PEN Studios and Vijaygiri Film’s Kasoombo (dubbed from the Gujarati film of the same name; UA) is set in the 14th century. Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji invades Adipur village in Gujarat but 51 braveheart residents lay down their lives to protect their temple, sacred places and land.
The Barot tribe comprises warrior families who have always fought wars to protect their land. They live in Gujarat’s Shetrunjay Hills. One day, Dadu Barot (Dharmendra Gohil) is warned about the menace and havoc being wreaked by Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji (Darshan Paandya). The ruler is due to attack a beautiful temple in the Shetrunjay Hills and build a fort in its place. While Khilji’s army consists of hundreds of warriors, there are only 51 residents of Adipur who come forward to safeguard the temple.
The story about grit and determination is adapted from Vimalkumar Dhami’s novel, Amar Balidan. It is very inspiring and heartfelt. Raam Mori and Vijaygiri Bava have written an engaging screenplay which keeps the audience entertained. Having said that, it must be added that the drama has too much of a local flavour and hence has its limitations as far as appeal is concerned. Climax is excellent. Dialogues (Raam Mori and Kunal Kansara) are nice.
Raunaq Kamdar does well as warrior Amar. Dharmendra Gohil shines as Dadu Barot. Shraddha Dangar plays Dadu Barot’s daughter, Sujaan, beautifully. Darshan Paandya lives the character of Alauddin Khilji. His get-up, voice and expressions are excellent. Monal Gajjar is wonderful in the role of Roshan. Chetan Dhanani (as Arjun), Feroz Irani (as Visabha), Jay Bhatt (as Meghji) and Kalpana Gagdekar (as Mithiba) lend admirable support. Komal Thacker (as Zubaida), Vishal Vaishya (as Alaf Khan), Bimal Trivedi (as Vedo Khokhar), Jagjeetsinh Vadher (as Nagraj), Mayur Soneji (as Jadavbha), Vrutant Goradia (as Ranmal), Bhargav Parmar (as Popat), Manoj Shah (as Muni Maharaj) and Ragi Jani (as the pujari) are adequate.
Vijaygiri Bava’s direction is very nice. Mehul Surti’s music is okay. His background music is effective. Lyrics (Uma Shirodkar) are fair. Prince Gupta’s choreography is quite alright. Gargey Trivedi’s camerawork is of a fine standard. Pradyumna Kumar Swain’s action and stunts are very thrilling. Chintankumar Rajnikant’s production designing and Ashwini Haldankar’s art direction are appropriate. Kanu Prajapati’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is fairly nice.
On the whole, Kasoombo is a very well-made film but its business prospects in Hindi are bleak. There may be block bookings by Jain social groups in pockets but that will not add up to a handsome number. The original Gujarati film, made at a cost of more than Rs. 9 crore, netted around Rs. 13 crore at the Gujarat-Saurashtra box-office.
Released on 3-5-’24 at Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity & opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.