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Jhimma 2 Review

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Filmmaker Hemant Dhome’s Jhimma (2021) told the story of a group of seven women – played by Sonalee Kulkarni, Suhas Joshi, Sayali Sanjeev, Kshitee Jog, Suchitra Bandekar, Nirmitee Sawant and Mrinmayee Godbole – going on a trip to London through a travel agency run by Kabir (Siddharth Chandekar).

The trip turns out to be a life-changing affair for them with each battling something or the other internally. As they break the shackles, rediscover and heal themselves, as an audience it moves and uplifts you. In terms of the writing and direction, Jhimma scored high despite being on the lengthier side.

The mere announcement of Jhimma 2 meant that the group of ladies would be embarking on another trip organized by Kabir and that’s exactly the case with the sequel. They yet again travel to Britain, but this time it’s the Lake District. Jhimma 2 doesn’t feature Sonalee Kulkarni and Mrinmayee Godbole. We see the inclusion of Rinku Rajguru and Shivani Surve to make it a total of seven.

It is difficult to explain the story of Jhimma 2 because it doesn’t have one. It simply carries on the formula about a group of women going on a foreign trip without their family. The premise and the characters were new in the first film. Hence, it turned out to be interesting to explore one character after another and their backstory. Jhimma 2 simply carries on to do the same, although this time the backstory is not given to all the characters. So, it just turns out to be a repeat exercise. For example, Nirmiti Sawant’s conversation with her politician husband had purpose in the first film. But here it’s just used as a filler. Even the humorous scenes given to her, and other characters, aren’t funny enough.

The narrative does include a few conflict elements but they are episodic and not interesting enough for you to develop concern. For example, the character of Shivani Surve is troubled but you don’t feel much for her because her issues are touched only on the surface. A serious incident during the interval point appears more forced than organic. It also defies logic.

Also Read: Naal Bhag 2 Review: Continues the heartwarming tradition

The strongest point about Jhimma 2 are the performances by all the eight actors. In fact, it is the acting that ensures that you don’t give up on the film, followed by the visuals of the picturesque locations. But you might wonder why the same group of friends visited England yet again. The answer lies in the word ‘subsidy’.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Director: Hemant Dhome

Producers: Chalachitra Mandalee, Jio Studious, Colour Yellow Productions and Crazy Few Films

Writers: Hemant Dhome and Iravati Karnik

Cast: Suhas Joshi, Sayali Sanjeev, Kshitee Jog, Suchitra Bandekar, Nirmitee Sawant, Rinku Rajguru, Shivani Surve and Siddharth Chandekar

Naal Bhag 2 Review: Continues the heartwarming tradition

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Cinematographer Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti’s directorial debut Naal (2018) turned out to be one of the finest Marathi films of this era. It is always tricky to create a sequel to a film that is so iconic. It wouldn’t be a smart idea to expect Naal Bhag 2 to be as great as the 2018 movie because such movies happen rarely. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t expect it to take you on yet another heartwarming and emotional ride.

Naal told the story of the kid Chaitu (Shrinivas Pokale), who stays with his aunt Sumi (Devika Daftardar) and uncle Shankar (Nagraj Popatrao Manjule), thinking them to be his real parents. The kid was adopted by the two due to certain circumstances. Chaitu, one day, gets to know about his real mother Parvati (Deepti Devi) and becomes eager to be with her. Circumstances bring Parvati to Chaitu’s house but she forcefully hides her emotions after seeing Chaitu and ignores him. The film ends with Chaitu making peace with his stepmother and stepfather. (Read the review of Naal HERE)

Naal Bhag 2 takes place a few years later when Chaitu and family visit his real parents’ Parvati and Ajinath (Jitendra Joshi) house for holidays and to tackle one issue. Chaitu meets Parvati’s children Chimi (Treesha Thosar) and her specially-abled brother Mani (Bhargav Jagtap), who are actually his real siblings. Chaitu gets bowled over by Chimi’s cuteness and is overjoyed to know that he has such an adorable sister. Chimi, however, doesn’t reciprocate his feelings as she is too close to Mani. It becomes a mission for Chaitu to win his little sister’s love.

