Davakhar Films’ Gondhal (dubbed from the Marathi film of the same name; UA) is the story of the gondhal ceremony of a newly-wed couple and all that happens while the ceremony is in progress. A gondhal ceremony is performed so that the family deity comes and takes away the hardships from the lives of the newly-weds. It is a centuries-old folk ritual and devotional performance art from Maharashtra, where hereditary performers invoke and worship family and regional deities through all-night music, dance, and storytelling.
Suman’s (Ishita Deshmukh) marriage is fixed with Anand (Yogesh Sohoni) although she was earlier scheduled to marry Sarjerao (Nishad Bhoir). Her marriage with Sarjerao could not be solemnised because his father, Aabasaheb Patil (Suresh Vishwakarma), had demanded a fat sum as dowry, which Suman’s parents (Sharad Jadhav and Poonam Patil) could not afford. Actually, Suman is having a rollicking affair with Sahebrao (Anju Prabhu) and she is keen to marry him. Anyway, now that she is married to Anand, their gondhal ceremony is underway. Family politics, love affairs and all that shouldn’t have come to the fore on the gondhal night raise their ugly heads right at that time. What follows is completely unexpected. What happens to the newly-married couple?
Santosh Davakhar has written an interesting story and screenplay about family politics, love affairs, weddings, ceremonies, power etc. The drama moves at a fair pace and keeps the audience engrossed and also entertained. Yes, the gondhal songs go on for so long that it seems like they are never-ending, but that’s the way the writer has conveyed the drama — through the gondhal proceedings. The second half has more drama than the pre-interval portion. Having said all this, it must be added that since gondhal is a part of a very Maharashtrian culture, the drama lacks universality. Santosh Davakhar’s dialogues are very realistic.
Ishita Deshmukh does a wonderful job as Suman. She acts so naturally that it’s a delight to watch her. Yogesh Sohoni is realistic as the timid Anand. Nishad Bhoir (dubbing by Sanket Mhatre) leaves a splendid mark as Sarjerao. Anju Prabhu (dubbing by Ganesh Mane) is very nice in the role of Sahebrao. Kishor Kadam lends excellent support as Bhivaba. Suresh Vishwakarma (dubbing by Nihar Bhosle) has his moments as Aabasaheb Patil. Madhavi Juvekar (dubbing by Meghana Erande) makes her presence felt as Anand’s mother. Prashant Deshpande (dubbing by Kishor Poorkar) is good as Anand’s father. Aishwarya Shinde (dubbing by Ragini Nikale) is fair as Anand’s sister. Poonam Patil (dubbing by Neshma Chemburkar) provides lovely support as Suman’s mother. Sharad Jadhav is impactful as Suman’s father. Kailash Waghmare is effective as Mhorkya. Dhruv Thoke (dubbing by Aman Malik) is endearing as Bhivaba’s grandson, Vishnu. Vitthal Kale (as Mohan), Pravin Dalimbkar (as Vilas; dubbing by Aniket Khade), Rukmini Sutar (as Suman’s grandmother), Hemant Pharande (as Kailash; dubbing by Sanchit Wartak), Prashant Deshpande (as Pandya’s father) Ashay Shastri (as Popat; dubbing by Firoz Khan), Hari Vaidya (as Baban), Pooja Mithbavkar (as Chandra), Kajal Joshi (as Jaya), Utpreksha (as Bharath), Ramesh Chandane (as Shirapya), Trupti Ravindra (as Shirapya’s wife), Ayush Ulagade (as Tiprya; dubbing by Raju Kava), Sangram Desai (as Khajindar; dubbing by Kamal Chaturvedi), Nitin Salunkhe (as the munim), Saiprasad Shinde (as Chamchya), Shashikant Jadhav (as Malhari), Rajendra Jadhav (as Barku Bhagat), and Prabhakar Mathapati (as Anand’s daji; dubbing by Ganesh Divekar) lend decent support. Others are natural to the core.
Santosh Davakhar’s direction is very nice. He has handled the subject of his maiden directorial venture with understanding and maturity. Ilaiyaraaja’s music is appealing. It will especially be loved by the Marathi-speaking viewers. Lyrics (by Ajay Gogawale and Santosh Davakhar) are in synch with the mood of the film. Amalendu Chaudhary’s cinematography is first-rate. Sandeep Meher’s production designing is of a good standard. Ashish Mhatre’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is very good.
On the whole, Gondhal is an entertaining film but it will have its limitations at the ticket windows because of the lack of universality of the subject. It will be liked by the discerning audience mainly. Lack of awareness about the release is a big minus point.
Released on 13-11-’26 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Cinepolis India. Publicity: dull. Opening: weak. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.,
