Jio Studios and Shree Ganesh Marketing And Film’s Sangeet Manapmaan (Marathi; UA) is a love story.
Rani Sarkar (Nivedita Saraf) is the queen of Sangrampur. Commander Kakasaheb (Shailesh Datar) is getting old and, therefore, wants a young man to take his place in Sangrampur. Deputy commander Chandravilas (Sumeet Raghavan) yearns to become the commander, but Kakasaheb asks a local shepherd, Dhairyadhar (Subodh Bhave), to train as an armyman so that he can ultimately be given charge as the commander. This doesn’t sit well with Chandravilas who can stoop to any level to become commander. Chandravilas also loves Kakasaheb’s daughter, Bhamini (Vaidehi Parshurami). But Kakasaheb wants Bhamini to marry Dhairyadhar. What happens finally? Does Bhamini marry Dhairyadhar or Chandravilas? Who becomes the commander?
The story is based on Krushnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar’s stage-play of the same name. Shirish Gopal Deshpande and Subodh Bhave have expanded the story while Shirish Gopal Deshpande and Urja Deshpande have penned the screenplay, with additional screenplay by Prajakt Deshmukh. The story is quite interesting but the screenplay moves at a slow pace, especially in the first half. The pace does pick up after interval but even then, the drama appears too long-drawn. This is also because the drama is interspersed with 14 songs! The love story lacks the emotional quotient and often becomes predictable. Prajakt Deshmukh’s dialogues are good.
Subodh Bhave does a splendid job. He shines as both, the shepherd and the warrior. Vaidehi Parshurami performs wonderfully as Bhamini. Sumeet Raghavan is quite good in the role of Chandravilas. Shailesh Datar lends able support as Kakasaheb. Nivedita Saraf is okay as Rani Sarkar Vijayalaxmi. Upendra Limaye does a fair job as Dhiren. Neena Kulkarni makes her mark as Dhairyadhar’s mother, Chimnabai. Archana Nipankar is so-so as Bhamini’s maid, Kusum. Jitendra Agarkar is ordinary as Chandravilas’ sidekick, Chakri. Umesh Bolke is average as Narsinh. Priyapal Darshati (as Deva), Amarnath Kharade (as Shyama), Pranav Prabhakar (as Baiju), Akash Mohite (as Kanta), Shubham Govilkar (as Raya), Keya Ingle (as Gauri), Smital Chavan (as Gauri’s mother) and Niranjan Jabir (as Gauri’s father) provide fair support. Amruta Khanvilkar impresses in a dance. Shankar Mahadevan and Bela Shende make special appearances in a song-dance. Others fit the bill.
Subodh Bhave’s direction is good but he should’ve made a crisper film as the audience loses patience when scenes don’t hold their attention. Music — original songs by Krushnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar; new compositions by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy — is appealing, but the songs are not super-hit. Sameer Samant’s lyrics are in synch with the mood of the film. Deepali Vichare and Subhash Nakashe’s song picturisations are eye-filling. Santosh Mulekar’s background music is impactful. Sudheer Palsane’s camerawork is okay. Pradyumna Kumar Swain’s action and stunt scenes are fair. Santosh Phutane’s art direction is proper. Ashish Mhatre’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, Sangeet Manapmaan may be a well-made film but its business at the ticket windows will be average because it is too lengthy and has too many songs.
Released on 10-1-’25 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PVR Inox Pictures. Publicity: good. Opening: so-so.