Samhita – The Script Marathi Movie Review

• Review : Samhita – The Script  (संहिता)
• Produced By : Mukta Arts, Ashokk Films
• Directed By : Sumitra Bhave – Sunil Sukthankar
• Written By : Sumitra Bhave
• Screenplay By : Sumitra Bhave
• Starring : Milind Soman, Devika Daftardar, Rajeshwari Sachdeva, Uttara Baokar, Jyoti Subhash, Sarang Sathye, Ashwini Giri, Dr. Sharad Bhutadia, Dr. Shekhar Kulkarni, Neha Mahajan

Critic Rating : * * * ½

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Story Outline :

Revati Sathe (Devika Daftardar) is a documentary filmmaker, who is on the verge of being divorced from her businessman husband Ranveer (Milind Soman). Once, an aged lady Shirin (Jyoti Subhash) approaches her to make a feature film on a story by author Tara Deoskar (Uttara Baokar). Shirin’s husband was eager to make a film on it but unfortunately, he suffered a paralytic stroke. Hesitatingly, Revati agrees and gets submerged in the scripting. Slowly, she realizes that her life resembles the one narrated in the story.

Review :

There are two methods of storytelling in cinema: using dramatic dialogues or just letting the visual medium narrate the tale. The use of the latter is not seen much in Indian cinema. Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Mukhtankar’s Samhita – The Script is one such film that uses such a mode of storytelling by presenting a beautifully narrated journey that is amusing as well as moving.

First and foremost, it is very difficult for the writer and director to coincide tales of both the eras – Revati’s real-life story and the one being scripted in the movie. As that aspect is managed very well, more than half the battle is won. The result is a pleasurable cinematic experience. Even the normal day-to-day realistic conversations are intriguing and appealing. The scene where visuals from both stories are mixed while presenting a conversation between Revati and her aunt takes the cake.

The film appears as a love story between the king and the performer or between Revati and Ranveer. But there are various other layers attached with it, especially the issue of feminism. Without becoming preachy whatsoever, it manages to show the chauvinistic nature of people even in today’s times.

But the overall length of the film falls under the minuses. Although it was necessary for the narration to be unhurried, telling the story in 137 minutes is just too high for such a film. Half a star from the rating is reduced due to this issue.
One gets to hear some high quality classical songs that perfectly blend with the nature of the film. It’s just that the duration of some of them should have been shortened.
The film demanded outstanding work from the technical department and that is exactly what is delivered. The camerawork shows the true meaning of being artistic. It makes for a pleasurable viewing. The background score too deserves equal praise. A wide range of impressive tunes are used as per the requirement
Devika Daftardar carries the film on her shoulders in a performance that can be described as outstanding! She plays two starkly opposite characters by displaying an example of perfect expressions and dialogue delivery. She deserves to be seen in many more films. Milind Soman returns to Marathi cinema with a mature act.
Rajeshwari Sachdeva doesn’t lag behind though. She too plays two different characters with ease by making her expression do the talking on most of the occasions. Jyoti Subhash and Uttara Baokar are excellent in their respective characters. Despite a small role, Neha Mahajan leaves a mark by playing a difficult character with honesty. Sarang Sathye and other supporting actors too play their parts well.

Overall :

Samhita – The Script  deserves a watch for its artistic brilliance in various departments. Due to the low key promotions and hype, the film will find it difficult to make a mark at the box office.