The Common Man Speaks

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

by Leave a Comment

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 This also ensures that the love triangle part also doesn’t appear outdated, although it is on paper.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

by 1 Comment

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 

by Leave a Comment

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

by 2 Comments

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

by 4 Comments

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

by 1 Comment

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

by 1 Comment

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.

Har Har Mahadev review: Subodh Bhave & Sharad Kelkar are a deadly combo

by Leave a Comment

Making a historical on a personality like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a large scale can be a major challenge for any filmmaker. In the case of writer and director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande’s Har Har Mahadev, it was even tougher since there have been a series of films on the Maratha history in recent years.

Out of all these movies, Digpal Lanjekar himself has made four – Farzand (2018), Fatteshikast (2019), Pawankhind (2022) and Sher Shivraj (2022).

Har Har Mahadev tells the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Subodh Bhave) before his coronation. It starts off with a feud between the Bandal warrior Bajiprabhu Deshpande (Sharad Kelkar) and Shivaji Maharaj during the latter’s youth phase. He wants all Marathis to unite and fight against Adilshahi’s atrocities. He finally succeeds in making Deshpande his trusted aide.

The movie features the famous incident where Shivaji Maharaj kills Afzal Khan. Later on, it focusses on Siddhi Jauhar (Milind Shinde) acquiring Panhala, the struggle for the safe evacuation of Shivaji Maharaj from there and, more importantly, the iconic battle of Pawankhind.

Subodh Bhave and Sharad Kelkar in Har Har Mahadev
Subodh Bhave and Sharad Kelkar in Har Har Mahadev

This makes it clear that Har Har Mahadev features the two events that were individually portrayed by Lanjekar in Sher Shivraj and Pawankhind.

But Deshpande’s movie still succeeds in being interesting through its entertaining narrative and some applaud-worthy heroic dialogues. The action sequences are impressive and they are enhanced by the music. In short, there is plenty for the masses to cheer, especially in single screen theatres.

Although Shivaji Maharaj is on the highest stature in Maratha history, Har Har Mahadev gives equal prominence to Bajiprabhu Deshpande as well. Hence, the film also works as one of those two-hero action films.

There is some powerful as well as moving chemistry between Bhave and Kelkar. They form a deadly combo that makes you go through various emotions. Bhave gets the act of playing a tough character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj incredibly right. His body language is the highlight of his performance.

Kelkar lights up with screen through an energetic act. He is terrific in both action-oriented and emotional moments.

The other supporting cast, including Amruta Khanvilkar, Nishigandha Wad and Sayali Sanjeev score decent in roles with limited screen time. Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), generates impact as the voice of Sahyadri.

The movie, however, uses the usual trope of portraying the bad guys as weak and, sometimes, as laughing stocks. It is important for the villains to be powerful in such films, but that is far from the case here. This, obviously, affects the performances of Milind Shinde and the actor who played Afzal Khan.

Har Har Mahadev has other issues too. The film doesn’t start on a smooth manner in terms of the screenplay. The momentum slows down after a while in the second half. The finale fight sequence is stretched. The movie should have gotten over before 161 minutes.

Also read: Ram Setu review – Last 1 minute somewhat saves Akshay Kumar’s movie

Also, you can’t help but realize that you would have liked the film more if there wouldn’t have been an overdose of films on the Maratha history in recent years.

Overall: Har Har Mahadev has enough going for itself for the masses.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Director: Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande

Producers: Zee Studios and Shree Ganesh Marketing and Films

Writer: Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande

Cast: Subodh Bhave, Sharad Kelkar, Milind Shinde, Nishigandha Wad, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sayali Sanjeev

When Subodh Bhave was rejected for the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

by Leave a Comment

Subodh Bhave will be playing the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande’s Har Har Mahadev. This is yet another real-life character played by the actor in his long list of biopics.

During the trailer launch of the movie, Bhave revealed that he had once got a chance to play the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj more than two decades before but things didn’t work out.

“When I had recently shifted to Mumbai to become an actor, Vinay Apte was making a TV serial on Shiv Chhatrapati in Hindi,” he said. “I had auditioned for the role of Shiv Chhatrapati. But I wasn’t selected. I had to wait for 22 years to play that character. Maybe it was Maharaj’s will to let me get prepared to play his character.”

Subodh Bhave in Har Har Mahadev

Subodh Bhave further revealed that even after being offered the role, he, initially, had refused the film. He said that the same thing had happened with the earlier film he did with Deshpande Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar (2018)

“There is one similarity in both the films,” said the actor. “I didn’t want to play Kashinath Ghanekar’s character too but I did. Also when Abhijit wanted to shoot the film [Har Har Mahadev], I had the US tour coming up for my play. But in order for me to play this character, Corona arrived, there was lockdown and the shoot dates were postponed and I got the role.”

Also read: Play review – Ashrunchi Zali Phule starring Subodh Bhave

Produced by Zee Studios, Har Har Mahadev will be releasing during Diwali on 25 October. The film will also be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malyalam. This is the first Marathi film to be released in five languages.

Jhimma: When travel heals and bridges gaps

by 2 Comments

On the surface, Hemant Dhome’s Marathi movie Jhimma is about a group of seven women (Suhas Joshi, Sonalee Kulkarni, Sayali Sanjeev, Nirmiti Sawant, Kshitee Jog, Suchitra Bandekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande) from different families going on a trip to London. It’s the first trip organized by the travel company founded by a young man Kabir (Siddharth Chandekar).

But deep inside, Jhimma is much more than a group characters sightseeing in a European city. The film doesn’t have a definite storyline, twists or even any major conflict. But despite that, it not only keeps you engaged but also makes you feel related to the characters in some way or the other.

All eight characters are distinct and each have their own problems or issues. For example, a typical housewife, who might have not gone out of city alone, goes all the way abroad. A widow facing anxiety and panic issues while going out alone shows courage to go on such a trip all by herself. A young woman unsure about marrying a guy she has recently got engaged to.

Jhimma Marathi movie
A still from Jhimma

Another youngster who has a habit of keeping things in possession (literally). Most interestingly, a senior citizen having her own reasons to take this trip and not appearing old by her thoughts in any way.

By the time Jhimma ends, one doesn’t realize how the characters find their own answers, get healed of an old wound or make peace with something that has been bothering them. It happens organically while keeping the audience entertained.

Without being preachy whatsoever, the film successfully highlights that great trips are those that evolve you either mentally or emotionally. Although the characters might have gone as far as London, this is applicable even while touring within your country. My last few trips inside India have made me experience the same.

Also, after a point of time, the gender of the seven characters doesn’t really matter. They start appearing more like human beings having their own issues, challenges or flaws, who ultimately achieve glory in their own way.

Note: Jhimma has revived Marathi cinema at the box office by going full even in its second weekend despite the release of quite a few big-ticket Hindi movies. In fact, the shows of this film have been increased in the second week due to public demand.

Also read:

Rann keeps getting more relevant and that’s not a good sign

SRK & Ashok SARAF’s pair in Yes Boss deserves more appreciation