Moh Maya Films, Creative Viibe Productions and Planet Marathi’s Pondicherry (Marathi; UA) is the story of a widow, Nikita (Sai Tamhankar), who runs a homestay accommodation in Pondicherry. She lives in the same house with her little son, Ishan (master Tanmay Kulkarni). One day, she has a guest, Rohan (Vaibhav Tatwawadi), who has come there with the intention of forcing Nikita to sell her house to his company. But Rohan’s ex-wife, Manasi (Amruta Khanvilkar), asks him not to do so as Nikita is a good soul. By sheer coincidence, Manasi has also landed at Nikita’s house as a guest. Besides, Rohan also gets fond of Nikita’s little son.
Why did Rohan and Manasi divorce each other? Who is Rikki (Gaurav Ghatnekar), the man with whom Manasi has now come to Pondicherry? Why does Rohan contact Nikita’s mother-in-law and brother-in-law?
Sachin Kundalkar and Tejas Modak have written a simple story which warms the cockles of the heart but does not give the satisfaction of having watched a wholesome story as elements of heroism and romance are missing. Emotions are conspicuous by their absence. Comedy is minimal. The duo’s screenplay is well-written but again, it would appeal to the more evolved audience rather than the masses. Sachin Kundalkar’s dialogues are so-so.
Sai Tamhankar acts very well in the role of Nikita. Vaibhav Tatwawadi does a fine job as Rohan. Amruta Khanvilkar is alright as Manasi. Master Tanmay Kulkarni leaves a mark as Ishan. Neena Kulkarni has her moments as Nikita’s mother. Gaurav Ghatnekar (as Rikki) and Mahesh Manjrekar lend fair support.
Sachin Kundalkar’s direction is fairly nice. His narration caters to the class audience. Debarpito Saha’s music is okay. Lyrics (Sunil Sukthankar and Tejas Modak) are alright. Background music passes muster. Milind Jog’s camerawork is rather good, considering that the entire film has been shot on an iPhone 10. Abhijeet Deshpande’s editing is tight.
On the whole, Pondicherry is a well-made film but with very limited commercial value.
Released on 25-2-’22 at Gem (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru A.P. Communications. Publicity: so-so. Opening: poor.