Everest Entertainment and Kedaar Shinde Productions’ Maharashtra Shaheer (Marathi) is the biopic of poet, lyricist and singer Krushna Sable who became famous as Maharashtra Shahir because of his contribution to art. The story starts in pre-Independence era.
Little Krushna Sable loves singing. However, his mother (Shubhangi Sadavarte) doesn’t quite approve of his singing and hence packs him off to his maternal grandmother’s house in another village. When Krushna Sable (Ankush Chaudhari) grows up, he is still fond of singing. His mother now sends him to his paternal uncle in Bombay. There, Krushna meets social worker Sane Guruji (Amit Dolawat) who is so impressed by Krushna’s singing that he asks him to spread awareness, through his singing, among people about getting independence from the British rule, in different parts of the state. Krushna follows Sane Guruji’s advice. While touring different areas of Maharashtra, Krushna meets Bhanumati (Sana Kedaar Shinde) who loves to write poetry. Soon, they get married but they get separated after they have four children. Another woman, Malati (Ashwini Mahangade), enters his life.
Krushna hits rock bottom in his old age. But his daughters come to his rescue.
Vasundhara Sable has penned the life story of Krushna Sable. It is both, interesting and quite engaging. However, the youth may not be too impressed by the story as he is not their hero. Pratima Kulkarni’s screenplay is quite nice. But the drama is laced with so many songs that it can get a bit irritating for youngsters. Dialogues, also penned by Pratima Kulkarni, are appealing.
Ankush Chaudhari does an excellent job in the title role. Sana Kedaar Shinde looks good and acts well in the role of Bhanumati. Shubhangi Sadavarte is alright as Krushna’s mother. Ashwini Mahangade lends decent support as Malati. Akshay Tak makes his presence felt in the role of Raja Mayekar. Harish Baraskar is so-so as Krushna’s father, Ganpatrao. Yugesha Omkar (Vasundhara) and Yohana Vachchani (Charushila) are adequate as the children of Krushna and Bhanumati. Devdatt Ghone (as the eight-year-old Krushna) and Rugved Mule (as the 14-year-old Krushna) lend average support. Amit Dolawat (as Sane Guruji), Dushyant Wagh (as Bal Thackeray), Atul Kale (as Yeshwantrao Chavan) and Nirmiti Sawant (as Krushna’s maternal grandmother) are fair.
Kedaar Shinde’s direction is quite good. Ajay-Atul’s music is appealing. Lyrics (by Bhanumati Sable, Shaheer Sable and Guru Thakur) are nice. Background music is effective. Vasudev Arun Rane’s camerawork is of a good standard. Eknath Kadam’s art direction is appropriate. Mayur Hardas’ editing is quite crisp.
On the whole, Maharashtra Shaheer is a fair entertainer.
Released on 28-4-’23 at Plaza (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru August Entertainment. Publicity: very good. Opening: so-so.