Naal 2

Naal Bhag 2 gets you transformed into its world – the picturesque village filled with natural beauty. You are thoroughly reminded of Yakkanti the cinematographer along with the filmmaker. The content goes hand-in-hand with the location as the story moves organically like a gentle stream. You get instantly captivated by Chaitu’s struggle and start rooting for him. The makers are fortunate to have got the same kid for the sequel. He continues from where he left in the first film but gives a mature performance this time as a grown up Chaitu. He holds the film on his gentle shoulders, which was the need of the hour.

Along with Chaitu’s struggle, the movie also features the conflict between the grown up siblings as they are involved in a land dispute. The juxtaposition of these tracks speak a lot without speaking much and it culminates in a heartwarming way. But that’s not all as the final moment turns out to be applaud-worthy.

Also read: Baaplyok (Marathi movie) review: A sweet journey about a bittersweet relation 

These points also overshadow some minuses. Elaborating on them, Chaitu’s fondness for his real mother is not seen much here. Although he has made peace with Sumi, there is hardly any notable reaction when he sees Parvati for the first time after years. The pace somewhere drops for some time in the second half and the film could have ended a little before 130 minutes. There is also a lot of repetition of information on the sub-plot about land dispute.

The film belongs as much to the little girl child actor Treesha Thosar as much as to Srinivas Pokale. She is adorable from the word go and plays a major role in you rooting for Chaitu. Bhargav Jagtap, in the highly challenging role of the specially-abled Mani, also puts his best foot forward. The grown up artistes – Deepti Devi, Nagraj Manjule, Jitendra Joshi, Devika Daftardar and others – are fully reliable.

Overall: Naal Bhag 2 is yet another heartwarming journey from Sudhar Reddy Yakkanti that deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Director: Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti

Producers: Zee Studios and Aatpat

Writers: Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti (story and screenplay) and Nagraj Popatrao Manjule (dialogues)

Cast: Shrinivas Pokale, Treesha Thosar, Bhargav Jagtap, Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, Deepti Devi, Jitendra Joshi, Devika Daftardar

Baaplyok (Marathi movie) review: A sweet journey about a bittersweet relation

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Filmmaker Makarand Shashimadhu Mane made his Marathi feature film debut by presenting a story about a father and son titled Ringan (2017). It had Shashank Shende in the role of the father. His recently released film Baaplyok, as hinted by the name, is also about a relationship between a father and son and this time too Shende plays the father.

There is one similarity and dissimilarity between both the films. Baaplyok is way different than Ringan but it turns out to be just as heartwarming.

Baaplyok takes place in a village in Maharashtra in today’s times. The story starts when Sagar (Vitthal Nagnath Kale) gets engaged to a girl (Payal Jadhav). Although their relation is arranged by their respective parents, there is immense love between the two. So much so that Sagar never leaves any opportunity to meet the girl or have a pep talk with her over the phone. But the only problem in Sagar’s life is his father (Shashank Shende). The two can’t see eye-to-eye and they don’t leave any opportunity to take a jibe at each other, be it for anything.

So when it is decided that Sagar will have to accompany his father to visit their relatives and friends in neighborhood villages on his bike to invite them for his marriage, he initially backs out. But as he realizes that he has no other choice, he hesitatingly agrees. What all happens during their journey forms the rest of the film.

Baaplyok makes it clear at the start that the film is about a journey and you probably also guess how it will end. But not once does it appear uninteresting. This is largely because of the constant humour born out of the conversations between Sagar and his father. The situations they encounter is another reason why this doesn’t appear like any other film about a journey that changes something in the main protagonists. In other words, there are constant doses of sensible and realistic entertainment and at the same time, nothing seems forced.

