Rating: ★★★ ½ Studio: Archit films Producer: Sunil D Mankar Director: Rajeev Patil Story: Damodar N Mankar Screenplay: Rajeev Patil, Datta Patil Music: Amit Raj Camera: Amalendu Chaudhary Cast: Ankush Chaudhary, Kishor Kadam, Sushant Shelar, Shantanu Gangane, Namrata Gaikwad, Manisha Kelkar, Vidya Karandikar, Niwas More Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

The issue of Female feticide has been discussed in few Marathi films in the recent past. The most recent was through the film ‘Mokala Shwaas’. But, now late Rajiv Patil has presented the same issue in his own way, to send across a strong message to the society. It is very unfortunate that the talented film maker, who gave some sensible films like ‘Sanai Choughade’, ‘Jogwa’ and ‘Pangira'; passed away little before the release of this last offering in the form of ‘Vanshavel’.

The film revolves around a powerful person from a village Mr. Dadasaheb Deshmukh ( Kishore kadam) who is very dominant . His word is always final. Dadasaheb runs his own hospital, besides involving himself with other social activities. His elder son Nilesh ( Sushant Shelar) who is a doctor, manages the hospital and is married to Priyanka-a housewife( Manisha kelkar).His second son Anil ( Shantanu Gangane) who is into farming business, is newly married to a Gynaecologist Sayali ( Namrata Gaikwad). Dadasaheb, being male dominant, expects to have a grandson in the family, as early as possible .

The problem begins when his first daughter in law- Priyanka, refuses to abort her child; when she comes to know that she is going to deliver girl child. The second daughter in law – Sayali also joins the family hospital to take up some responsibilities; but, that only brings trouble for Dadasaheb and his elder son Dr.Nilesh, who is into unlawful activity. The family faces more problems, after Priyanka leaves the house, leaving Nilesh to repent on some of his past acts. With the arrival of new Police Inspector ( Ankush Chaudhary) in his area, invites more trouble for Dadasaheb.
In spite of all these problems, Dadadsaheb tries to manage everything. But, time comes, when his entire family desert him , including his wife Savitri ( Vidya karanjikar),leaving him in the company of his most trusted attendant- Maauli. The director gives few twists to the screenplay, only to teach a lesson to Dadasaheb, who finally reunites with his family, with a changed heart.

As a director, late Rajiv Patil has shown his strength in presenting the subject very effectively, using the hospital as backdrop of the script. Using the two doctors as important characters from the same family, he has clearly shown the reason with difference of opinion. Very cleverly he has shown, how a dominant head of the family becomes helpless, when all the three women from his own family dare to oppose his ideology.

In the role of Dadasaheb, Kishore kadam stands tall among all the characters. He plays a prominent role in this film, where he has plenty of scope to display his acting skills. And, he has done a wonderful job. The director has exploited his full potential, looking at his ability. In the role of Dr.Nilesh, Sushant Shelar plays his part very well, clearly displaying his diplomacy while following the footsteps of his father. He has also been able to show the quick change through his emotions, after his wife leaves him. In the role of Anil, Shantanu Gangne, a stage and TV actor, finds a better scope in this film. And, he does make his presence felt.

Namrata Gaikwad does get few opportunities to react spontaneously at few emotion filled situations. She too has played her part well, as a responsible gynecologist. Manish Kelkar plays an important character in this film; but she too has limited scope for acting. She, however, finds a song to her share. Vidya karanjikar finds one good scene to counter her dominant husband; but in the role of Police Inspector Ankush Choudhary is impressive, as he does everything in his own style.

The film has two songs, which have been used at right places. Amit Raj’s music is just fine; but, the background music and sound effects have been used very well at right places, to create the desired impact. Amalendu Chaudhary has ample scope to experiment with his camera; be it outdoor song sequence or indoor horror filled scenes, using minimum lights. Produced by Sunil Mankar and directed by Rajiv Patil, ‘Vanshavel’ is certainly a sensible film, delivering a timely social message.