UV Films’ Guthlee Ladoo is about two Harijan boys, Guthlee (Dhanay Seth) and Ladoo (Heet Sharma). Since both are Harijans, they don’t get admission in the village school. The school principal, Harishankar (Sanjay Mishra), is very impressed by Guthlee’s determination to educate himself so that he can elevate his status. But even he is unable to convince the school’s trustee and politician, Chaube (Arif Shahdoli), to allow Guthlee to study in his school. On the other hand is Ladoo who resigns himself to his fate, just like his father (Kanchan Pagare). What happens finally? Does Guthlee get admission in the school? And what about Ladoo?
Srinivas Abrol has written a nice story about the caste system and education. It has some poignant moments. The screenplay, penned by Ganesh Pandit, Srinivas Abrol and Ishrat R. Khan, is quite engaging. Of course, the drama has limited appeal only, but it is, nevertheless, a well-written one. It not only provokes the audience to think but also keeps them entertained. Why, even the dialogues (Ganesh Pandit and Srinivas Abrol) touch the heart at some places. Otherwise too, they are good.
Dhanay Seth lives the role of Guthlee. He performs wonderfully. Sanjay Mishra shines as school principal Harishankar with a heartfelt performance. Subrat Dutta lends good support as Guthlee’s father, Mangru. Kalyanee Mulay is okay as Guthlee’s mother, Rania. Heet Sharma is fair in a brief role as Ladoo. Arif Shahdoli has his moments as Chaube. Kanchan Pagare makes his presence felt in the role of Ladoo’s father, Budhiya. Archana Patel is alright as Ladoo’s mother, Dhaniya. Sanjay Sahu is okay as peon Ganesia. Sunita Shirole lends decent support as principal Harishankar’s mother.
Ishrat R. Khan’s direction is reasonably sensitive. Rohan-Rohan’s music and Rohan Gokhale’s lyrics are average and should’ve been far better. Amar Mohile’s background music is impactful. Anil B. Akki’s camerawork is nice. Abbas Ali Moghul’s action and stunt scenes are natural. Sara Ishrat Khan’s production designing, and Syed Tabrez Pasha’s art direction are average. Steven H. Bernard’s editing is suitably sharp.
On the whole, Guthlee Ladoo is a film which touches the heart. But yet, its business will be restricted because of lack of face value, ordinary promotion, and limited showcasing.
Released on 13-10-’23 at Gem (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Panorama Studios. Publicity: so-so. Opening: weak. …….Also released all over.