Rating: na Presenter: Rajendra Anant Producer: Suvarna Rajendra Ex. Producer: Dyanesh Dhoke Director: Rajendra Anant, Yogesh Mahajan, Story: Rajesh Anant Music: Nirmal Kumar Camera: Mangesh Sawant Cast: Subodh Bhave, Pallavi Vaidya Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Marathi films are moving in the right direction. The script of the film is finding more importance in the present day films. The latest released film ‘Zale Mokale Aakash’ falls under this category, being realistic about what could happen in the life of a couple, when they adopt a three month old girl child. Samir (Subodh Bhave) and Neha (Pallavi Vaidya) play a married couple who adopt a girl child, as Neha insists upon the same. Initially reluctant to such an idea, Samir later agrees for the same. But, when the couple come to know that their child is a special child, both are disturbed. Neha accepts the reality but Samir hates the child for her abnormal behaviour. He even takes a drastic step, but realizes his mistake soon.

When both husband and wife shower upon love on their 7 year old daughter- Bahuli, a sudden twist comes into the story. The real mother of the child comes on the scene. She claims the right over the child and then begins a court battle. Finally, the girl’s custody is given to Samir and Neha. ‘Zale Mokale Aakash’ tries to explain several things through the screenplay. Cinema, is as it is a medium to educate people, and this film not only encourages girl child adoption but also gives hope to those parents who are having children with such a syndrome. It cautions those who first adopt a child and later after having their own child may neglect the adopted one. It also warns people, especially the would be father and mother to desist from excessive use of drugs, smoking and alcohol; as the same could lead to formation of physical or mental disability in the child to be born.

A simple tale very effectively communicated, the film does not go off track, as it sticks to its theme from start till end. The emotions of every character have been highlighted well , wherever the situation demands. The sequence where Samir faces his wife back home, after feeling the guilt; has been picturised well. In another sequence, where Bahuli wins the heart of Samir and Neha watching the same, has been captured well. There is less of drama and more of pragmatic approach to every important scene in the film.

Produced by Suvarna Rajendra and directed by Rajendra Anant and Yogesh Mahajan, ‘Zale Mokale Aakash’ is an effort to create awareness in the society about child adoption and the possible aftereffects. And that is the plus point of the film. Good photography by Mangest Sawant and perfect editing makes the film more realistic. One fails to understand as to why some of the Marathi films use heavy make up for artistes in close up shots. In at least two scenes the heavy make up used on Pallavi Vaidya is clearly visible and that too for the home scenes during night time. This exposes the lack of attention by the production team. Otherwise, the film is a good effort to present such a realistic subject in a cinematic form.

Both Subodh Bhave and Pallavi Vaidya make a good pair and have given their best through their respective performances. The girl child is okay in that difficult role. It was a pleasure to watch two big stars Sharad Ponkshe and Ramesh Bhatkar playing the roles of film producer and an advocate respectively. Music of the film is average. There are only two songs and one background song in the film, out of which one of them is fine but the picturisation of the duet looks outdated, reminding us about the style of 60s and 70s era.

‘Zale Mokale Aakash’ in spite of few lapses and with some predictable sequences, still holds good as a sensible film for the manner in which the subject of the film has been dealt.