Gulabjaam- Review of the Marathi Film

The quality of Marathi films these days seems increasingly impressive to my eyes. They are increasingly subtitled, and therefore, accessible to audiences who don't speak the language. The subjects they tackle go beyond the stereotypical Hindi film (Padmaavat is also fairly stereotypical, in my view-and too long).

Sonali Kulkarni is also proving to be a classy actress. I just saw another film of hers called Kaccha Limbu, and she was brilliant in it. She also rocks this role of a great cook, with a past. The script is written with the audience in mind, and the movie is gripping, even though it's not a murder mystery. You want to know what happens in the lives of the main characters, like the hero who wants to learn cooking at any cost from the lady chef (at home-she makes dabbas for the needy).

His front story (for lack of a better expression) and her back story are brought out in great cinematic fashion (flashback in her case), and are captivating. The film ends on an upbeat note, which is a plus too. Go watch it if you like good films.

Kaccha Limbu- Marathi Film Review

This is a film (literally, it means an unripe lemon, a metaphor for an underdeveloped child) about the struggle that the parents of a special child go through. They put their dreams on hold, and deal with their everyday life to the best of their abilities. Helping them cope is a friend each-the mother's boss, and the father's colleague.

The story has dramatic twists with unexpected events, and I don't want to be a spoiler in case anybody wants to see it. See it you should, if your interest is serious films. It's subtitled, so you can understand it mostly without knowing Marathi. And at under two hours, just right, without added masala. It's also shot in grey tone, lending it a dramatic quality.

Sonali Kulkarni was for me a great find, and pours out her heart. Sachin Khedekar and the other two male actors (the husband and the special kid) also have played their parts very well. Anant Mahadevan is seen after a long time in a nice role too.

I am continuing to be impressed by the variety of subjects Marathi films have tackled well in the last few years. Regional cinema has an advantage that it is less expensive to make, and therefore can take chances, I guess.