Pranali Movies’ Rivanawayali (Marathi; UA) is the story about societal norms and the place of women in Indian society.
A well-read young girl from a respectable rural family breaks free from traditions and comes to the town for further education. She becomes part of a progressive, idealistic and thought-provoking student-teacher group and is happy. She even finds love while in college. But over time, she is deceived in love. She also realises that the idealism she so admired was false. Her life falls apart. Dejected, she decides to follow what her family wants of her. But her marriage turns out to be a nightmare for her. Her devastation raises questions about the very institution of marriage we give so much importance to. It also questions the place of a lady in our patriarchal society.
Prof. Rajan Gavas has penned a very forward-thinking story which generalises too easily. Sanjay Pawar’s screenplay is very class-appealing. It puts a question mark on so many societal norms that it makes the audiences wonder what they’ve been doing all these years. Even the ultra-modern viewers may not agree completely with the message the screenplay sends out, what to talk of the orthodox audiences. Sanjay Pawar’s dialogues are okay.
Akshaya Gurav is so-so in the role of Aishwarya Desai. Shashank Shende acts ably as Rajaram Desai. Devika Daftardar has her moments as Sulochana Desai. Pratap Sonale is alright as Laxman Desai. Kalyani Choudhari lends fair support as Radha Desai. Akash Nalavade makes his presence felt as Rajesh Deshpande. Santosh Mahadik (as Jagdish Patil), Pooja Gore (as Saundarya) and Mohini Desai (as Jamila Shaikh) provide routine support.
Dr. Dineshkumar Kadam’s direction is below the mark. He has not been able to make a universally acceptable film. Parth Umarani’s music and background score are just about passable. Lyrics (Vaibhav Deshmukh) are so-so. Dhananjay Kulkarni’s camerawork is okay. Mahesh Kore’s sets are average. Yogesh Gogate’s editing should’ve been crisper.
On the whole, Rivanawayali is a flop fare.
Released on 8-4-’22 at Movie Time Goregaon (daily 1 show) and another cinema of Bombay thru A.P. Communications. Publicity & opening: poor.