Yash And Raj Entertainment’s Baalaa (Marathi) is about a young boy who leaves home to pursue his passion for sports.
Baalaa Rane (master Mihiresh Joshi) is very passionate about cricket. But his parents, police officer AviÂnash Rane (Upendra Limaye) and Nandini (Kranti Redkar), insist that he sacrifice sports for studies. In fact, Baalaa often gets firing from his dad. Finally, he leaves home to pursue his dream. How he becomes a force to reckon with in cricket forms the crux of the drama.
Sachindra Sharma’s story lacks novelty and is predictable. His screenplay is no better as it treads the beatÂen path. Even his dialogues are comÂmonplace.
Master Mihiresh Joshi does a fairly good job in the title role. Upendra Limaye acts ably as police officer Avinash Rane. Kranti Redkar is good as Baalaa’s mother, Nandini Rane. Vikram Gokhale makes his presence felt in the role of Bhagwan Rane. Suhasini Mulay lends good support. Rajesh Shringarpure makes his mark. Kamlesh Sawant (as Tatya), Ashish Gokhale (as police inspector Shinde), Jyoti Tayde (as Basanti), Apeksha Deshmukh (as Aarti) and Hiya Singh (as Rosy) are adequate.
Sachindra Sharma’s direction is ordinary. Mahesh-Rakesh’s music is so-so. Lyrics (by Vijay Gamre) are dull. Song picturisations (by Vishnu Deva, Habiba Rehman and Phulwa Khamkar) are okay. R.R. Prince’s cinematography is appropriate. Abhijit Kundar’s editing is alright.
On the whole, Baalaa lacks novelty and, therefore, will not be able to do much at the ticket counters.
Released on 3-5-’19 at Bharatmata (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Runaway-Luminosity Distribution. Publicity: fair. Opening: poor.