Baaplyok is also a visual treat for it goes deep into the village and its life. Yogesh M Koli’s camerawork is as per the need. He keeps it simple but at the same time ensures that the quality of frames is rich. The minimal use of background score too goes perfectly with the theme and mood of the film.

The subject is such that it relies heavily on the performances of Vitthal Nagnath Kale and Shashank Shende and both of them are up to the mark. After establishing himself as a son who doesn’t like his father, Kale’s transformation is gradual and natural. Shende, as one would expect from a seasoned performer like him, is thoroughly flawless, especially in scenes where he speaks through expressions. Payal Jadhav also makes her mark felt in a limited role while the rest of the supporting actors, who don’t get much screen time either, lend able support.

Also Read: Dream Girl 2 review: This film also has one Sakina falling for a Sardar

The scenes where the duo meets different families play a role in achieving the desired end. But a couple of encounters, one with a Muslim family and another with a city-based relative, are too short. There might also be a section of audience that would miss a major conflict in the whole narrative.

Overall: Baaplyok is a heartwarming journey about a father and son.  

Rating: 4 out of 5

Director: Makarand Mane

Writers: Vitthal Nagnath Kale and Makarand Mane

Cast: Vitthal Nagnath Kale, Shashank Shende, Payal Jadhav

Sari (Marathi movie) review: This love story also works as a mystery drama

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Over the last seven years, one has seen several love stories in Marathi. However, almost all of them were based on the same theme as Sairat after the Nagaraj Manjule’s movie became a huge runaway success in 2016. But with directors KS Ashoka and Vishal Asha Patil’s Sari, one can say that this is a rare love story in this language that’s fresh and miles away from the Sairat hangover.

Sari is the official Marathi remake of the Kannada movie Dia. KS Ashoka, the director of the original film, has also helmed the remake along with Vishal Asha Patil. The trailer of Dia and its synopsis indicate that Sari is a faithful remake, which can’t be ignored.  

The movie tells the story of the introvert college student Dia (Ritika Shrotri). She sets her eyes on a fellow student Rohit (Ajinkya Raut) but is unable to even approach him, leave alone confess her love. When Dia finally gets an excuse to talk to Rohit, she realizes that the latter has left the college and the city.

Despite being heartbroken, she moves on. A year later, Rohit suddenly enters her life again. Much to Dia’s delight, she realizes that all this while, Rohit too was secretly in love with her. The two start their own journey of love, which, unfortunately is short lived. Later on, fate brings the happy-go-lucky Adi (Pruthvi Ambaar, who played the same role in the original) in her life and he gradually becomes as good as her family.

Sari Marathi movie

The major positive aspect about Sari is that despite the subject of a girl and boy falling for each other and then fate separating them is done-to-death, there is a high degree of freshness in the narrative and presentation. The directors’ manner of portraying even the simplest of situation is filled with out-of-the-box creativity. This also ensures that the love triangle part also doesn’t appear outdated, although it is on paper.

Sari also scores high when it comes to bringing back the lost innocence in love stories in films of today’s times. The romantic moments are full of old-world charm and at the same time they appear modern. Along with the direction and dialogues, the soft-hearted music too plays an important role in this aspect.

With Sari, Ritika Shrotri has come out of her image as a teenage actress by giving a mature act as Dia. Ajinkya Raut and Pruthvi Ambaar are perfect fit for their characters of Rohit and Adi. Raut succeeds in showing some degree of shyness that was needed by the character. Pruthvee, on the other hand, is the opposite of him and he displays his versatility. Mrinal Kulkarni is once again reliable and likeable.

Spoilers ahead

I always avoid giving away spoilers in any review. But with Sari, I have no other choice since its biggest negative point lies in the pre-climax and climax. Still, without giving away anything about the story, it can be said that these portions are not just tragic but also mentally brutal after 80% of the film being light-hearted and non-heavy even in sad situations.

