Gajre Films’ Pahije Jatiche (Marathi; UA) is about the caste system and how a young man from the lower caste does not command respect just because he is looked down upon. The discrimination is so deep-rooted that he does not get a job in spite of being bright. It also talks about the corruption in the education system.
A young man from the backward class studies hard to realise his long-cherished dream of becoming a college professor. Instead of a bright future, he gets involved in campus politics which ensures his ouster from the educational institution!
Vijay Tendulkar’s story is sensitive but it does not have as much relevance today as it would’ve had, say, 50 years ago. Besides, the story lacks novelty. Uma V. Kulkarni and Kabaddi Narendra Babu have penned a screenplay which treads the beaten path so that nothing really makes much of an impact on the viewers. Even the emotions, which should have arisen in people’s hearts, go out of the window due to poor scripting. Dialogues (by Vijay Tendulkar and Uma V. Kulkarni) are ordinary.
Vikram Gajre is average in the central role. Sanjana Kale is so-so. Sayaji Shinde makes an impact. Bhaghirathibai Kadam lends ordinary support. Amir Tadwalkar passes muster. Sushant Koli is not up to the mark. Nagnath Salve is passable. Dilip Ahire performs in a routine fashion. Pushpa Rathod is just about okay.
Kabaddi Narendra Babu’s direction is dull. The narration would appeal neither to the masses nor the classes. Anwesshaa’s music and Uma V. Kulkarni’s lyrics are just about functional. Raam Kiran T.’s choreography is weak. M.B. Allikatti’s cinematography is poor. M.D. Purushottam’s art direction is nothing to shout about. Harish Komme’s editing is loose.
On the whole, Pahije Jatiche is a flop fare.
Released on 4-8-’23 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru August Entertainment. Publicity & opening: poor.