Today’s generation has likely watched plenty of action films, romantic films, and comedies. But if you ask them, ‘Do you know about our culture?’ or ‘Do you know about our great saints?’ you will likely get a response like, ‘Is that even a subject for a film?’ And that’s because films that showcase our culture, our religions, and our history have almost stopped being made. As a result, today’s generation neither knows about these things nor seems interested in learning.
Today, I’m going to talk about a film that is incredibly important and beneficial for the current generation. This film highlights devotion, faith, and our culture, inspiring us to explore these aspects more deeply.
Sant Tukaram… Maharashtra’s beloved poet-saint. This biopic tells the story of his devotion to Lord Vitthal and his soul-stirring Abhangs, capturing a slice of his extraordinary life. Though it has some flaws, this film is a heartfelt effort that’s well worth watching, especially for those who want to connect with India’s rich spiritual heritage.
The film is based on the lifestyle of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, focusing on his devotional spirit… a spirit that ignites a sense of devotion in our hearts and shows how an ordinary person can become a great saint through faith, even attaining divinity. Overall, the film is excellent. The makers’ devotion and hard work shine through in its output.
While the film does not portray Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s entire life, it makes a commendable effort to depict a part of it. And to a great extent, the makers have succeeded.
The film’s brightest star is Subodh Bhave, who plays Sant Tukaram with such authenticity that you can’t help but be moved. His performance is the heartbeat of the film, bringing the saint’s humility and devotion vividly to life. Then comes Arun Govil. You may have seen him as Lord Rama in ‘Ramayan,’ and the world knows him best for that role. In this film, his screen time is limited, but his role is significant… he appears as the divine Lord Vitthal, bringing a serene, spiritual aura to the screen.
Mukesh Khanna’s voice as the narrator may not be the most dazzling, but it lends stability and emotion to Tukaram’s story.
Sanjay Mishra, known for his acting and gravitas, appears early in the film, and his performance and dialogues grip you from the start. Though Sanjay Mishra is only in the opening, his impact is as commendable as his reputation in this film.
The film’s music is its strongest link… and truly, the music works magic. They say a film’s success or failure depends on its music and songs… and Sant Tukaram’s music and songs prove their worth in making this film a hit. The recurring ‘Mauli Mauli’ background score casts a spell on your heart and mind. We can say this music creates a sensation. I would give the film’s music a separate rating of 3.5/5 stars. It envelops you in the spiritual atmosphere of Maharashtra’s Bhakti tradition, bringing every moment to life. The depiction of the region’s culture is another highlight, with vibrant visuals beautifully showcasing Maharashtra’s spiritual and artistic heritage. You will feel as though you have stepped into Tukaram’s era, surrounded by the colours and traditions of his time.
Now, every film has room for improvement, and this one is no exception. Some technical aspects, like camera movements or lighting, could have been refined, but they don’t dim the film’s enthusiasm. The editing sometimes feels fast-paced, like a TV serial, but it keeps the momentum alive, ensuring you’re never bored. The visual effects and colour balance are not always spot-on, but they are a bold attempt to add sparkle to the storytelling.
Some dialogues use words that feel slightly unusual, but they don’t undermine the film’s effort to weave a grand narrative. Characters like the Mughal soldier or Hemant Pandey’s malang fakir (who appears in just one scene) might seem a bit out of place, but they add a different hue to the story, even if their purpose is not immediately clear. Sheena Chohan, who plays Avali, Tukaram’s second wife, may have faltered in her role, but her passion makes up for that shortcoming. Meanwhile, Shiva Suryavanshi’s Mamba ji, a character driven by conflict, adds an intriguing layer, even if it doesn’t fully steal the spotlight.
Shishir Sharma, as the scholarly Brahmin-Sahukar, shines in his limited screen time, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance. The film also portrays the touching legacy of Tukaram and his wife’s relationship, which is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Sheena Chohan’s makeup, especially the eyelashes, might not appeal to everyone, but it does not hinder the film.
Aditya Om, who directed this film, has made a commendable effort to bring Sant Tukaram’s story to a new generation. His previous films may not have garnered much attention, but this biopic showcases his passion for meaningful storytelling. It’s also worth noting that a Marathi film on Tukaram was made in 1936, and this modern effort boldly carries that legacy forward.
Overall, this biopic is far from dull, thanks to Subodh Bhave’s stellar acting and a soundtrack that keeps you hooked. The film’s true value lies in its intent… to bring Sant Tukaram’s inspiring life to young audiences. Such films are essential for keeping our cultural heroes alive in the hearts of the next generation. So, take your family, head to the cinema, and let this film spark a conversation about faith, devotion, and legacy.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
