The Common Man Speaks

Tukaram (Marathi Movie) Review

June 10, 2012 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Direction: Chandrakant Kulkarni

Production: Sanjay Chhabria, Everest Films

Writer(s): Ajit Dalvi and Prashant Dalvi

Cast: Jitendra Joshi, Radhika Apte, Padmanabh Gaikwad, Veena Jamkar, Sharad Ponkshe, Prateeksha Lonar, Yatin Karekar

Music: Ashok Patki and Avdhoot Gupte

Rating: * * * *

Plot: The film is a biopic on the life of the great Sant Tukaram. As a child, Tukaram Bolhoba Ambile aka Tuka is different than other children with respect to intelligence and curiosity to know about almost everything around him. This enables him to assist his father in his money lending business at an early age. As his elder brother is unable to look after the business due to strange circumstances, Tukaram happily starts looking after his father’s business when he grows up.

But fate has something dark in store for him and his family when his parents pass away in quick succession. If this wasn’t enough, his village is hit by drought. Tukaram is moved by the plight of his family and villagers. These tragedies enlighten him on the true meaning of life and transform a mere money-lender into one of the greatest saints and poets the country has seen.

Review: When you think of a biopic based on a 17th Century saint and poet, chances are you will label it as a film for the classes or the older generation. However, filmmaker Chandrakant Kulkarni proves with Tukaram that even biopics can appeal to all sections of the audience.

But while he succeeds in making his latest offering masses-friendly, what makes the film special is the fact that he doesn’t compromise on the message and teachings of the great saint. This fact coupled by Jitendra Joshi’s mind-blowing performance makes Tukaram a must watch.

The runtime of the movie (162 minutes) might appear lengthy in today’s times but considering the large number of events in Tukaram’s life, it is totally justified. The intelligent script and dialogues (writers: Ajit Dalvi and Prashant Dalvi) keep boredom at bay. You get so engrossed in the simple life of Tukaram’s family that you fail to realize that the story has hardly moved forward in the initial portions. And as the story unfolds after that, you get further impressed by the writing.

(Review continued after picture.)

Picture courtesy - tukaramthefilm.com

Even the tragic scenes are handled in a way that they don’t appear lethargic. Once Tukaram attains enlightenment and subsequently transforms into a saint, it gives rise to a number of scenes that move, delight as well as show the true meaning of life. The scenes where Tukaram rubbishes off something as inhuman as the caste system deserve special mention. Lastly, the makers also deserve full marks for creating a climax that delights you while highlighting the greatness of Sant Tukaram.

If one tries to find the flipsides, one can say that the family life of Tukaram, in the first half, could have been shortened which would have given extra time to focus on the protagonist when he becomes a saint.

Production design (Eknath Kadam), costumes (Poornima Oak) and make up (Vikram Gaikwad) successfully recreate the 17th Century era with realism. Rajan Kothari’s camerawork is a big factor for the film to look an impressive piece of art.

Abhangas were an important part of Sant Tukaram’s life and teachings. Due to this, music becomes an important part of the film’s narration. Ashok Patki and Avdhoot Gupte churn out praiseworthy songs and also recreate the classic abhangas perfectly. They play a vital role in creating an impact. ‘Jagnyacha Paya’ and ‘Sada Maze Dola’ are the ones that stand out.

It was absolutely important for Jitendra Joshi to provide a flawless act. He does exactly that as he brings Tukaram alive on screen by enacting different emotions with ease. Some performances become a talking point for years to come. This is one such performance. Padmanabh Gaikwad is also lovable as young Tukaram.

Radhika Apte does well playing the aggressive second wife of Tukaram. Although she is too loud at times, it was the requirement of the character. Actors playing the rest of the Ambile family Sharad Ponkshe, Pratiksha Lonar, Veena Jamkar, Vrushasen Dabholkar and Smita Tambe play their part perfectly. Yatin Karekar shines in a negative role. Apt support is provided by Vikas Patil, Madhav Abhyankar, Ravindra Mankani, etc.

Overall, Tukaram is remarkable in all departments making it a fitting tribute to the great saint. The film will be a winner at the box-office.

 

 

Filed Under: Marathi movies Tagged With: Tukaram 2012 movie, Tukaram 2012 review, Tukaram Jitendra Joshi, Tukaram Marathi movie review, Tukaram movie actors, Tukaram movie review, Tukaram movie story, Tukaram review

Like Us on Facebook

Pages

  • About Me

Categories

  • Bollywood
  • Cricket
  • Documentaries
  • Environment
  • Events
  • Food
  • Forgotten Moments
  • Gujarati Cinema
  • Health
  • Hollywood
  • Humour
  • International Cinema
  • Literature
  • Marathi movies
  • Miscellaneous
  • Mumbai
  • Music
  • National
  • Personal experience
  • Pictures
  • Plays
  • Poem/ Shayaris
  • Regional cinema
  • Rumour Alert
  • Short Films
  • Socio/Political
  • Spiritual
  • Travel
  • TV
  • Uncategorized
  • Web Series
  • Young Achievers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 46 other subscribers

