Redefine Productions’ Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke (Marathi) is a biopic of celebrated music composer and singer Sudhir Phadke. It traces the life of Sudhir who was named Ram. The name Sudhir was given to him by N.N. Deshpande (Uday Sabnis).
Ram (Vihan Shendge) was fond of listening to music since childhood. His father sends him to Padhye Buwa (Nitin Danduke) to learn music. A few years later, N.N. Deshpande is very impressed with Ram’s (Adish Vaidya) singing. He gives him the new name of Sudhir. As time goes by, Sudhir entertains people by singing at RSS gatherings. One day, Sudhir’s maternal uncle and father send him money and ask him to start music classes. But Sudhir’s friends take away the money from him. However, Sudhir’s uncle, unaware of the truth, feels that he had wasted the money and hence ask him not to ever set foot in Kolhapur, Miraj and Jamkhandi. Sudhir’s friend, Nana Gadgil (Chinmay Patwardhan), supports Sudhir and inspires him to keep singing. However, despite talent, Sudhir is unable to make a name for himself. One day, he reaches Calcutta and starts working in a music record company. He becomes famous as Babuji there.
One day, poet G.D. Madgulkar (Sagar Talashikar) introduces Sudhir to Prabhat Film Company after which Sudhir never had to look back. After becoming a sought-after music composer and singer, Sudhir Phadke makes a biographical film on his idol, Sane Guruji. The film becomes successful at the box-office.
Yogesh Deshpande has penned an interesting story about the life of Sudhir Phadke, his love for music, his struggles, the people who helped him in his career, his rise to stardom, etc. Yogesh Deshpande’s screenplay is pretty engaging but having said that, it must be added that the drama would hold more interest for people in the 30- and 40-plus age groups. In fact, youngsters may not feel inclined to even make efforts to know Sudhir Phadke’s life story. Dialogues, also written by Yogesh Deshpande, are alright but should’ve been more forceful.
Sunil Barve shines in the title role. Adish Vaidya is also excellent as the young Sudhir Phadke. Mrunmayee Deshpande is nice in the role of Sudhir’s wife, Lalita Bai. Chinmay Patwardhan lends good support as Sudhir’s friend, Nana Gadgil. Sagar Talashikar makes his presence felt in the role of G.D. Madgulkar. Apurva Modak (as Asha Bhosle), Milind Phatak (as Raja Paranjpe), Sukhada Khandekar (as Manik Varma), Nikhil Raje Shirke (as Sudhir Phadke’s son, Shridhar Phadke), Vibhawari Deshpande (as Sudhir’s mother), Rajbhushan Sahastrabuddhe (as Sudhir’s father), Vihan Shendge (as little Ram), Dheeraj Joshi (as Veer Savarkar), Nitin Danduke (as Padhye buwa), Prasanna Ketkar (as Sudhir’s maternal uncle) and the rest lend lovely support.
Yogesh Deshpande’s direction is nice. Sudhir Phadke’s music is appealing. Mahesh Aney and Saumitra Yadnyopavit’s cinematography is eye-pleasing. Mahesh Kore’s sets are good. Faisal Mahadik’s editing is quite sharp.
On the whole, Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke is a well-made film but it will do limited business as it will not get the patronage of the youth.
Released on 1-5-’24 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Viacom18 Studios. Publicity: so-so. Opening: ordinary.