Category Archives: Marathi movies

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

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.

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

1 Reply

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

1 Reply

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.”

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

Leave a reply

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

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

Leave a reply

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 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

3 Replies

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

When Milind Soman played an EVIL politician who orchestrated riots

Leave a reply

Think about Milind Soman and the first thing that comes to your mind is his physical appeal. It astonishes people on how can someone be so fit and good-looking even after crossing the age of 50. This is the reason why he has such high number of fan following among females.

But it would be unfair to tag Milind only for his good looks. He has also shown his acting abilities quite a few times but this side of his is often overshadowed by his looks.

Once such on-screen character of his that hasn’t been talked about much is that of an evil and communal politician.

Yes, you read it right. He played such a negative character in Jayprad Desai’s Marathi movie Nagrik (2015). Named Vikas Patil, the character was that of a young, fiery politician who is ready to take any step to gain votes and thereby acquire power.

In fact, Milind’s character not only uses religion to gain votes but also orchestrates communal riots where people from the minority community are killed. On top of that, the next day he visits the victims to display a fake show of sympathy.

Those who haven’t seen Nagrik might feel that someone like Milind isn’t suited for such a role. But the character was such that I feel he was the right choice.

Vikas Patil isn’t your conventional evil politician who is aged and speaks and behaves like a villain. The character, in fact, is that of a young and sophisticated politician who devices his evil plans in a calm and calculative manner.

Patil’s character is also seen boasting about being able to get votes from the people of Maharashtra by merely shutting down few toll nakas. This dialogue, which is also a part of the trailer, gave rise to speculations about the character being similar to that of Raj Thackeray. But barring this dialogue, I couldn’t find any similarity between Patil and the chief of MNS.

As a film, Nagrik is an interesting political drama. It sees Patil pitted against an honest and upright journalist Shyam Jagdale, played by Sachin Khedekar. Jagdale is known for his column ‘Nagrik’ in the newspaper he works for.

But when he exposes Patil in one of his columns, his editor, a part of the new management, refuses to publish it since the newspaper is getting an enormous advertisement revenue from Patil. Hence, Jagdale goes through an episode of frustration. However, he is not someone to give up so easily.

Nagrik is also one of the last few films of acting legend Shreeram Lagoo. He plays Milind’s political mentor, who is disappointed to see his pupil going ashtray.

There are quite a few reasons why Nagrik remains memorable. For me, the biggest one is to see Milind play such a negative character. He has played a couple of villainous roles in Tamil films though.

Also read:

Nagrik movie review

Asif Basra’s suicide in 2020 never triggered an uproar

Dithee review – Sumitra Bhave’s last film heals the grief of loss

2 Replies

Filmmaker Sumitra Bhave passed away last month on April 12, just over a month before her first solo and last film Dithee released on Sony LIV. She and fellow filmmaker Sunil Sukthankar have been instrumental in making films that touch you purely through visuals and unspoken words over the decades.

Their 2017 offering Kaasav provided a feeling of healing, apart from being a brilliant cinematic experience. Bhave has provided a healing touch at a much larger level in Dithee through a completely different story, characters and milieu.

Based on the short story Aata Aamod Sunasi Aale by DB Mokashi, Dithee is based in a village occupied by a large number of warkaris; those who worship Vitthal-Rakhumai and take a pilgrimage every year. Ramji (Kishore Kadam) is devastated with the death of his young son after he drowns in the river. Worse, he is also shattered to see his daughter-in-law (Anjali Patil) giving birth to a girl at the same time. Ramji has lost all interest in life.

Dithee cast — Mohan Agashe, Girish Kulkarni and Dilip Prabhavalkar

Meanwhile, the cow in the house of Parubai (Amruta Subhash) and her husband (Shashank Shende) is having grave problems in pregnancy. They are unable to see the pain and suffering of the animal. Parubai thinks of taking Ramji’s help as he is an expert in this field. However, she is hesitant as Ramji himself is going through a terrible time with his loss.

Three other people [Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mohan Agashe and Girish Kulkarni] from Ramji’s warkari group are severely concerned for his condition and are ready to take efforts to make him feel better.

Dithee transforms you into a different world of the grieving Ramji and the worried Parubai. Despite the constant rains being symbolical to the inner gloomy state of the characters, you can’t help but appreciate the visual treat the film provides. Dhananjay Kulkarni, the cinematographer, has made fine use of the village Aalandi and other rural locations.

