Marathi Movie Review : Ranangan

What do you do when the movie you are making starts on a very high note? Realistically, you have no option whatsoever: you have to maintain the narrative at the same level – or preferably a higher level… and that can prove to be a real challenge when the movie starts with a gripping love scene set in mysterious settings; with girl leaving her wedding to be with her love – a scene set in a riveting backdrop of black hues for added effect. At this, point you might expect a bitter flashback, or some such thing; or perhaps a sad story from that point. Instead, you are treated to a stunning twist, as the boy murders the girl, saying I don’t have any option…

I have been saying in most of my admittedly sparse reviews – a script in one thing, a story another. Even a much-told story can be re-told, with the right script and the right direction & narrative. गोष्टी मध्ये नावीन्य हवं ... काहीतरी वेगळं असायला पायजे असं अगदीच नाही. Why is the point so important? Reason – this {or rather these 2} are among the key aspects that ensured this movie came to be reviewed on my blog. That said, this is not a story that has ever been told so far as  I am aware. The story is unique – though it may seem to be the same story oft-repeated since before Trishul… ह्या कहाणीत नावीन्य आहे ... वेगळेपण आहे ... ओढ आहे ... ह्यात काहीच वाद नाही. ह्याच्या पुढे काहीसुद्धा सांगणं ठीक नाही - स्वतः पहा... कळेलच

BEFORE THE REVIEW

Before I continue, a word on the language of this review : I am using a mixed language – as I am undecided whether to use Marathi or English while reviewing. Most of my reviews are in Marathi nowadays, given that I review exclusively Marathi movies – or, at least, exclusively The Best in Marathi Movies and Entertainment. But, given that there is a dire need for us reach out to the silent audience, who might not read in Marathi – I am using English in order that a wider audience may be reached. Sadly, at least for me, not all words come in English; so…

SCRIPT, NARRATIVE, STORY

Where were we? Ah, yes. Script and Story. The story : well, wont say much, except that there is a stunning series of twists throughout which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Moving on, as we have seen, we are at an incredible high-point; the challenge was to retain that highpoint, that stunned audience attention. And this the script has achieved with a gripping, slightly slow-paced progression and a compelling narrative – backed up by powerful performances – till the 2^nd half kicks in with its stunners.

THE PERFORMANCES & DIRECTION

The script and narrative required two strong performers, who have to be in balance to be convincing : and that is where Swapnil Joshi and Sachin Pilgaonkar step in – completing the triad – Script & Narrative, Story, and Performances that propel this movie to one of the finest of 2018. {Apologies Mr Sarang – Directors never get remembered – not till you write reviews. Yo, its an unfair world}. This story is all about these two – and their internal chemistry, tension and presence keeps you riveted.

The others play a supporting role - though Siddharth Chandekar and Pranali Ghogare do impress. Siddharth rises slowly, but gets noticed, and plays the perfect foil to these two towering characters, giving tremendous depth to the narrative through poignant silences and strong expressions. For the rest of the story, please excuse. I wont play spoilsport; no other reviewer has as far as I have read; neither shall I. Suffice it to state that this is a compelling story of betrayal and revenge.

Pranali – well, she is the soul of the movie, the epitome of tragedy… ती जेम्हवा सुद्धा स्क्रीन वर येते ... सगळं थांबून जातं ... तुमच्या मनात फक्त एक विचित्र दुःख राहतं ... आणि श्लोक व श्यामराव  वर संताप! Pranali impresses in the movie – she is an actress who should be watched; we can expect great performances from her, if her common appearances with the thespians are anything to go by. Perhaps for the first time, I felt rage on seeing Swapnil or Sachin on screen when they confront her – you feel complete and utter disgust at the Shlok and Shyamrao characters… घृणा किंव्हा घिंन होते! Unbelievably convincing performance from everyone, but especially from these two.

IN CONCLUSION 

All in all, rated 4.5 stars out of 5; easily among the best this year; and equally easily among the best in the recent 2-3 years. Only Hampi and Hrudayantar come to mind; though Dhyanimani also comes close at least in terms of performances. The entire team deserves a round of applause… as well as needs to ask itself, and the entire Marathi Entertainment Industry: what can we do to increase screens, footfalls and audience TRPs, given our quality easily among the best in India? Be it this one, or be it Hampi, or be it Rudram {TV Series} – we have proven it. Watch my blog for more, as I try to attend to this vexing issue; also stay connected for reviews of the best Marathi entertainment has to offer… next up, review of Rudram, as and when I complete the serial…