Vinsan Graphic Production and Satya Sai Films’ Bandkhor (Marathi; A) is the story of six women, each shaped by a different world, coming together. Jointly, they defy the roles society has handed them. The film follows each of the six women’s battle for dignity and freedom.
Mahesh Manjrekar’s story starts off well as a forward-looking plot. But his screenplay is unable to sustain the intention of an engaging progressive drama because it becomes class-appealing and also repetitive and boring at times. Irawati Karnik and Siddharth Salvi’s dialogues are nice.
Priyadarshini Indalkar leaves a mark as Meera. Mrinal Kulkarni acts very well as Sharda. Chhaya Kadam shines in the role of Usha. Pooja Katurde acts well as Rupa. Titeeksha Tawde is quite nice in the role of Seema. Nityashree Patil is fair as Urvashi. Sanket Pathak is so-so as Neil. Mangesh Desai makes his mark as Sadanand. Angad Mhaskar is adequate as Namdev. Mahesh Manjrekar makes his presence felt in the role of Rahul. Siddharth Bodke has his moments as Abhas.
Mahesh Manjrekar’s direction is quite good but the narration will appeal more to the classes. Hitesh Modak and Piyush-Mahesh’s music should’ve been more mass-appealing. Lyrics (A.M. Turaz, Vaibhav Deshmukh and Sameer Sawant) are appropriate. Hitesh Modak’s background music is quite nice. Karan Rawat does a good job of the camerawork. Prashant Rane’s production designing, and Ketaki Ghuge’s art direction are of a good standard. Satish Padwal’s editing is reasonably sharp.
On the whole, Bandkhor is not a very entertaining fare and will, therefore, not be able to sustain at the ticket windows.
Released on 24-9-’26 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity & opening: poor.