Also read: Maharashtra Shaheer review

There is no harm in showing tragedy but it needs to fit the story and the narrative. In the case of Sari, it appears needless and just for the heck of it. Another reason why this part doesn’t suit the film is because the dialogue, “Life is full of surprises and miracles” is uttered repeatedly along with some positive preaching. The trailer also asks us to “believe” in the good. The only good one can see in these moments is that the film becomes like a mystery drama.

Overall: Despite the issues in the pre-climax and the climax, Sari scores enough to see it once.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Directors: KS Ashoka and Vishal Asha Patil

Producers: Dr Suresh Nagpal and Akash Nagpal

Cast: Ritika Shrotri, Ajinkya Raut, Pruthvi Ambaar, Mrinal Kulkarni

Maharashtra Shaheer (Marathi movie) review

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Biopics are in vogue not just in Hindi but also in various regional cinema of the country. Marathi cinema too has seen its share of biopics in recent years on revered personalities from Maharashtra in films like Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush, Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar, Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli? Thackeray, etc. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise to see a biopic on Krushnarao Sable aka Shaheer Sable in the film Maharashtra Shaheer.

Krushnarao Sable (Ankush Chaudhari after growing up) was a folk singer, playwright, folk theatre artiste and actor born in a small village named Pasarni in 1923. He was obsessed with singing right from his childhood. But his mother never approved of his passion as she wanted him to concentrate on academics. She took steps to ensure that he is away from singing.

However, Krushna’s calling was too deep and hence he succeeded in pursuing his art. He was greatly encouraged by the legendary teacher, social activist and freedom fighter Sane Guruji (Amit Dolawat) to use his vocal skills in spreading revolutionary messages to ensure India gets independence from the British. Hence, Krushna’s life gets meaning.

Once when Krushna is on a tour, he comes across a young girl Bhanumati (Sana Kedar Shinde), who is a buddying poet. She falls in love with Krushna and vice versa and they get married. The rest of the film focusses on Krushna’s life and events after he migrates to Mumbai.

The life of Krushnarao Sable is interesting and motivating. But at the same time, it’s not easy to narrate it in a cinematic form since it has too many aspects. Maharashtra Shaheer does a good job of bringing the iconic personality’s life story on screen, especially for those who are unaware of his contribution to the land.

Maharashtra Shaheer

The biggest plus point here are a number of moving moments that overtake the minuses. The initial portions finely prove Krushna’s immense love for singing when he was a child. His scenes with Sane Guruji, the love angle with Bhanumati and his role as a folk theatre person are examples of the same. Shinde has even kept whitewashing at bay by openly showcasing an important character’s jealousy and insecurity of Krushnarao’s success.

As far as the minuses are concerned, the starting moments are bereft of a smooth narrative. For example, the film starts with Krushnarao representing India in a foreign country in an arts festival. We are then shown an incident in the All India Radio studio. The narrative again shifts to the foreign land where the protagonist narrates his life story and then enters the child actor playing Krushna. The sequence of events appears haphazard. Thankfully, the aforementioned sequences of Krushna when he was a child turn out to be a rescue.

Once Krushnarao becomes an established name, his life is filled with a number of interesting moments. But some important events are presented in a hurried way. The biggest example is Krushnarao’s encounter with Balasaheb Thackeray, which triggers a serious incident but we don’t see much of this episode. Thackeray’s vital speech during Dasra Melava at Shivaji Park is a major reason for the incident. He is shown all set to give a speech with some fine color grading used. However, the audience is not even shown a short glimpse of his talk.

The subject is such that music had to play an important role. Composer duo Ajay-Atul score brownie points in every song. The total number of songs could have been reduced though. Production designer Eknath Kadam has succeeded in recreating the bygone era. Vasudeo Arun Rane’s camerawork is also one of the plusses.  

