'Masala' offers a tasty recipe to Marathi audience
As you always need a good combination of spices to bring a special flavor to a
kitchen recipe; the same is applicable for a neat and clean feature film, before
its final presentation. Only difference is that in the case of a film, it is the
ingredients like
story, screenplay, dialogues, performances, editing, cinematography, lyrics and
music that should combine well to make a sensible film. Latest released Marathi
film 'Masala' has that special flavor, well suited to its apt title.
The film revolves around the struggle of a young couple- Revan (Girish Kulkarni)
and Sarika (Amruta Subhash), who move from one district place to the other in
search of a small business to settle down in life. Revan tries his hands at
selling the sarees door to door, convincing housewives about the quality. He
also sets up a small grocery shop and later sells essential items, riding on his
bicycle. Finally, fed up with the increasing creditor's list, the couple land up
in Solapur. With the help of his brother in law- kalyan and his wife (
Hrishikesk Joshi and Sneha Majgaonkar) they not only find shelter, but also see
some hope of a business. Both the couples work hard and prepare a recipe of
fried Groundnuts using a coating of besan, mixed with spices.
In the meanwhile, Revan is deputed by Kalyan to Pune, to show the reports of his
little son to a ENT specialist, for his treatment of an ear injury. But, Revan
takes a lift from wrong people driving a truck, He lands in Police lock up.
However, due to the kindness of a local Businessman and his wife (Mohan Agashe
and
Jyoti Subahsh), he is rescued. The Businessman not only offers him shelter, but
also employs him in his factory; after hearing his story. Revan works hard and
plans big to start his own business one day.
'If there's a will, there's a way'. 'Masala' is an inspiring tale, which sends
across a strong message to those people in Maharashtra, not to be discouraged
by failure in business. If you are honest and working hard, there is always
someone to take note of your sincerity. The film has been shot at realistic
outdoor locations at different district places in Maharashtra. It cleverly
portrays the picture of a hard working common man in Maharashtra, who begins
with small business, but aspires to start his
own big business soon.
Director Sandesh Kulkarni has shot one important scene very cleverly, when the
couple is taken for a ride by the truck driver. When the couple reach Solapur,
their struggle does not end there; even after finding the shelter at a
relative's place. Fortunately, their wavelength matches well with that of the
host couple, who not only welcome them in their house by offering shelter, but
also share their problems by working together to earn for their living.
Both- Girish Kulkarni and Amruta Subhash have played the 'made for each other
couple' in a realistic manner. Watch those scenes of their struggle, while
moving from one place to other. The wife is always ready to move with her
husband, wherever he plans to go. Hrishikesh Joshi and Sneha Majgaonkar lend a
good support.
Some characters like the businessman and his wife- played by Dr. Mohan Agashe
and Jyoti Subhash; add good support to the film's script. At the same time, the
scientist ( Dilip Prabhavalkar) seriously working on the production of fuel from
Bio waste, not only brings some humour, but also goes on to show the social
obligation. Dr. Shreeram Lagoo has just one scene, but in that role of
Idrisbhai- dealer of scents, he goes on to show how important is trust in any
business.
There is not much scope for songs in this film; but, one song with Karnataki
touch has been composed very well by Anand Modak on the lyrics of
Sunil Sukhtankar. Background music has been used well, with the help of music arranger
Narendra Bhide. Cinematography by M.H. Ramachandran is something to be
appreciated for capturing all those scenes in motion. Sandesh Kulkarni leaves a
mark with his film direction on debut. He has succeeded in offering a tasty
recipe to Marathi audience with his 'Masala'.
