Mesmerising Music and Movie. Review on Katyar Kaljat Ghusali

Katyar Kaljat Ghusali is a  Marathi film released recently, based on a classic play of the same name, written by Purushottam Darvhekar. The play attracted full house for days on end in the 1960s.The play had the legendary singers Vasantrao Deshpande  and Panditt Jitendra Abhisheki playing the lead roles.One went to the movie wondering if it would do justice to the music and drama in the play. Directed by Subodh Bhave, the film stars Shankar Mahadevan, Sachin Pilgaonkar, and Subodh Bhave in lead roles.The film did full justice, with haunting music and brilliant acting by the artistes.Set in the pre-independence period, the film has kept the soul of the play intact and touches a chord in the viewer.

The title of the movie translates as'Dagger Through The Heart'. Pandit Bhanushankar Shastri(Shankar Mahadevan) has a passion for music and sings from the heart.A very generous musician and a wonderful human being, he is a favourite with the people of Vishrampur and enjoys the patronage of the King.On his invitation, Khan Sahab Aftab Hussain Bareliwale(Sachin Pilgaonkar) comes to the court to present his music which is not received as enthusiastically as he had hoped.Frustrated and bitter, he is determined to win the dagger that the King has announced as an award to the best singer.He is willing to use fair means or foul to ensure this and he does win.The heartrending tale of the daughters of the two musicians, of the disappointed and betrayed Panditji is what grips the viewer.The music which is woven into the theme seamlessly moves one to tears and the portrayal by all characters is very convincing. It brings home convincingly the truth that ego, deceit and arrogance do not bring any happiness despite surrounded by abundant wealth.

The opening dance number is classical and beautifully choreographed.Such a relief to see some good, clean and wonderful dancing in a movie.The costumes are also in keeping with the period and the ladies in layers of clothes look very pretty and attractive, a far cry from the revealing clothes sported by actors these days.

This is Shankar Mahadevan's debut in acting and he has portrayed the character of Panditji so convincingly!  Sachin Pilgaonkar as the arrogant, egoistic Ustad lives his role with great conviction. Amruta Khanvilkar as Zareena, Mrunmayee Deshpande as Uma, Subodh Bhave as Sadashiv, Pushkar Shrotri as Kaviraj and Sakshi Tanwar as Nabila, with their wonderful acting, added to the success of the film. Rahul Deshpande, Shankar Mahadevan and Mahesh Kale's renditions of classics like'Ghei Chhanda Makranda', 'Soorat Piya Ki' and'Dil Ki Tapish' moved me to tears.Kudos to the trio Shakar-Ehsaan-Loy for the magical music.

Katyar Kaljat Ghusali is indeed a treasure house of excellent music, brilliant acting and superb direction.A definitely'Must See'.It does not matter if you do not understand Marathi.The subtitles ensure you miss none of the drama of the great movie.