Kaaksparsh

I have my doubts over Mahesh Manjrekar’s storytelling abilities. But my love for Sachin Khedekar compelled me to watch Kaaksparsh. And I am glad I did so. The movie would certainly qualify as one of the best Marathi films in recent times. Set against the backdrop of the pre-independence era, Kaaksparsh tells the story of Haridada (Sachin Khedekar) and Durga/Uma (Ketaki Mategaonkar/Priya Bapat). When Uma’s husband (Haridada’s brother) passes away, Haridada takes it upon him to protect the girl from the brutal customs that a widow must go through such as shaving her head, giving up on certain foods. The love between the two is evident, but Haridada chooses to hold off his feelings, the reason for which is a promise that he makes to his deceased brother during his last rites.

What I found very fascinating about the film are the songs. Simple, yet profound lyrics and barely-there music. It almost starts to resonate inside you and stays there. The story is blessed with beautiful locales – the house, forest, temple, and even the well! And the cinematographer does a brilliant job in capturing the exquisiteness. The actors excel at their respective roles. Sachin Khedekar does a terrific job as Haridada, perhaps the most complex character in the film. Haridada sometimes seems like a reformist when he stands up for Uma, yet, at the next instant, he is a dictating husband. Priya Bapat as Uma is aptly cast. She has a very innocent face, but her eyes are so full of sorrow. I can’t think of anybody else who could’ve portrayed Uma’s anguish or her misery better. The surprise element however, is Ketaki Mategaonkar. The girl is adorable as the young Uma.

Kaaksparsh – playing at a cinema near you. Don’t miss it! (I bet you’ll come out of the cinema hall humming Are Sansar Sansar!)

P.S.: For all of you wondering why it is a ‘vilakshan’ prem kahaani, its because the film is adapted from a book called ‘Vilakshan’!