Ankush Chaudhari doesn’t look similar to Shaheer Sable at all but we somehow ignore this bit while being in the flow of the film. But there are moments where he is likable but not natural. He still manages to carry the film on his shoulders and scores in some important sequences. Sana Kedar Shinde is natural and does a fine job as Bhanumati.

Also read: Ved (Marathi movie) review – Riteish Deshmukh’s film is a family masala entertainer

Amit Dolawat has the kind of peaceful expression that would instantly remind one of Sane Guruji. The same is achieved through his manner of speaking. Shubhangi Sadavarte and Ashwini Mahangade are effective as Krushnarao’s mother and Malati respectively. Dushyant Wagh has performed decently as Thackeray.

Overall: As stated earlier, the plusses score over the minuses which ensures that Maharashtra Shaheer turns out to be a nice watch. The ending song ‘Jay Jay Maharashtra Majha’ followed by the end credits also play a major part.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Director: Kedar Shinde

Producers: Everest Entertainment and Kedaar Shinde Productions

Writers: Vasundhara Sable and Pratima Kulkarni

Cast: Ankush Chaudhari, Sana Kedar Shinde, Shubhangi Sadavarte, Ashwini Mahangade

Music: Ajay-Atul  

Ghar Banduk Biryani review: Nagraj Manjule-starrer is a one-time watch 

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When a film has an unusual title like Ghar Banduk Biryani, the first thing one eagerly awaits to know is its meaning in the context of the film. During the movie’s first half itself, we get some clarity on the title. This is not the only plus point of the film though.

Directed by Hemant Jangal Awtade and written by him and Nagraj Manjule, the Marathi movie takes place in the interiors of Maharashtra infested by dacoits. They are led by the dangerous yet quirky Pallam (Sayaji Shinde). The fearless police inspector Raya Patil (Manjule) is transferred to the same area after he beats up some influential goons in his previous posting. Getting transferred is a regular feature for him and this is exactly why his wife (Deepti Devi) is fed up of his profession.

Meanwhile, the story also features the young and handsome Raju (Akash Thosar), who is an orphan. His uncle visits a prospective bride’s family for his marriage. Raju and the girl Laxmi (Sayli Patil) start liking each other. But as Raju doesn’t have any other skill apart from making delicious food, especially Biryani, Laxmi’s father isn’t keen to let his daughter marry him.

Raju, one day, without his will, gets involved in Pallam’s gang because of his qualities as a chef. On the other hand, Raya is hell bent in putting a full-stop to the activities of the dacoits. Will Raju’s be caught in the crossfire for no fault of his?

Ghar Banduk Biryani

Ghar Banduk Biryani basically has a tried-and-tested tale of cops versus dacoits. But the film doesn’t appear outdated due to quite a few reasons. The presentation is fresh and so is the narrative, especially for a Marathi film. Manjule’s character is shown as a heroic officer, akin Dabangg and Singham. However, he never goes over-the-top and gives a performance that is believable.

Just like his act, the film too has its share of funny moments but they nowhere tread into the mindless zone. Similarly, the narrative includes some whistle-worthy moments but they too are subtle in nature. For example, the scene where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue is given focus suddenly in a scene.

A good part of the film is shot in the jungle. Cinematographer Vikram Amladi steers clear from the temptation of going overboard in creatively capturing the location. His portrayal is simple but creative enough.

Coming to the rest of the actors, Sayaji Shinde has played a baddie with a touch of humour numerous times before, both in Marathi and Hindi films. But the fact that he is here playing a dacoit who loves being trigger-happy brings in some difference. Akash Thosar stays out of his Sairat image despite him playing a rural character. He appears confident.

Sayli Patil and Deepti Devi chip in with decent supporting acts. Tanaji Galgunde (a favorite of Manjule) is memorable but doesn’t get much scope.

