Jio Studios, Antarnaad Entertainments and Darshan Productions Pvt. Ltd.’s Me Vasantrao (Marathi) is a biopic on classical Hindustani singer Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande. A non-conformist, Vasantrao lived life on his terms. The film traces the events that shaped his life and his music, with special emphasis on his unique bond with P.L. Deshpande. It also underlines how he became a force to reckon with after his performance in stage-play Katyaar Kaljaat Ghusli.
Upendra Sidhaye and Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari’s story is based on known and lesser-known incidents from Vasantrao Deshpande’s life, beginning from his childhood. It is interesting and reasonably engaging. The duo’s screenplay holds the viewers’ interest and keeps them involved in the drama. Of course, the youth may not find the excessive number of classical songs to their liking but the drama and twists and turns are interesting enough to keep them involved and engrossed. Dialogues, penned by the duo, are excellent, at places, and good, otherwise.
Rahul Deshpande excels in the title role. Anita Date does an able job as Vasantrao’s mother, Radha. Pushkaraj Chirputkar is wonderful in the role of P.L. Deshpande. His comedy is rather cute. Kaumudi Walokar is alright as Vasantrao’s wife, Vimal. Amey Wagh makes his presence felt in a brief role as Master Dinanath Mangeshkar. Kumud Mishra is superb as Khan Saab. Alok Rajwade has his moments as Vasantrao’s maternal uncle. Yatin Karyekar lends fair support as Vasantrao’s father. Sarang Sathye (as Shankar Sapre), Arush Naad (as child Vasantrao), Gandhar Joshi (as teenager Vasantrao) and Shakuntala Nagarkar (as lavni singer) lend fair support.
Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari’s direction is very nice. Rahul Deshpande and Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki’s music is appealing. There are 22 songs in all, and that’s a bit too much, but the tunes are melodious. Lyrics (Vaibhav Joshi, Mangesh Kangane, Mayuresh Wagh and Purushottam Darvhekar are of a fine standard. Sarang Kulkarni and Saurabh Bhalerao do a good job of the background music. Abhimanyu Dange’s cinematography is eye-filling. Editing (by Faisal Mahadik and Imran Mahadik) is sharp.
On the whole, Me Vasantrao is an entertaining fare.
Released on 1-4-’22 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by Viacom18 Studios thru August Entertainment. Publicity: alright. Opening: fair.