Navayan Dream Films Production’s Jai Bhim Panther (Marathi; UA) is a story of the fight of a few like-minded people to stop the exploitation of Dalits.
Seeing the exploitation of Dalits, five friends — Bhai (Milind Shinde), Siddharth (Chinmay Udgirkar), Rahul (Gaurav More), Kasim (Pravin Dalimbkar) and Raoba (Vijay Dhakade) — form an organisation, Jai Bhim Panther. This body raises its voice against atrocities perpetrated on Dalits. Sensing the growing popularity of the pro-Dalit organisation, the ruling party tries all under its command to scuttle the voice of Jai Bhim Panther. At the forefront in the plan to dislodge Jai Bhim Panther are Subhanrao (Sanjay Kulkarni), Baburao (Jaywant Wadkar) and police inspector Jadhav (Abhijeet Chavan). What happens finally?
Nishant Natharam Dhapase has written a story which offers no novelty. His screenplay is not very exciting and often treads the predictable path. The drama never really succeeds in engaging the viewers and, therefore, they remain passive spectators. Nishant Natharam Dhapase’s dialogues are fair.
Milind Shinde does well as Bhai. Chinmay Udgirkar is alright as Siddharth. Gaurav More is okay in the role of Rahul. Pravin Dalimbkar is average as Kasim. Vinay Dhakade is ordinary as Raoba. Sanjay Kulkarni is so-so as Subhanrao. Jaywant Wadkar makes his presence felt as Baburao. Abhijeet Chavan lends routine support as police inspector Jadhav. Shashank Shende leaves a mark as Mahadu. Sonali Patil (as Alka) and Priyanka Ubale (as the activist) do as desired. Others pass muster.
Nishant Natharam Dhapase’s direction is average. Rohit Nagbhide’s music is ordinary. His background music is okay. Yogesh Koli’s cinematography is of a fine standard. Gangadhar Singare’s art direction is adequate. Nilesh Navnath Gavand’s editing should’ve been crisper.
On the whole, Jai Bhim Panther will find the going at the box-office tough.
Released on 11-4-’25 at Gem (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Filmastra Studios. Publicity: poor. Opening: fair.
