Sharda Films’ Mangalashtaka Returns (Marathi; UA) is a college love story of two persons from conflicting backgrounds. In spite of the fact that the families of the girl and the boy are political rivals, the two dare to love each other.
Dr. Bhalchandra Gaikwad has written a routine story and a hackneyed screenplay, both of which offer no novelty. The drama is of the kind which one has seen in umpteen earlier films. The romance is neither heartwarming nor exciting. Emotions are absent. Overall, the proceedings are below the mark. Dr. Bhalchandra Gaikwad’s dialogues are ordinary.
Vrushabh Shah is average as Anirudha. Sheetal Ahirrao does an ordinary job in the role of Sheetal. Saksham Kulkarni is okay as Dhaval. Prasad Oak is fair as Sangram. Sonal Pawar is so-so as Julie. Anand Ingale makes a reasonable impression as Zendu Phule. Kamlesh Sawant has his moments as Vijayrao. Sunil Godbole is adequate as Solapure. Prasanna Ketkar is alright as Patil Saheb. Sameer Paulaste is average as Kiran. Shweta Kharat is passable as Sanyukta. Prajakta Navnale passes muster as Pooja. Bhakti Chavan is ordinary as Vrunda. Sheetal Oswal hardly makes an impact in the role of Sunanda. Others lend average support.
Yogesh Pandurang Bhosale’s direction is below the mark. P. Shankaram’s music is weak. Lyrics are nothing to shout about. R. Kalai Kumar’s choreography is functional. P. Shankaram’s background music is not as impactful as it should’ve been. Vikas Singh’s camerawork is so-so. Anand Sathe’s art direction hardly deserves separate mention. S. Vikraman’s editing is loose.
On the whole, Mangalashtaka Returns is a weak fare.
Released on 23-5-’25 at Jai Hind Mukta A2 (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Filmastra Studios. Publicity & opening: poor.