Archives

  • June 2025 (3)
  • May 2025 (4)
  • April 2025 (7)
  • March 2025 (5)
  • February 2025 (1)
  • January 2025 (4)
  • December 2024 (2)
  • November 2024 (3)
  • October 2024 (2)
  • September 2024 (4)
  • August 2024 (2)
  • July 2024 (3)
  • June 2024 (4)
  • May 2024 (1)
  • April 2024 (2)
  • March 2024 (2)
  • February 2024 (4)
  • January 2024 (4)
  • December 2023 (2)
  • November 2023 (3)
  • October 2023 (3)
  • September 2023 (4)
  • August 2023 (3)
  • July 2023 (2)
  • June 2023 (2)
  • May 2023 (4)
  • April 2023 (4)
  • March 2023 (2)
  • February 2023 (1)
  • January 2023 (3)
  • December 2022 (2)
  • November 2022 (6)
  • October 2022 (7)
  • September 2022 (2)
  • August 2022 (2)
  • July 2022 (2)
  • June 2022 (4)
  • May 2022 (4)
  • April 2022 (4)
  • March 2022 (4)
  • February 2022 (3)
  • January 2022 (3)
  • December 2021 (3)
  • November 2021 (2)
  • October 2021 (3)
  • September 2021 (4)
  • August 2021 (3)
  • July 2021 (5)
  • June 2021 (2)
  • May 2021 (5)
  • April 2021 (3)
  • March 2021 (4)
  • February 2021 (4)
  • January 2021 (4)
  • December 2020 (6)
  • November 2020 (4)
  • October 2020 (6)
  • September 2020 (4)
  • August 2020 (6)
  • July 2020 (3)
  • June 2020 (2)
  • May 2020 (3)
  • April 2020 (4)
  • March 2020 (3)
  • February 2020 (3)
  • January 2020 (2)
  • December 2019 (3)
  • November 2019 (4)
  • October 2019 (3)
  • September 2019 (2)
  • August 2019 (4)
  • July 2019 (6)
  • June 2019 (6)
  • May 2019 (4)
  • April 2019 (1)
  • March 2019 (2)
  • February 2019 (5)
  • January 2019 (5)
  • December 2018 (6)
  • November 2018 (4)
  • October 2018 (4)
  • September 2018 (3)
  • August 2018 (3)
  • July 2018 (2)
  • June 2018 (4)
  • May 2018 (2)
  • April 2018 (2)
  • March 2018 (2)
  • February 2018 (3)
  • January 2018 (3)
  • December 2017 (3)
  • November 2017 (3)
  • October 2017 (3)
  • September 2017 (3)
  • August 2017 (1)
  • July 2017 (4)
  • June 2017 (2)
  • May 2017 (3)
  • April 2017 (2)
  • March 2017 (3)
  • February 2017 (3)
  • January 2017 (4)
  • December 2016 (4)
  • November 2016 (3)
  • October 2016 (4)
  • September 2016 (2)
  • August 2016 (5)
  • July 2016 (4)
  • June 2016 (2)
  • May 2016 (4)
  • April 2016 (4)
  • March 2016 (4)
  • February 2016 (4)
  • January 2016 (5)
  • December 2015 (6)
  • November 2015 (4)
  • October 2015 (4)
  • September 2015 (8)
  • August 2015 (6)
  • July 2015 (5)
  • June 2015 (5)
  • May 2015 (10)
  • April 2015 (7)
  • March 2015 (4)
  • February 2015 (9)
  • January 2015 (11)
  • December 2014 (9)
  • November 2014 (10)
  • October 2014 (11)
  • September 2014 (9)
  • August 2014 (7)
  • July 2014 (7)
  • June 2014 (2)
  • May 2014 (4)
  • April 2014 (5)
  • March 2014 (1)
  • February 2014 (2)
  • January 2014 (4)
  • December 2013 (6)
  • November 2013 (8)
  • October 2013 (4)
  • September 2013 (2)
  • August 2013 (5)
  • July 2013 (2)
  • June 2013 (2)
  • May 2013 (7)
  • April 2013 (8)
  • March 2013 (11)
  • February 2013 (10)
  • January 2013 (14)
  • December 2012 (11)
  • November 2012 (6)
  • October 2012 (12)
  • September 2012 (15)
  • August 2012 (18)
  • July 2012 (14)
  • June 2012 (15)
  • May 2012 (7)
  • April 2012 (12)
  • March 2012 (15)
  • February 2012 (12)
  • January 2012 (17)
  • December 2011 (13)
  • November 2011 (12)
  • October 2011 (7)
  • September 2011 (4)
  • August 2011 (14)
  • July 2011 (6)
  • June 2011 (5)
  • May 2011 (5)
  • April 2011 (11)
  • March 2011 (4)
  • February 2011 (3)
  • January 2011 (6)
  • December 2010 (3)
  • November 2010 (2)
  • October 2010 (2)
  • September 2010 (1)
  • August 2010 (2)
  • July 2010 (3)
  • June 2010 (3)
  • May 2010 (1)
  • April 2010 (1)
  • March 2010 (3)
  • February 2010 (4)
  • January 2010 (3)
  • December 2009 (3)
  • November 2009 (4)
  • October 2009 (2)
  • September 2009 (2)
  • August 2009 (6)
  • July 2009 (3)

Copyright © 2025 · eleven40 Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in