Jio Studios and Kedar Shinde Productions’ Zapuk Zupuk (Marathi; UA) is the story of a commoner and his love for a politician’s daughter.
Suraj (Suraj Chavan) is uneducated and works as a peon in a school in which local MLA Punjabrao’s (Milind Gawali) daughter, Narayani (Jui Bhagwat), is a teacher. Shekhar (Indraneel Kamat), an ex-lover of Narayani, is also a teacher in the same school. While Suraj develops feelings of love for Narayani, he asks Shekhar to write letters to her on his behalf to express his love. But Narayani mistakes those as being letters from Shekhar and ultimately marries him, much to the disappointment of Suraj.
Still unaware of Suraj’s love for her, Narayani actually seeks Suraj’s help to save Shekhar when his life is in danger. Does Suraj oblige? Does Narayani get to know of Suraj’s love for her? What happens finally? Why was Shekhar’s life in danger?
Mangesh Datt has written a story which doesn’t offer much novelty. His screenplay is good in parts only. The light scenes are entertaining, but emotions are conspicuous by their absence. Although it is a love triangle, romance in the drama is less. The audience feels bad for Suraj when Narayani marries Shekhar. Climax is not too fulfilling. Omkar Mangesh Datt and Rushikesh Turai’s dialogues are good.
Suraj Chavan is not hero material but he has delivered a good performance. Jui Bhagwat acts well as Narayani. Indraneel Kamat looks handsome and performs ably in the role of Shekhar. Hemant Pharande is okay as Rajkumar. Payal Jadhav makes a fine impression as Suraj’s sister. Milind Gawali lends average support as MLA Punjabrao. Deepali Pansare is okay as Narayani’s stepmother, Vrunda. Pushkaraj Chirputkar is ordinary as school principal Jambhale. Praful Bankar (as Papya), Krupa Nilesh Gaikwad (as Chingi), Swarangi Vijay Patil (as Chimi), Sesha Sunny Hindlekar (as Golu), Kanha Tiwari (as Chikya), Vihaan Vishal Shedge (as Sasa) and others provide average support.
Kedar Shinde’s direction is good although he has not been able to do much about the limitations of the script. Chandan Kamble’s music is appealing. Vajiv dada and the title song are well-tuned. Chandan Kamble and Pratik Sanjay Borkar’s lyrics are alright. Song picturisations (by Chetan Mahajan and Chetan Shigwan) are so-so. The background music is nice. Uday Singh Mohite’s camerawork is of a fine standard. Nilesh Choudhari’s art direction is appropriate. Mayur Hardas does a good job of the editing.
On the whole, Zapuk Zupuk is too ordinary to score at the ticket counters.
Released on 25-4-’25 at Jai Hind Mukta A2 (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by Jio Studios thru August Entertainment. Publicity: okay. Opening: dull.
