Here is the exclusive song “Saaheb” from Marathi film Balkadu. Lyrics of the song are given by Swapna Patker, and sung by Avdhoot gupte.

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• Review : Balkadu (2015)
• Producer : Swapna Patkar
• Director : Atul kale
• Studio : Royal Maratha Entertainment
• Star Cast : Umesh Kamat, Neha Pendse, Prasad Oak, Supriya Pathare, Pushkar Shrotri, Anand Ingale, Bhau Kadam, Jaywant Wadkar, Sharad Ponkshe, Mahesh Shetty, Ramesh Vani, Abhay Rane, Tiku Talsaniya, Sanket Kadam, Ajay Tillu, Gaurav More
• Screenplay & Dialogues: Ganesh Pandit, Ambar Hadap
• Music : Ajit-Samir
• Genre: Drama
• Review By : Keyur Seta

Rating: * *

Review:

A film about the ideologies and teachings of an inspirational personality, who has a Godly status among his followers, should ideally be a soul-stirring affair. If not this, it should at least be filled with moments that touch you.

Director Atul Kale’s Balkadu has such instances but they are only few and far between. The film overall turns out to be a wannabe type due to some weak writing and execution. It also bears striking similarities with Mahesh Manjrekar’s Mee Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy.

The story revolves around Balkrushna Patil (Umesh Kamat), who is a school teacher staying in Mumbai’s Nala Sopara. His professional and personal life, including his relation with his childhood sweetheart Sai (Neha Pendse), is far from perfect.

As he teaches History, he starts suffering from a condition where he hears voices of historical personalities. Among these voices, the most prominent one is that of the late Shiv Sena Supremo Balasaheb Thackeray. At the same time, Balkrushna’s heart bleeds to see the condition of Marathi people in Mumbai. Will Thackeray’s guidance turn out to be an inspiration for him?

Balkadu’s motto is to spread Thackeray’s message for his followers to fight for their rights. But the primary objective of every film is to tell an interesting tale and this is where it falters. The biggest weakness here is the writing. There is hardly any story in the first half. This ensures a screenplay with errors and without any flow.

Things remain the same post-interval. The protagonist’s manner of enlightening and the way the revolution spreads is unconvincing and, at times, unintentionally hilarious. His idea of Marathis moving from the outskirts of Mumbai into the heart of the city is also impractical. Due to these issues, the inspirational message, barring few moments, hardly has any effect on you, especially the speeches, which appear corny.

Another worrisome aspect is the justification given for vandalism. Also, abhorring the idea of Marathi girls marrying non-Marathi guys is regressive in today’s era.

From the music, the Powada song is the only impressive number. But it is quite funny to see a teacher singing and dancing to such a song while teaching history. The camerawork falls in the good category while the background music is too loud.

Apart from some genuinely funny moments, it is Umesh Kamat’s performance that keeps the film going. He gets his act right by portraying various emotions with ease. Prasad Oak is highly convincing as the bad guy. Neha Pendse isn’t bad. As Balkrushna’s mother, Supriya Pathare provides an entertaining act. The actor playing the channel head is average. Anand Ingale is likable while Tiku Talsania is over-the-top. Pushkar Shrotri impresses in a cameo.

Overall:

Balkadu doesn’t create the desired effect due to various issues. The film stands some chance at the box office due to the hype.

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MarathiStars Reader Amol Lanke writes about Marathi movie ‘Balkadu‘. Check out his view –

Maturity, vision and global orientation approach by Balasaheb displayed in lifelike image.

For a fenural when 40 lakh people pay their tribute, it shows the strength of person, the strength Saheb imbibed in common man, the power of a leadership and the respect for the legendary.

Original voices of balasaheb at every instance makes us remember our hero.

Umesh Kamat- Balkrishna is history teacher who lives history and teaches students with great dedication.
As a child he grows up nurturing innocent friendship and love of Saie- Nehha Pendse.

Nehha is shown to evolve and grow as a Executive Producer for a history channel.
Corporate life survival and winning explained wonderfully by Nehha.
She happens to fall in for her channel head who is a non-marathi guy but a very dynamic tycoon in the industry.

The friendship of Umesh and Saie continues even though they are staying away.
Umesh personifies innocency by always keeping her childhood memory on wallpaper.

Umesh has certain psychological disorder as he senses voices of historical characters and those leave an impact on him, Voice of Balasaheb highly influences on his mind.
He consults a doctor, but then a single dose missing makes him follow the voice and stand for a revolt, instances of that very lucidly presented.

Would specially like to appreciate the music, it is crafted so inspiring, Powada on Shivaji, (kondana fort conquering) makes us live the era actually.

Painful reality of mumbai potrayed vide shifting of marathi man from the core marathi belts of bandra, dadar, lalbaug to distant suburbs.

Mumbai trains- crowd and lifeline drawn beautifully.

Umesh’s mom gives lovely shade of todays real life mother who dreams to see her child married to saie.

Prasad Oak plays an clever witty school management person.

