T-Series Films, Colour Yellow Productions Pvt. Ltd., Zee Studios and Mayasabha Karamanuk Mandali’s Aatmapamphlet (Marathi; UA) is a love story of two school-going kids.
Ashish (Manas Tondwalkar) and Srushti (Khushi Hajare) study in the same school and same class (Std. IV). Ashish lives with his parents (Bhimrao Mude and Ketaki Saraf), grandfather (Deepak Shirke) and grandmother. Ashish is fond of Srushti. From Std. V, there are different timings for girls and boys, but Ashish (Om Bendkhale) makes it a point to meet Srushti (Pranjalii Shrikant) regularly. This goes on till they study in Class VII. Now, Yash comes in their way. He also loves Srushti.
Ashish’s friend, Borya (Chetan Wagh), inadvertently creates a misunderstanding in Srushti’s mind, which affects her friendship with Ashish. But once Ashish clarifies matters, it is again all hunky-dory between him and Srushti. Will Yash continue to threaten Ashish’s love story? What happens when Ashish studies in college?
Ashish Avinash Bende’s story is so-so. The love story of school kids doesn’t leave a very good taste in the mouth because the age at which the kids are shown to be thinking about love is actually not the right age for such thoughts. Paresh Mokashi’s screenplay is fair although, it must be added, the initial portion of the drama is a bit loose. Some comedy is entertaining. The track of communal harmony is heartwarming. Paresh Mokashi’s dialogues are appealing.
Om Bendkhale does a fine job as Ashish. Pranjali Shrikant performs ably as Srushti. Manas Tondwalkar is alright as Std. IV’s Ashish. Khushi Hajare is fair as Std. IV’s Srushti. Chetan Wagh is pretty good in the role of Borya. Bhimrao Mude and Ketaki Saraf lend reasonable support as Ashish’s parents. Deepak Shirke has his moments as Ashish’s grandfather. Omkar Govardhan makes his presence felt in the role of the elderly Ashish. Paresh Mokashi’s narration is proper. Others are passable.
Ashish Avinash Bende’s direction is of a good standard. Sanket Kanetkar’s music is fair while his background score is impactful. Lyrics (Paresh Mokashi) are alright. Satyajeet Shobha Shriram’s camerawork is nice. Baban Adagale’s production designing is alright. Faisal Mahadik and Imran Mahadik’s editing is quite sharp.
On the whole, Aatmapamphlet is too ordinary to make much of a mark at the box-office.
Released on 6-10-’23 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by Zee Studios. Publicity: okay. Opening: so-so.