Dithee might appear like a slow-burner in the first half but that was necessary to establish the characters and their gloomy world. And once that happens and the film reaches the last 30-40 minutes, it brings out a number of moving as well as nail-biting moments as the cow is about to deliver the calf.

Kadam’s performance is the key here, especially in the ending moments. His emotional determination to get the cow deliver while going through a personal turmoil easily makes this as one of his best performances.

As is the case with Bhave’s past films, the entire cast has risen to the occasion. Amruta shines as a concerned yet strong woman while Shende gives her able support. The trio of Prabhavalkar, Agashe and Kulkarni put their right foot forward. Patil also contributes well as the mother of a new-born going through a tumultuous phase.

Due to the subject, it is a no-brainer that Dithee has quite a few devotional numbers aimed at Lord Vitthal. The one at the end not only takes the cake but also heals and uplifts you.

Dithee is currently streaming on Sony LIV

Rating: 4 out of 5

Director: Sumitra Bhave

Producers: Dr Mohan Agashe and Sumitra Bhave Films

Writers: DB Mokashi (short story) and Sumitra Bhave

Cast: Kishore Kadam, Amruta Subhash, Shashank Shende, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mohan Agashe, Girish Kulkarni, Anjali Patil

Music: Parth Umrani and Saket Kanetkar

Also read:

The Disciple (Marathi movie) Review

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

Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli Part 2 Review

Leave a reply

Director Mahesh Manjrekar’s Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli, the biopic on the legendary artist Purushottam Laxman Deshpande aka Pu La Deshpande, is released in two parts in a span of about a month. It is not often that you see this in India. Ram Gopal Varma’s Rakht Charitra (2011) and Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) are the only recent names to emerge in memory.

The Purvardha or the first part concentrated on the happy-go-lucky Deshpande’s (Sagar Deshmukh) commencement as a literary figure, theatre personality, music composer and his second marriage with Sunita Bai (Iravati Harshe).

The Uttarardha or the second part is about the events that take place in his life after he becomes not only an established artist but also an icon of Maharashtra. Hence, aspects like his social work (with Baba Amte) and political stints also get a mention here.

To put it simply, the second part of Bhaai continues the good work of its predecessor. This doesn’t come as a surprise after having enjoyed the first part. The journey picks up from the time Deshpande starts his one act play Batatyachi Chaal, which later goes onto become historic.

Just like the first part, we are presented with a compilation of important and relevant events revolving around the protagonist in a thoroughly light-hearted manner. Of course, the second part has more emotional moments, especially since it covers Deshpande’s ailing health that led to his death. But the feel and mood remains the same.

In an important sequence, fellow literary great Vijay Tendulkar is seen urging Deshpande to start mirroring the stark realities of society in his work. But he politely refuses saying he just wants to make people happy. This ideology of his is seen in the narrative of the film again.

Deshpande’s relationship with his close ones is one of the highlights of the film. His unusual yet strong bond with his wife Sunita is one of the most sensible portrayals of a married couple in a long time. His friendship with fellow artists like G D Madgulkar, Vasant Kanetkar, Bhimsen Joshi and Kumargandharva reaches another level during the classical mehfil. The opening credits song ‘Indrayani Kathi,’ written by Deshpande and sung by Joshi, is also a pleasure to the ears.

Also read: Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli Part 1 Review

The film also touches the sensitive political side of Pu La’s story. After supporting the Janata Party during its opposition to the Emergency, Deshpande warns of speaking against them after they gain power in case they turn out to be the same as the previous government. Later, Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray (Sarang Sathaye) gets offended when Pu La criticizes one of his statements despite accepting an award from his government.

The execution of the aforementioned incidents is sensible and mature and at the same time doesn’t let the film move out of the entertaining zone.

One might argue or feel that any story should have a definite aim for the protagonist, which is missing here. But such conventional storytelling isn’t possible in this story simply because Pu La never planned anything in life and just went with the flow, one incident at a time.

The narrative does threaten to suffer at one point in the second half, especially when the character Barkya (Girish Kulkarni) turns up and displays his antics. This is the only questionable moment in the film.