Cobbler Baliram explains every viewer about being in the motherland and not falling for builder lobby to quit Mumbai and move to suburb.
Umesh pledges to change after taking a leaf from Baliram’s life.

An auto driver brought out of his rudeness with the first dosage of Balkadu, later when he decides to have a revenge, the same driver is transformed after hearing values of parents caring delivered to him by Balkrishna.

Sequence of sensing a defeat in relationship brings a turning point in Umesh’s life.

Introspecting the voice of Balasaheb, Balkrishna gets on road, here difference between poltician and leader explained by Balasahebs takes a big round of appreciation.

Students are united by Balkrishna sir to save the school from being closed by cunning management.
Tool of cartoon sketches by students to save the school gets wild spread on social media.

Passion about making livelihood explained in train by Umesh is inspiring, it teaches the importance about shifting mindset from job to business.

Realestate lobby is next on charter and is challanged by Balkrishna sir.
Common man should afford the prices is the simple urge.

Balkadu now goes total viral, inspring and motivating a lot of masses.

History Channel breaking instance for non mother tongue/ soil language dubbing issue, raises a very serious concern.

But here the marathi man’s love about humanity is seen, though in rage, they just harm the channel not the person.

Balkrishna is later taken to task by rough young people to make him stop the agitation, even after being crushed he rose again due to inspiration of mother.

Talkshow rounds a wonder talk and debate session which is mind changing.
Umesh ends talk show with 100 marks panache and truly saheb’s shade can be felt in his character.

Shows emotional and family oriented side of this evolved superhero when he is arrested.
Later Balkrishna becomes a heartthrob of masses.

His inspiration brings people back to mumbai again.

Master acting delivered by Sharad Ponkshe as Chief Minister.

Maharashtra people should come in Mumbai for job first, instead other states folks coming, this debate makes us think seriously.

Some voices are magical they transform people and that transformation has midas touch and is infectious.

Balkrishna in this process wins peoples heart, boosts their confidence and also wins his love gloriously.

Movie made the impact of the teachings of Balasaheb, viewers remembered again the saga of superhero and now it will stay with us all perpetually as an inspiration.

After viewing the movie we gonna be a changed and empowered marathi man.

The journey of Legendary cannot be rated in stars when we present it in bioscope.

It simply wins the hearts, inspires the souls and gave us back a lot to carry along with us.

Kudos to team Balkadu and special appreciation to Umesh Kamat.
Excellent job.

Amol Lanke is a banker by profession working for Trade Treasury. He is big fan of marathi movies.

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Umesh Kamat became a household name with his portray of Abir and Om in popular Marathi television series. Umesh has also been doing Marathi films like Time Please, Pune via Bihar,and Lagna Pahave Karun. His upcoming film Balkadu is based on the ideologies of Balasaheb Thackeray, one of the most prominent socio-political figure in Maharashtra. The film releases on 23rd January on the birth anniversary of Balasaheb.

Umesh spoke about his role and his upcoming projects in this interview.

Umesh, what was your reaction when Balkadu was offered to you?

When Atul Kale, director for this movie asked me for this role I was very much apprehensive. This is an enormousresponsibility to portray such an iconic role. We all know what Balasaheb meant to every Maharashtrian. However, when we started shooting, all the anxiety slowly wore off. The more I started knowing Balasaheb, It gave me different type of emotional and mentalstrength. This role actually gave me a boost of confidence.

Tell us something more about this cinema.

We have done our work sincerely now it is up to the audience to decide the fate of the film. I am positive that people will like this film. The film showcases thoughts and ideologies by Balasaheb. Balasaheb is still with us through his beliefs and values. Audience can once again get to know this persona and interact with him, experience his larger than life personality. The film has tried to recap what Balasaheb has given to every Marathi Manoos. This is not a biopic or a film based on him. It is an entertaining film with a message. Balasaheb fought his entire life for the betterment of Marathi community. So I hope all of us will enjoy this film.

How was your experience working with Neha Pendse?

Very nice. She is a very professional actress. We had a good rapport for this film. As everybody wanted to work his or her best, So all other things were secondary.

Film is releasing this week. How do you feel about it?

Excited, energetic and confident all at the same time!All this I have received from Balasaheb. He gave confidence and inspired every Marathi person. Working for this film has given me a rare lifetime gift, no matter what is the situation in front of me, I will not be lamenting. Instead I will battle that situation. I will be ready to overcome all my weaknesses. I am very much eager to get the feedback from the audience.

How was your experience working with Atul Kale?

He is a very talented and focused director. We were working together for the first time. But we were on the same wavelength. We respected each other’s working style. Atul himself being an actor can understand the nuances of the performance. So it was very easy for me as well. He never told me what to do, he just guided me about what not has to be done, rest was up to me.

What you would like to tell the audience about this film?

I just want to reiterate that every person who has loved Balasaheb should go to cinema-hall to watch this movie. The film is entertaining and yet very inspiring. The film oozes out the self-reliance required for every Marathi person.

What are your upcoming projects?