Also Read: Vaalvi (Marathi movie) review – Swapnil Joshi, Subodh Bhave-starrer is a finely crafted dark comic thriller

Despite these many positives, Ghar Banduk Biryani isn’t hunky dory all the way. The second half isn’t as entertaining and convincing as the first half. The post-interval portion also has a risky heroic act by one of the main characters but he doesn’t face any consequences for that. The background of the dacoits is also surprisingly missing. We are never told why have they gone onto the dangerous path and what exactly are their demands from the authorities. Hence, they only come across as negative characters and it also becomes difficult to take them seriously.

The film also needed to be crisper than 161 minutes. A few scenes and a couple of songs didn’t deserve to be so lengthy.

The very last scene, however, gains some interest as the makers give a clear indication of a sequel or a part 2.

Overall: Ghar Banduk Biryani is a one-time watch saga.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Director: Hemant Jangal Awtade

Production: Aatpat Production and Zee Studios

Writers: Hemant Jangal Awtade and Nagraj Manjule

Cast: Nagraj Manjule, Sayaji Shinde, Akash Thosar, Sayli Patil and Deepti Devi

Vaalvi (Marathi movie) review – Swapnil Joshi, Subodh Bhave-starrer is a finely crafted dark comic thriller

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Filmmaker Paresh Mokashi’s first three films Harishchandrachi Factory (2010), Elizabeth Ekadashi (2014) and Chi Va Chi Sau Ka (2017) were different from each other, but they were all light in nature. With Vaalvi, he has taken a giant leap into the dark comic thriller territory.

Vaalvi revolves around Aniket (Swapnil Joshi), who works on a good post in a company, and his wife Avani (Anita Date). The two decide to end their lives together due to certain circumstances by shooting themselves. Aniket’s actual plan is to kill his wife by keeping his gun unloaded and Avani’s loaded because he is in a relationship with Devika (Shivani Surve), a dentist.

Aniket and Devika carry out various rehearsals to ensure that their plan doesn’t fail. But something happens on that fateful day and a mysterious man (Subodh Bhave) enters their lives.

Among various things, the makers of Vaalvi should be lauded for presenting a trailer that gives nothing away about the main plot. The story’s major crux lies in the second half and the trailer doesn’t feature anything of this. In fact, we just get a glimpse of Subodh Bhave’s character, making us wonder if he has a special appearance. But in reality, he plays a character as important as others.

Vaalvi is a thriller that scores high in all departments. Madhugandha Kulkarni and Paresh Mokashi’s basic tale itself is not just thrilling but also hilarious. It is finely narrated by the screenplay and intelligently presented by the direction. The dialogues require special mention for being hilarious; their unexpected timing on some occasions makes them even funnier.

Stories revolving around murder tend to go at least a bit downhill in the second half but Vaalvi steers clear of that. In fact, as mentioned above, the movie ups the ante even further post-interval.  

Vaalvi is a taut thriller without any songs. But its background music, by Mangesh Dhakde, plays a vital role as it adds more intrigue to the proceedings. Similarly, Satyajeet Shobha Shreeram’s camerawork and Abhijeet Deshpande and Saurabh Prabhudesai editing also adds to the plusses.

Swapnil Joshi showed a different side of himself in both the seasons of the web-series Samantar. He has again gone against his image and has come up with a fine act of a mean individual who feels nothing when it comes to hatching a plot to kill his own wife. The one-take sequence where he fears getting killed by another character by a gun deserves mention.

This is yet another fine performance by Subodh Bhave. Without going much into his character to avoid spoilers, it is safe to say that the actor has succeeded in showing his comic side with dedication while playing a serious character. Anita Date displays perfection while playing a woman diagnosed with mental illness. Shivani Surve is decent as Aniket’s love interest. Namrata Awate Sambherao has only a couple of scenes but they become memorable because of her act.

Also read: Ved (Marathi movie) review

As it happens with films of this genre, Vaalvi too has quite a few creative liberties taken. The transportation of one dead body stands out amongst all. The movie would have appeared more intelligent if this was taken care of.

