Maratha Tituka Melvava

This is a Marathi language film depicting an instance of Chatrapati Shivaji's statesmanship, wisdom and bravery.

Without revealing the story, the film portrays how Shivaji's strength and strongest support lay in the idealistic and value driven character and courage of his mother Jijabai. She taught him how a king needs to be both bold and loving based on the situation. His blood must boil at injustice but should not be hasty in action.

The film also shows - as it often happens - that an enemy gets strengthened only by our lack of unity.

The film has beautiful music composed by Anandghana ( none other than Lata Mangeshkar) and immortal songs sung by Pandit Hridayanath Mangeshkar, her brother.

The film also gave a break into the film world for stage legend Dr Kashinath Ghanekar, who plays the role of Bhavya.

But the film is a must-watch for the direction and performances. It's available on YouTube.

I am doubtful about the 'Historical' accuracy of the incidents shown in the film but that's the least I bother about when it comes to such movies. The movie is my duckie !!!

The strong points:

1: An ingenious,simple and realistic depiction of the social and political life during the Maratha era.All the characters reflect some or the other aspect - from 'Bhavya' to 'Miyan Rahim Ahmed' all help to form a big,contemporary picture ! 2: Packed with versatile and precise tracks - the video and the song 'Marathi pavool padte pudhe' deserves to be a Marathi anthem. 3: The direction is howling - the idiomatic punch-lines, the body-lang. of the characters and the clarity and restraint shown towards the script is laudable.

There's lot I want to write but it's difficult for me to frame it in words for those who are oblivious of the true history and a bit of sociology !!

The movie should spellbind any 'true' 'Marathi manoos'...