Sachin Pilgaonkar and Dhun Production’s Sthal (Marathi; UA) is the story of a farmer’s family living in a village in Chandrapur district.
Savita (Nandini Chikte) lives in a village with her father, Daulatrao Wandhare (Taranath Khiratkar), mother, Lilabai (Sangita Sonekar), and brother, Mangesh (Suyog Dhawas). She is unable to give her MPSC exams because, on the day of the examination, her father wants her to see the boy whose marriage proposal has come for her. Ultimately, the boy rejects her. Her professor, Khapne Sir (Sandip Parkhi), offers to marry her, but his father demands Rs. 5 lakh by way of dowry. However, when Savita’s father fails to arrange for the dowry money, he attempts suicide but is saved. This incident results in cancellation of the wedding of Savita and Khapne Sir. Meanwhile, Savita’s brother, Mangesh, also proves unlucky in love as Suman (Mansi Pawar), his girlfriend, is married off to another boy by her father.
Jayant Digambar Somalkar has written a story which depresses more than it entertains. His screenplay saddens the heart, but it fails to evoke emotions. Romance and comedy are also missing. The portion relating to the marriage ceremony of Savita’s friend, Ranjana (Gauri Badki), is interesting. The drama has more class appeal. Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s dialogues are okay.
Nandini Chikte does well as Savita. Taranath Khiratkar performs excellently as Savita’s helpless father, Daulatrao Wandhare. Sangita Sonekar lends average support as Lilabai. Suyog Dhawas is alright as Mangesh. Sandip Parkhi is okay as Khapne Sir. Sandip Somalkar lends routine support as school teacher Kale Guruji. Swati Ulmale makes her mark reasonably well in the role of Savita’s friend, Gauri. Gauri Badki is adequate in the role of Savita’s friend, Ranjana. Mansi Pawar provides average support as Mangesh’s girlfriend, Suman. Sachin Tonge (as Gauri’s boyfriend, Ganesh) is not too impressive. Vikrant Prakash Shinde (as Iqbal), Shubham Shete (as Pomya), Onkar Mohitkar (as Dasrya) and the rest pass muster.
Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s direction is ordinary. There is not much for the masses in Somalkar’s narration. There is only one song in the film and it is well-tuned (by Madhav Agarwal). Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s lyrics are appropriate. Background music is fairly appealing. Manoj Karmakar’s camerawork is alright. Vikram Singh’s production designing is of a fine standard. Abhijit Deshpande’s editing is quite sharp.
On the whole, Sthal is a flop show.
Released on 7-3-’25 at Jai Hind Mukta A2 (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru August Entertainment. Publicity & opening: poor.