Overall: Vaalvi is a finely crafted dark comic thriller. After this film, Paresh Mokashi won’t be known only for Harishchandrachi Factory.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Director: Paresh Mokashi

Producers: Zee Studios and Madhugandha Kulkarni

Writers: Madhugandha Kulkarni and Paresh Mokashi

Cast: Swapnil Joshi, Subodh Bhave, Shivani Surve and Anita Date

Ved (Marathi movie) review – Riteish Deshmukh’s film is a family masala entertainer

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Riteish Deshmukh’s directorial debut Ved is the official Marathi adaptation of the Telugu film Majili (2019), which starred Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

The movie starts off in a town in Maharashtra and it revolves around Satya (Riteish). He is an aspiring cricketer who is eager to play for the Railways and later for India. His father Dinkar (Ashok Saraf), who is a widower, is worried for his son but at the same time keeps supporting him, especially whenever their neighbor Murli (Vidyadhar Joshi) complaints against him.

Satya falls in love with a girl-next-door Nisha (Jiya Shankar) in an unusual manner. She too reciprocates her love for him. However, the two aren’t destined to be together. This leaves Satya depressed and he becomes a drunkard. At this moment, Shravani (Genelia Deshmukh) decides to marry him despite knowing that he still loves Nisha.

One of the major plus points of Ved is its fast pace. So much so that you don’t feel the close to two and a half hours of its runtime. Plus, if you haven’t seen the original, like me, there are quite a few surprises. To elaborate, of course, you can predict where the first half is headed if you have seen the trailer. But it is the small incidents, which lead to the end of the first half, that keep surprising and thereby entertaining you.

But there comes a moment in the second half where you wonder where all this is headed and whether Satya will become another Kabir Singh. But this is where the biggest surprise is in store in terms of the story development.

RIteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh in Ved

Ved is a family masala entertainer and hence, it should be seen that way in order to be enjoyed. And this means keeping logic aside during quite a few key moments in the film, including the surprise in the second half.

Although the creative liberty at some places is too high to ignore, Riteish’s presentation, along with a fast narrative and cinematographer Bhushankumar Jain’s visuals, makes the film enjoyable. It can be safely said that the actor succeeds as a director.

Ved is also helped by Ajay-Atul’s music. Despite the Sairat hangover, the title song turns out to be the best of the lot.

As far as his acting is concerned, this is one of Riteish’s most memorable performances. He is effective while displaying both the shades of the Satya (present day and flashback). Genelia Deshmukh struggles with her Marathi pronunciation but makes it up with her expressions and screen presence. Jiya Shankar comes across as natural and confident.  

Ashok Saraf’s presence takes the entertainment quotient even higher. Vidyadhar Joshi complements him well through his sarcastic act. Raviraj Kande, as the evil Bhaskar Anna, is well introduced. But it’s surprising to see how the character, whose act had a great bearing on Satya, is treated unfairly later. Khushi Hajare, the child actress who plays Khushi, is likeable and confident.

Also read: Raj Thackeray asked me to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, says Akshay Kumar

The title song in the end featuring Salman Khan is a misfit and it somehow lowers the emotional impact of the film.

Overall: Ved succeeds in being an entertainer for the family during the holiday period, despite its flaws and some resemblance with Jersey.  

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Director: Riteish Deshmukh

Writers: Sandeep S Patil, Rushikesh Turai, Riteish Deshmukh and Prajakt Deshmukh

Producers: Genelia Deshmukh and Riteish Deshmukh

Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Jiya Shankar, Ashok Saraf, Raviraj Kande, Vidyadhar Joshi, Khushi Hajare

Music: Ajay-Atul

Raj Thackeray asked me to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, says Akshay Kumar

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During the announcement of his upcoming Marathi historical film Vedaat Maratha Veer Daudale Saat, filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar revealed the actors who would be playing the emperor’s seven warriors in the film. These include Pravin Tarde, Hardik Joshi, Vishal Nikam, Virat Madke, Satya Manjrekar, Jay Dudhane and Dr Utkarsh Shinde.

