Elevate Films and Lavanyapriya Arts’ Palyad (Marathi) is the story of a young boy who lives with his mother and grandfather.
Mahadu (Shashank Shende) performs the last rites of the dead in the village he lives in. His son has died, and he stays with daughter-in-law Lakshmi (Devika Daftardar) and grandson Shambhu (master Ruchit Ninave). Mahadu wants Shambhu to follow in his footsteps, but Lakshmi and Shambhu want to fulfil the dream of their dead husband/father — of making Shambhu a doctor. What happens when Shambhu starts going to school? Do the villagers allow him to attend school?
Sudarshan Khandagale has written a good story about how a child is condemned to pursuing the profession of his grandfather if only because there is nobody else in the village to do that work. The screenplay, jointly penned by Sudarshan Khandagale and Shailesh Bhimrao Dupare, is okay but it gets repetitive and boring after a point because it moves on a single track. There is neither comedy nor are there light scenes in the screenplay. The duo’s dialogues are alright.
Shashank Shende does a fine job as Mahadu. Devika Daftardar performs ably as Lakshmi. Master Ruchit Ninave is okay as Shambhu. Veer Sathidar lends average support as Tukaram Buva. Devendra Dodke is okay as the sarpanch. Saili Dethe has her moments as the teacher. Gajesh Kamble passes muster as the blind man.
Shailesh Bhimrao Dupare’s direction is average. Music (by Sam A.R., Jagdish Gomila and Tushar Pargaonkar) is routine. Prashant Madpuwar and Arun Sangole’s lyrics are nice. Background music (by Mangesh Dhakde and Lokesh Kanithi) is effective. Mohar Mate’s cinematography is alright. Aniket Parasawar’s art direction is average. Manish Shirke’s editing is okay.
On the whole, Palyad is a fairly different film but it is too class-appealing to make a mark at the turnstiles.
Released on 4-11-’22 at Glamour (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru K Sera Sera Box Office. Publicity & opening: poor.