
Vitti Dandu
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"Vitti Dandu" is a 2014 Marathi film directed by Ganesh Kadam, and stars Shubhankar Atre, Charudatta Bhagwat, and Nishant Bhavsar. The film is sprinkled with elements of drama, adventure and history, promising to captivate the audience with its unique plotline and compelling performances. The film's title refers to 'Vitti Dandu', a traditional Indian game, which becomes a symbol of courage, valor and love throughout the movie's narrative.
The film's narrative centers around a grandfather, Pandurang, played by the talented Dilip Prabhavalkar. The film opens with Pandurang’s grandson Rajaram listening with rapt attention as Pandurang tells stories of his life and experiences during the British Rule in India. The narrative moves back and forth between the past and the present. In the present day, Rajaram is a grown successful man with a loving family but he still cherishes and holds dear the poignant tales his grandfather narrated to him as a child. Especially, the one where Pandurang was just a young boy opting to take on the might of the British empires.
Set in a small village in Kolhapur, Pandurang's childhood story unfolds as he becomes a local hero challenging the British ruler in his village, Captain George played by Charudatta Bhagwat. Pandurang's courage, grit and valor are shown through his opposition against Captain George's cruelty and his determination to reclaim the dignity and honor of his village folk.
Apart from Dilip Prabhavalkar, Charudatta Bhagwat and Nishant Bhavsar, the film stars some of the finest talents from the Marathi film industry including Yatin Karyekar, Uday Sabnis and Shubhankar Atre who portrays a young Pandurang. The brilliant performances by each actor add depth to the narrative, making it an engaging watch. Shubhankar Atre, in particular, deserves special mention for his portrayal of the young, rebellious Pandurang. His performance is nuanced and convincing, drawing the viewer into the struggles of his character.
"Vitti Dandu" is more than just a showcase of the British era in India. It is also an exploration of the relationship between a grandfather and his grandson. It's the tale of the older generation passing down stories, values and lessons to the younger one - a common tradition in Indian families. The film beautifully captures the essence of this unique bond and creates an emotional resonance with the audience.
The direction by Ganesh Kadam is crisp and effective, successfully weaving a tale that alternates between two different time periods. He uses the game of ‘Vitti Dandu’ as a metaphor to depict the fight against the oppressors. The film's cinematography by Rajeev Jain paints a vivid picture, ably capturing the picturesque locations and the period it is set in.
Both BR Shendkar's art direction and the costume designer have worked meticulously to ensure the authenticity of the period, and this is evident in every scene of the film. Their collective efforts transport the audience back to the 1940s and lend a strong authenticity to the narrative. The film doesn't lag in the music department either. With the music composed by Santosh Mulekar and Prakash & Vaishali Samant providing the lyrics, each song enriches the narrative and beautifully complements the storytelling.
In conclusion, "Vitti Dandu" is a rare cinematic gem that highlights an important part of Indian history while also exploring the importance of familial bonds and the power of storytelling. It's gripping, emotional, and beautifully rendered, certain to leave audiences deeply moved and inspired. Each aspect of the film, from the performances and direction to the stunning visual presentation, works together harmoniously to create a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Vitti Dandu is a History, Drama movie released in 2014. It has a runtime of 117 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.3..