Right now I have concentrated only on Balkadu. Shooting has been completed for a film PG and is in post-production stage. This might be released in April. I will start working on onemore untitled project very soon.

Umesh, thanks for your time.We wish you a very successful release and we are also sure that this film will be watched by audience again and again.

Interview By Pradnya Mandhare.

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Balasaheb Thackeray has been a dynamic leader and an entertaining outspoken orator. A biopic “Balkadu” will be releasing on 23rd January showcasing an extraordinary life of this historical leader. The attention that this movie is catching before the release certainly makes it the most awaited movie of the coming time.

The movie is presented by Sanjay Raut. The motivating story of Balkadu is written by Swapna Patker, who has produced of the movie under the banner Royal Maratha Entertainment. Atul Kale has taken up the responsibility of directing this massive project and has been successful in delivering the best. One of the songs is also sung by the director and has also done a small role in the movie. The screenplay and dialogues are written by Ambar Hadap and Ganesh Pandit. The cast of the movie is Umesh Kamat, Neha Pendse, Prasad Oak, Tiku Talsania, Supriya Pathare, Sharad Ponkshe, Aanand Ingle, PushkarShrotri, BhauKadam, Mahesh Shetty, Ramesh Wani ,JawantWadkar, SanketKadam, Ajay Tullu,Gaurav More and Atul Kale.

Ajit Reddy’s cinematography gives a fresh and classic look to this creation. Ajit- Sameer’s music lives up to the grandeur of the movie.

The post BALKADU releases on Balasaheb Thackeray’s birthday, 23rd January appeared first on MarathiStars.

Watch Marathi powada from upcoming Marathi movie Balkadu. Film is directed by Atul kale, and starring Umesh Kamat, Neha Pendse, Prasad Oak, Supriya Pathare, Pushkar Shrotri, Anand Ingale, Bhau Kadam, Jaywant Wadkar, Sharad Ponkshe, Mahesh Shetty, Ramesh Vani, Abhay Rane, Tiku Talsaniya, Sanket Kadam, Ajay Tillu, Gaurav More. Film sheduled to release on 23rd January, 2015.

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• Movie : Balkadu (2015)
• Producer : Swapna Patkar
• Director : Atul kale
• Studio : Royal Maratha Entertainment
• Star Cast : Umesh Kamat, Neha Pendse, Prasad Oak, Supriya Pathare, Pushkar Shrotri, Anand Ingale, Bhau Kadam, Jaywant Wadkar, Sharad Ponkshe, Mahesh Shetty, Ramesh Vani, Abhay Rane, Tiku Talsaniya, Sanket Kadam, Ajay Tillu, Gaurav More
• Screenplay & Dialogues: Ganesh Pandit, Ambar Hadap
• Music : Ajit-Samir
• Lyrics : Chetan Dange
• Cinematography : Ajit Reddy
• Costumes : Mahesh Sherala
• DOP : Aman vidhate
• Background Music : Sameer Mhatre
• Executive Producer : Ulhas Shevade
• Chief Assistant Director : Aashih Raykar
• Sound Editor : is Jayesh Pradhan
• Stylist : Mahesh Shelar
• Makeup : Dilip Walkar and
• Art Director : Aman Vidhate
• Genre : Drama
• Release Date :  23rd January, 2015

Synposis : Balkadu is upcomiing Marathi film which gives tribute to late Balasaheb Thackeray.

Balkadu Marathi Movie Still Photos/Posters :

Balkadu Marathi Movie Official Trailer :

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For fifty years Shivsena head Balasaheb Thackeray reigned on the minds of Maharashtra and the Marathi Manus. Balasaheb is the only person who proved that Marathi Manus has nerve and self reverence. That’s why Balasaheb has a stanch presence in the minds of the Marathi manus.

Balasaheb Thackray is once again coming in front of the audience through the movie “Balkadu”. In this movie produced by Sanjay Raut the audience will not only hear Balasaheb roar but will actually experience him. Balkadu is the story of a commoner from Mumbai. His struggle and the inspiration he gets from Balasaheb to fight back. Its story and narrative is exciting but it will be a passionate experience in Cinema. Balasaheb’s direct conversation and the message delivered by him through that is astonishing. A Shivsena leader, long time associate of Balasaheb Thackeray and executive editor of Samna the well known Sanjay Raut has exhibited this movie and Swapana Patkar is producer of this movie. Umesh Kamat will be seen in lead role. Atul Kale’s direction will prove to be a stepping stone for this movie.

Royal Maratha Entertainment produced Balkadu will release on 23rd January in entire Maharashtra.
Other creators of balkadu.

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Watch Official trailer of upcoming Marathi film Balkadu. Film, is a biopic on the late Shiv Seva leader Bal Thackeray. Starring Umesh Kamat, Neha Pendse, Prasad Oak, Supriya Pathare, Pushkar Shrotri, Anand Ingale, Bhau Kadam, Jaywant Wadkar, Sharad Ponkshe, Mahesh Shetty, Ramesh Vani, Abhay Rane. Film is set to release on 23rd January 2014 & directed by Atul Kale.

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