Actor- Producer & director Sachin’s much awaited multi-starrer film 'Ideachi Kalpana' has finally been released on the last day of the year at many theatres simultaneously, only to witness cancellation of the first show, for want of audience at 12.45 pm in one of the multiplexes, but the booking clerk politely admits that there will be a show in the evening. And, in spite of the new year celebrations, about 30-35 people blessed this film at this theatre on the opening day. It really hurts to find such a poor response for a big banner Marathi film. It is high time that the Marathi film lovers support the Marathi film industry with a good turn out at the theatres and at the same time, Marathi film producers also offer something new and different, besides entertainment. After watching this film, one really doubts, whether we are really short of new ideas? Is sole entertainment only the criteria of Marathi cinema?

Jayram (Sachin Pilgaonkar) is a struggling actor who is looking for a break through his dancing talent. One day, during a dance competition held in memory of Late Laxmikant Berde, he offers his chance to Priti ( Bhargavi Chirmule) who is the sister of Police Commissioner Mahesh Thakur (Mahesh Kothare). Jayram is hit by Priti’s car, after the show and is admitted to the hospital. His sister Jaiwanti (Nirmiti Sawant) gets worried, but his brother -in -law advocate - Manohar Barshinge is struck with an Ideachi kalpana and suggests Jayram to pose as if he is severely injured in the spinal region, where he already has an injury during his childhood. His only motive is to grab compensation.

The happenings after interval are nothing but a mixture of past Bollywood films and therefore one need not think much about such twists and turns seriously, but only enjoy the performances from the artistes, as if you are watching a reality show on television. Director Sachin has been kind enough to offer equal share to all three leading characters. He has also given a good scope to Bhargavi Chirmule, offering her three songs and dances in the film. Bhargavi too in her only second film, hasn’t let him down and has given a wonderful and confident looking performance. Sachin himself entertains with variety, but it is the face to face interaction between Ashok Saraf and Mahesh Kothare that creates laughter in the theatre. Sachin as a director has exploited Mahesh to deliver his acting skills. He has however retained his favourite words ‘Damn it’ on few occasions.

At a particular point it seemed as if the director had shown exit to Nirmiti Sawant, but she makes her reappearance in the climax with a different look sporting a typical Bhojpuri costume with the Jounpuri accent. She has played that part so well that there are chances of  her getting offers from Bollywood. Music score by Avadhoot Gupte and Sachin is good and that is the plus point of the film. Photography is good and so is the background sound effect. If you are really looking for a time pass Marathi film leaving aside logical thinking, ‘Ideachi Kalpana’ is not a bad choice.

by Ulhas Shirke  © MMW