New Talent Search Movies and V.P. World Movies’ Ek Hota Pani (Marathi; UA; meaning ‘Once there was water’) is about water scarcity.
There is acute shortage of water in the village. A politician plays foul and does not let either the water from tankers or the government’s policies with regard to water reach the village. As a result, there are several suicides in the village. Finally, the villagers revolt against him and free themselves of his tyranny.
Ashish Ningurkar’s story and screenplay are dry and drab and afford no entertainment whatsoever. His dialogues are also just about okay.
Hansraj Jagtap does well as Ranga. Upendra Date is fair. Anant Jog makes his mark in the role of Patil. Jairaj Nair is quite good. Ganesh Mayekar is okay in the role of Babban. Ranjit Jog, Ashish Ningurkar (as Dr. Desai), Sriya Mastekar (as AshÂwini), Ranjit Kamble, Trisha Patil, Shital Kolhapure, Shital Shingare, Anand Wagh, Nana Shinde, AnuradÂha Bhavsar, Dr. Raju Patodkar, Radhakrishna Karale, Deepjyoti Naik, Chaitra Bhujbal and Yatin Karyekar provide routine support.
Rohan Satghare’s direction is below the mark. Vikas Joshi’s music is not entertaining. Ashish Ningurkar’s lyrics are okay. Song picturisations (by Subodh Akerkar, Shashikant Sagare and Dayanand Dabhade) are alright. Rohit Nagbhide’s background music is functional. Yogesh Andhare’s cameÂrawork is average. Sandeep Bera’s art direction is alright. Editing (by Swapnil Jadhav) is loose.
On the whole, Ek Hota Pani is a dull, drab and flop fare.
Released on 10-5-’19 at BharatÂmata (daily 1 show) and other cineÂmas of Bombay thru SR EntertainÂment. Publicity & opening: poor.