The main cast continues its good work from the first part. Sagar Deshmukh shows the same consistency while exploring the latter period of Deshpande’s life. He once again thoroughly lives the character. The same goes for Iravati Harshe’s mature and high quality act as his wife.

Shubhangi Damle also gets a good amount of footage as the older Sunita Bai and she is phenomenal. Vijay Kenkre also does justice to the older Deshpande. Sarang Sathaye stays firm in your memory with his convincing act as Thackeray despite having just two scenes.

Overall: Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli Purvardha (Part 2) gives an impressive end to the life story of one of Maharashtra’s most loved personalities.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review by: Keyur Seta

Director: Mahesh Manjrekar

Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Mahesh Manjrekar Movies

Writers: Ganesh Matkari and Ratnakar Matkari

Cast: Sagar Deshmukh, Iravati Harshe, Shubhangi Damle, Vijay Kenkre

Music: Ajit Parab

Genre: Biopic/ Drama

Duration: 130 minutes

Does Thackeray hint at Shiv Sena’s changing relationship with Congress?

1 Reply

Director Abhijit Panse’s Thackeray, the biopic on the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, is garnering various reactions from the audience and critics. But here is an attempt to read between the lines of the film’s content with retrospect to the current political stand of Shiv Sena.

Thackeray shows the supremo’s journey from his early days as a cartoonist. From that time itself he was a staunch opponent of the Congress. As an artist and a politician, Thackeray was never known to mince his words or sketches against anyone, including Congress and its leaders.

But surprisingly, the movie doesn’t feature Thackeray’s hatred for Congress through any of his speeches or conversations. Of course, Shiv Sena’s protest against the then deputy Prime Minister Morarji Desai gets a good footage. But that was a key incident, so that couldn’t have been skipped. Other than that, Thackeray isn’t shown speaking or acting against Congress.

The 1995 Maharashtra Assembly Elections were the first time that Shiv Sena came to power through a coalition with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The mammoth task of the coalition was to defeat Congress for the first time. So, it is obvious that speaking against your main opponent becomes your important task.

But that is not shown in Thackeray. Surprisingly, Shiv Sena’s road to the 1995 State Elections, which was their first major success, is hardly given any importance. Without showing any moment of their journey till the results, we are abruptly shown a scene of Shiv Sena workers celebrating the victory.

One of the highlights of Thackeray’s career was his fiery speeches at Shivaji Park, which were keenly awaited by his supporters as well as opponents. But strangely, the film doesn’t feature any of his speeches. Most of his speeches always targeted Congress. Was this the reason to omit it?

One might argue that the makers wanted to play safe. But it is not possible to buy this argument for a film that openly speaks about the party’s role in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.

Now, let us see why such soft stand against Congress gets more interesting. Since recent times, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who is also the film’s producer and story writer, has been showering praises at Congress, the Gandhi family and its President Rahul Gandhi, of all people.

Less than a week ago, Raut said, “Rahul Gandhi has always been mocked. But we cannot forget the sacrifices made by the Gandhi family for the country. If you do not agree with his policies, then criticise him, but do not make personal attacks. Personally, I am against this type of politics. He has never given false promises.” (Read the whole statement HERE)

Priyanka Gandhi’s decision to enter active politics few days ago met with sarcastic jibes from the opposition. But Raut had other views. Speaking about the decision, he said, “It’s a good decision by Rahul Gandhi. The people of India have always had a relationship with the Gandhi family. Indira Gandhi’s legacy will always remain strong in this country, Congress will benefit from this.” (Read the whole statement HERE).

The praise for Rahul started last year when Congress lost the Gujarat state elections to BJP after giving a tough fight. Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna hailed Rahul for being ‘Baazigar’ (indicating that he lost elections but won hearts). These are just few examples though.

For those not in the know, Shiv Sena has been throwing a volley of attacks against BJP, their ally both in state and centre, in recent years. In words one would only use for the opponents.

I have come across people and articles claiming that it was Congress that provided massive secret support to Shiv Sena during its early days so that the latter would help wipe out communists from Mumbai (then Bombay). But Shiv Sena leaders have never been comfortable with this question.

However, Thackeray, the film, shows no qualms in showing this relationship between Shiv Sena and Congress.

So, is the party paying back to the Congress for their initial help going by the recent heavy praise? Or is it just to score brownie points against your ally-cum-enemy BJP? And did we see a glimpse of it in the movie?

By: Keyur Seta