Samata Films and Abhita Films Production Pvt.Ltd.’s Satyashodhak (Marathi) is the biopic of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. In spite of not being able to complete his education because of his lower caste status, Jyotiba rose to great heights and was conferred the title of Mahatma by mill workers’ leader Narayan Lokhande (Ganesh Yadav). The film talks about Jyotiba’s childhood days, his friendship with Savitri and their marriage and social work.
Nilesh Jalamkar has penned a story which would hold more interest for the lower strata of society, for whose welfare Jyotiba Phule worked a lot. Jalamkar’s screenplay is quite engaging and interesting. It even touches the heart at a few places. But the pace of the drama is slow. Nilesh Jalamkar’s dialogues are good at places.
Sandeep Kulkarni acts ably as Jyotiba Phule. Rajshri Deshpande does a fine job as Savitri. Prathamesh Pande is good as young Jyotiba. Samruddhi Sarvar is natural as young Savitri. Ganesh Yadav lends fair support in the role of Narayan Lokhande. Ravindra Mankani is alright as Jyotiba’s father, Govind. Aniket Kelkar is adequate as Jyotiba’s friend, Krishnarao. Suresh Vishwakarma is alright as Lahu Pahelwan. Siddheshwar Zadbuke, Aniruddh Bankar, Rahul Tayade, Monica Tayade, Jayshree Gaikwad, Dr. Rajendra Khedekar, Rupali Wakode, Dr. Sunil Gajare, Honaji Chauhan, Amol Bawadekar, Ravi Patwardhan and the rest provide decent support.
Nilesh Jalamkar’s direction is quite alright. Amitraj’s music could’ve been better. Lyrics (Kishore Bali, Dr. Chandu Pakhare, Nilesh Jalamkar) are okay. Sangram Bhalkar’s choreography is functional. Sameer Phatarpekar’s background music is okay. Arun Prasad’s camerawork is alright. Bikash Kumar Singh’s action and stunt scenes are somewhat thrilling. Sets (Vishwanath Mestry, Arjun Rathod and Sandeep Inamke) are average. Vijay Khochikar’s editing is reasonably sharp.
On the whole, Satyashodhak is too ordinary to appeal to the masses. It has chances in small centres mainly.
Released on 5-1-’24 at Jai Hind Mukta A2 (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Reliance Entertainment. Publicity: so-so. Opening: dull.