beauty of this film, is its mesmerizing music of Jitendra Abhisheki & Shankar Ehsaan Loy with superb cinematography by Sudhir Palsane. Be it indoor court of the King, the old haveli or picturesque outdoor locations, the camera has captured them all, very skillfully.

As the film has emphasized more on the different attitudes of the characters in this film, the selection of actors has been perfect. Shankar Mahadevan seems to be the right choice, to play Kind hearted Pandit Bhanushankar, while the most experienced Sachin Pilgaonkar has found a lifetime role, to portray a negative character. He has been given ample scope for displaying the selfish and cunning attitude of Khan Saab, through his body language, facial expressions and with his proficiency in Urdu language. Subodh Bhave finds an equally good role of Sadashiv, the disciple of Panditji and he has given full justice to his character.

In the roles of Uma and Zarina, Mrunmayee Deshpande and Amruta Khanvilkar, have also justified their selection, with good performances. Pushkar Shrotri and Swapnil Rajshekhar have limited scope, while playing the Poet and King respectively, but their performances are convincing. Sakshi Tanvar has very little to do; but she too has played her part well. Best designing of costumes and perfect make up, also help to make this film more realistic. But, as said before, this film is for all those lovers of Indian classical music. For others, this film is likely to create a liking for Indian classical music. After all, it is a treasure of our Indian culture. So, don’t miss it.