Sandook

Set against the backdrop of the pre-independence era in India, the movie Sandook renders a powerful, humorous and riveting narrative of the trials and tribulations of a common man amidst the throes of British colonial rule. Directed by Atul Kale, this Marathi film is an entertaining amalgamation of humor, drama, and historical elements, offering profound insights into India's past. Released in 2015, Sandook stars exceptional actors like Vidyadhar Bhave, Bhargavi Chirmuley, and Shantanu Gangane in pivotal roles.

The film revolves primarily around the life of Wamanrao Ashtaputre (played by actor Sumeet Raghvan), a hypochondriac yet kind-hearted man hailing from a small village in Konkan, Maharashtra. Wamanrao embodies the commonplace man of pre-independence India, who lived a life far removed from the freedom struggle, engrossed in the trivialities of his own existence.

With Vidyadhar Bhave, Bhargavi Chirmuley, and Shantanu Gangane all putting forth stellar performances, the serenity of Wamanrao's life is shattered when he inadvertently finds himself dragged into the freedom struggle. Seemingly ordinary situations take funny turns, and Wamanrao's narration, coupled with intelligent and witty dialogues, keep the audience hooked throughout.

Bhave's depiction of the coy, naïve, and simpleton Wamanrao stands out in portraying the dilemmas of a regular person thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Meanwhile, Bhargavi Chirmuley impresses with her perfect timing, excellent expressions, and realistic portrayal of her character. On the other hand, an interesting subplot unfolds around Shantanu Gangane's character, adding a layer of intrigue and complication to the story.

Something that sets Sandook apart from other heroic stories of the independence era is its relatable narrative. Instead of focusing on the actions of leaders or people actively involved in the freedom movement, it takes a look at the life of an average person and his inadvertent contribution to the cause. It brings out the emotions, fears, and aspirations of common people during the colonial period in a sensitive yet hilarious manner.

The beauty of Sandook lies in its witty dialogues, cleverly penned by Ashish Pathre, and its overall screenplay which manages to touch upon sensitive historical episodes and situations quite memorably. Be it the authentic rural Maharashtrian set design or the traditional music and background score by Ajit Parab, the film succeeds in transporting the viewers to a different time altogether.

The direction by Atul Kale ensures a steady pace, maintaining both the suspense and comic elements in a balanced proportion. Sandook weaves an engaging story, peppered with sharp observations, hilarious situations and unforgettable characters, making the audience laugh, yet leaving enough room to ponder over the socio-political conflicts of the time.

The cinematography by Mahesh Aney does a great job in capturing not just the scenic beauty of the Konkan region but also the stark realities of the time. The film explores different genres of comedy, from satirical to physical, and farce to black comedy, showcasing the impeccable comic timing of all its actors.

Sandook also throws light on the ordinary heroes who were part of the larger struggle against the British Raj in a subtle manner. It deeply nudges the audience to reconsider the notion of heroism, illustrating how unexpected circumstances can transform ordinary individuals into extraordinary heroes.

Even though the film is set in challenging times, it does not compromise its humor and lively spirit, making it a stress-buster with ample laugh-out-loud moments. However, beneath this lightheartedness, it offers viewers a thoughtful depiction of India's struggle against colonial rule through the lives of common villagers.

On the whole, Sandook is an entertaining movie that seamlessly blends history, humor, drama, and subtle patriotism, maintaining its charm and engaging appeal throughout its runtime. The brilliant performances from the star cast, the witty dialogues, the mood-setting music, and the effective storytelling make this movie a must-watch for those who enjoy comedy-dramas with a historical backdrop.