Green Tree Productions’ Palshichi PT (Marathi; meaning ‘The P.T. Usha of Palshi village’) is the story of an athlete who shines against all odds but yet, succumbs to pressure to marry.
Bhagi (Kiran Dhane) studies in school in her village and is fond of running. One day, Deshmukh Sir (Dhondiba Karande) proposes her name for an inter-school racing competition at the district level because he is not at all fond of her. He doesn’t imagine that she would bring glory to the school and is actually taken aback when she stands second. Bidkar Sir (Rahul Belapurkar), who is a handicapped sir and teaches Drawing in the school, realises Bhagi’s potential as he had accompanied her to the inter-school competition. Bidkar Sir now makes Bhagi practise but this doesn’t go down well with the jealous Deshmukh Sir.
Bhagi stands first at the zilla-level racing competition. Here, Vikas Shingade’s (Rahul Magdum) family comes to Bhagi’s house with the marriage proposal of Vikas for Bhagi. Although Bhagi is against marrying so early, she is forced to agree. She is crestfallen as she is sure, her marriage would never let her fulfill her dream of being a racing champion. Nevertheless, Bidkar Sir motivates her to participate in the state-level racing competition.
What happens thereafter? Does Bhagi go for the Olympics or does her marriage pour water on her Olympics dreams?
Dhondiba Karande’s story is oft-repeated and lacks thrill and excitement of a sports film. The screenplay, written by Tejpal Wagh and Maheshkumar Munjale, is fair. It evokes interest of the viewers intermittently only. In other words, even the screenplay is not consistently engaging. Tejpal Wagh’s dialogues are ordinary.
Kiran Dhane does a routine job as Bhagi. She lacks glamour but has suited the role of an athlete. Rahul Belapurkar is alright as Bidkar Sir. Rahul Magdum is okay as Vikas Shingade. Dhondiba Karande lends average support as Deshmukh Sir. Tejpal Wagh (as trustee Rajendra Appa), Shivani Ghatge (as the school principal), Sanjay Dubal (as Bhagi’s father), Diksha Sonavane (as Bhagi’s mother), Vidya Sable (as Damle teacher), Nilima Kamane (as Vikas’ mother), Dnyaneshwar Mane (as Vikas’ father), and Raju Sahastrabuddhe (as Jaggu) lend routine support.
Dhondiba Karande’s direction is dull. The film does not have songs. Vinit Deshpande’s background music is weak. Sandeep Jangam’s camerawork is okay but his editing is loose. Anil Vanave’s art direction hardly deserves mention.
On the whole, Palshichi PT is a flop show and will lose the box-office race.
Released on 23-8-’19 at Bharatmata (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Om Sai Cine Entertainment. Publicity & opening: poor.