AA Films and Dithee Production’s Sant Dnyaneshwaranchi Muktaai (Marathi) is the story of Maharashtra’s revered saint and poet, Sant Dnyaneshwar. Although the title suggests that it is the story of Dnyaneshwar’s sister, Muktaai, the fact is that it is more the saint’s story than his sister’s.
Digpal Lanjekar’s screenplay is quite interesting and even engaging. What the drama lacks in are emotions. However, scenes of miracles are enjoyable. Digpal Lanjekar’s dialogues are impressive.
Tejas Barve does a fine job as Sant Dnyaneshwar. Akshay Kelkar is okay as Nivrutti. Suraj Parasnis is so-so as Sopan. Neha Naik performs ably as Muktaai. Yogesh Soman lends fine support as Visoba Shastri. Ashutosh Wadekar is okay in the role of Gram Joshi. Sachin Deshpande is alright as Shivshastri. Smita Shewale leaves a mark as Shivshastri’s wife, Yashoda. Sameer Dharmadhikari is alright as Vitthalpant Kulkarni. Mrinal Kulkarni makes her mark as Rukmini. Ajay Purkar is ordinary as Changdev. Manoj Joshi does a fair job as Brahmeshwar Shastri. Abhijeet Shwetchandra is okay as Bhagwan Vitthal. Nupur Daithankar is average as Devi Rukmini. Manas Bedekar (as young Dnyaneshwar), Sahil Dharmadhikari (as young Nivrutti), Abhir Gore (as young Sopan) and Ishmita Joshi (as young Muktaai) are adequate. Sunil Godbole (as Devkule Shastri), Adinath Kothare (as Sant Namdev), Ashwini Mahangade (as Sant Janabai), Pravin Tarde (as Sant Chokhamela), Deepti Lele (as Devi Saraswati), Sachin Bhilare (as the potter), Neeta Donde (as the potter’s wife) and Bipin Surve (as Shambhu Pandit) pass muster.
Digpal Lanjekar’s direction is nice. Avadhoot Gandhi and Devdutta Manisha Baji’s music is very good. All the abhangs are appealing. Lyrics have been taken from Sakal Sant Gatha. Kiran Borkar’s song picturisations are appealing. Shantanu Pandey’s background music is very impactful. Sandeep Shinde’s camerawork is of a fine standard. Babbu Khanna’s action and stunt scenes are okay. Pratik Redij and Sanjay Karole’s art direction is of a good standard. Editing (Sagar Shinde and Vinay Shinde) is sharp.
On the whole, Sant Dnyaneshwaranchi Muktaai has entertainment value for disciples of Sant Dnyaneshwar. It will do very well in those parts of Maharashtra where the saint’s followers and worshippers abound.
Released on 18-4-’25 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by AA Films. Publicity: good. Opening: so-so.