The ghastly 26/11 episode will complete 3 years on Saturday. To remind the people about the ill effects of this event on the lives of those who fought a gallant battle with dreaded terrorists in Mumbai, a new Marathi film ‘Hello Jai Hind!’ pays sincere tributes to all of them.

Though this film has been shot on the backdrop of this event, it goes on to narrate the tragic story of one such brave Police Constable- Shivaji Pawar, attached to Mumbai Police Special Crime Branch. The film goes on to show how he and his wife Durga had to face the challenges in the society, when they decide to take on life only through the right path.

Directed by Gajendra Ahire, and starring Nitin Chandrakant Desai and Trupti Bhoir in the lead role, the film tries to be realistic in its approach, when it comes to speaking on certain administrative decisions on delay in justice and treating a dreaded terrorist under trial like a special guest in the jail. The film does succeed in highlighting this issue timely, with hard hitting dialogues and realistic scenes to clearly indicate how such dreaded terrorists have been taking advantage of our country’s liberal policies. But, unfortunately the film does not conclude well, so as to inspire the audience. It is almost like showing the helplessness of common man, hoping for justice, no matter how long it takes.

Barring the end result, the film has very effectively placed the facts before the audience about the ongoing situation post 26/11 episode. The recent news appearing in the newspapers about the expenditure running into croes of rupees spent over providing the security to the dreaded terrorist and how the taxpayers in Mumbai are paying for it; reminds one and all about the sincerity of the film maker to place before the audience certain facts, inviting their attention. Music being the heart of Marathi films, this film has very effectively presented few songs to go well with certain situations in the screenplay. The wonderful compositions of Illyaraja, who makes his debut in Marathi through this film, match very well with the script. Lagaan Fame -Ballu Saluja’s editing is very appropriate, to keep the screenplay in motion.

Among others in the supporting cast, Vinay Apte, Ravindra Mankani, Yatin Karyekar, Amita Khopkar, Vibhavari Deshpande Bollywood actor Murali Sharma and the girl playing the role of Durga’s sister are impressive in their respective limited but important roles. Thanks to Producer Trupti Bhoir and director Gajendra Ahire for using this resourceful medium of cinema to bring to light this most sensitive subject, which is not only stimulating but intensely related to the society.

by Ulhas Shirke  © MMW