Shubham Film Production and Shanidev Films’ Ladki Bahin (Marathi; UA) is a story about how Ladki Bahin, the widely discussed government scheme, is empowering underprivileged women. As the poor in the state come together, they are better equipped to face challenges because of the scheme. They all strive for a better future.
Ganesh Shinde’s story and screenplay have been woven around the Maharashtra government’s scheme to aid poor women. The story and the drama don’t have much masala to entertain. Hence the proceedings fail to involve the viewers or engage them. Ganesh Shinde’s dialogues are routine.
Smita Tambe is alright. Surekha Kudchi does a fair job. Gautami Patil is okay. Madhav Abhyankar performs well. Shashank Shende makes his mark. Anil Nagarkar is adequate. Suresh Vishwakarma has his moments. Siddheshwar Zadbuker’s acting is so-so. Sanjay Khapre leaves a mark. Usha Nadkarni makes her presence felt. Usha Naik is good. Rukmini Sutar, Sarika Jadhav, Ganesh Shinde, Poonam Kapase, Darshana Jokare and Megha Shinde are passable.
Sheetal Shinde’s direction is not up to the mark. Umesh Gawli, Ashish More, Ganesh Satardekar and Ganesh Shinde’s music is nothing to shout about. Lyrics (Pratap Gangawane, Akash Salwe, Ganesh Shinde and Suvarna Patukale) are average. Chini Chetan and Dhairyasheel Utekar’s choreography is ordinary. Vineet Deshpande’s background music should’ve been more effective. Baba Lad and Chaitanya Salunkhe’s cinematography is fair. Anil Vanve’s art direction is okay. Editing (by Nikhil Gandhi and Kamlakar Sonawane) ought to have been sharper.
On the whole, Ladki Bahin is a flop show.
Released on 15-5-’26 at Maxus Andheri (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru August Entertainment. Publicity & opening: poor.