But the people gathered at the event were in for a huge surprise when it was announced that Akshay Kumar will be playing the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the movie. The actor also made a surprise appearance at the event out of nowhere.

He was introduced at the event as the actor who will be playing Chhatrapati by the chief of MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) Raj Thackeray, who was the special guest along with the Chief Minister of the state Eknath Shinde.

Akshay Kumar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Raj Thackeray (File photo)

Akshay said that he got this role, “Because of Mr Raj Thackeray. He told me, ‘Akshay you should do this role’ and I was taken aback. To play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s role is a big deal for me. It’s a huge task. I can assure you that I will put in all my efforts while playing this character.”

Interestingly, Thackeray is also known for criticizing Akshay on more than one occasion not-so-long-ago. He had taken a dig at the actor for being a ‘Canadian citizen’ and later also criticized him for asking questions related to mangoes while interviewing India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This is the first time that Akshay will be working with Manjrekar. “I was always very eager to work with Akshay,” said the filmmaker. “I had a lot of films in mind. But I couldn’t see any other actor playing this role. One needs to have a certain personality and look to play this character. Akshay’s image is also correct to play a Hindu raja who brought Hindavi swarajya. So I thought let other films be kept aside, we should do this one first.”

Produced by Wasim Qureshi, Vedaat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat will go on floors next month and will release during Diwali 2023.

Also read: Godavari movie will rekindle our relation with rivers, says Devendra Fadnavis

Godavari movie will rekindle our relation with rivers, says Devendra Fadnavis

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Filmmaker Nikhil Mahajan’s upcoming Marathi movie Godavari is all set to release in theatres from 11 November, after garnering applause and awards internationally.

Starring Jitendra Joshi, Vikram Gokhale, Neena Kulkarni, Gauri Nalawade, Priyadarshan Jadhav and Sanjay Mone, the film is about a man, who has to pass through the river Godavari in Nashik daily, being fed-up of his routine of collecting taxes on behalf of his family.

The trailer and music launch of the film took place yesterday in presence of Maharashtra’s deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in south Mumbai. “The quality and stature of Marathi films have always been on par with international level,” he said at the event. “I feel Godavari is yet another film to reinforce that. Our relationship with rivers is ancient. Our culture has always been related to rivers. Even in Rigveda there lies a conversation with a river.”

Devendra Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis at the trailer and music launch of Godavari

Elaborating on the same, Fadnavis added, “The importance of our rivers has reached us through the conversation our Rishis had with them. But unfortunately during some period in history, we forgot the importance. Hence, our rivers, thoughts, culture and lives got polluted. Amidst such a situation, this movie has come to us.”

Godavari also marks Joshi’s debut as a producer. He said that he has dedicated the film to the late filmmaker and his close friend Nishikant Kamat. Interestingly, Joshi’s character in the film is also named Nishikant.

Highlighting the importance of Godavari, Fadnavis said, “It is our lifeline. Our entire Maharashtra is dependent on Godavari. About 50% of irrigation happens in the state though this river and its tributaries. Therefore, I feel everyone from Maharashtra will relate their lives with this movie. We will be able to rekindle our relation with rivers through this film.”

Fadnavis went much deeper to highlight the condition of the rivers in the state and claimed how his government, both at the state and centre, has taken up the task of reversing their condition.

“Industrial effluents are responsible for only 10% [of pollution in rivers of Maharashtra],” he said. “The remaining 90% has happened due to the infrastructure of the villages not being done properly. We will be taking up this task now. Especially our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has already generated funds for this task through Amrut Yojana. It will ensure that in the future gradually all the water from cities and villages will be purified before going into our rivers.”

During last year’s IFFI (International Film Festival of India), Joshi was bestowed upon with the Silver Peacock for Best Actor for Godavari. In the same festival, Mahajan received the special jury award for his direction in the movie.