Rating: ★★★ ½ Studio / Presenter: Calyx Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Producer: Sanjay Dawra Story, Screenplay, Director: Kiran Yadnyopavit Editor: Suchitra Sathe Cinematographyer: Abhijit Abde Music: Rahul Rande Cast: Girish Kulkarni, Sanjay khapre, Abhishek Bharate, Vivek Chabukswar, Kishore Kadam, Shashank Shende, Suhas Shirsat, Praveen Tarde, Siddheshwar Zadbuke, Savita Prabhune Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

The foundation of a good Marathi film is in its story. Latest released Marathi film ‘Salaam’ offers one such unique story on the backdrop of a village off Pune, which is known for families of brave soldiers and policemen. The story of ‘Salaam’ revolves around two such families; i.e. of a soldier in Indian army deputed at the border and a Policeman with Maharashtra Police, posted in Mumbai.

‘Salaam’ has a sensible story, mixed with emotions; but supported by light humour filled into the screenplay. The film makes its intention very clear from the very first scene, very intelligently shot, while the credits of the film appear on one side. With light sound effect played in the backdrop, the film suggests its class. ‘Salaam’ is actually a festival kind of film, which has been released first and then intend to participate in various film festivals. Director Kiran Yadnyopavit has selected wonderful locations for this film, to give a realistic feeling to the audience.

More than the story of the Policeman (Girish Kulkarni) serving for Maharashtra Police and posted in Mumbai and an Army Soldier (Sanjay Khapre) posted at the border; it is the story of their families and in particular their two children Raghu (Vivek Chabukswar) son of a Policeman and Sada ( Abhishek Bharate) son of an Army Soldier The film goes on to narrate the story of these two children, who are good friends. But, goes on to show, how they develop differences, while making collections for charity purpose, considering it as a competition, to win a medal for maximum collections.

Very cleverly, the director takes the audience into their typical village lifestyle, to show their playful days and how they face the grave situation. ‘Salaam’ is a simple story which is very effectively passed on to the audience, through its well presented screenplay. Every situation in the film, has a message to convey; be it the doubt in the mind of Raghu, as to who is superior? A Policeman or an Army soldier? Then, the break up of friendship between the two little friends, doubting each other’s integrity over collection of funds for charity and finally, the realisation of friendship, by Raghu; in the concluding scene . All these incidences have been very cleverly sequenced in the film.

Director Kiran Yadnyopavit has rightly used Albert Einstein’s quote before the start of the film ” If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” And, he has succeeded in conveying the actual meaning, through this film. At the end of the film, he goes on to remind you of Helen Keller’s quote, ” All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming.” Though, he hasn’t displayed the same on screen.

Best thing about this film is the coming together of three people, who have won national awards. Girish Kulkarni, who plays a Policeman is at his best, offering his natural skills; though he doesn’t have much scope for acting. But, Vivek Chabukswar has tried to do better, expressing his emotions well, through many important scenes in this film. He has turned out to be the real hero of this film. The third national award winner behind the screen, is a techie – Sound designer and mixing Engineer Anmol Bhave, who has also done a commendable job; which is clearly noticed in many outdoor scenes.

Among the other performers, Aatisha Naik as Raghu’s mother has played a totally different role of a kind hearted wife and mother in this film. Jyoti Chandekar as the grandmother, is impressive. Sanjay Khapre has played his limited role, with ease. Kishore Kadam as the head of the village school has done a good job, while Shashank Shende, Suhas Shirsat, Praveen Tarde, Siddheshwar Zadbuke, Savita Prabhune ( from Baramati) and the other six children have supported very well.

The film has only two songs; but the background music offered by Rahul Ranade is very apt for this type of film. All in all, ‘Salaam’ is a sensible film, and is a tribute to the families of those brave soldiers and policemen; who are used to face grave situations in their life and to overcome them.