Mukkam Post Devach Ghar: Marathi Movie Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: Following the demise of her father who served in the army, Jija’s mother explains that her father has gone to “Devacha Ghar” (God’s house). Determined to communicate with her late father, Jija embarks on a quest to send him a letter.
Team:
Director – Sanket Mane
Writer – Sanket Mane and Sumit Giri
Music – Chinar and Mahesh
Cinematography – Rohan Madkaikar
Editing – Dinesh Pujari
Cast – Mangesh Desai, Myra Vaikul, Madhavi Juvekar, Savita Malpekar, Usha Nadkarni, Prathamesh Parab
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Mukkam Post Devach Ghar: Marathi Movie Review:
Stories around children and their innocence have always turned heads in the Marathi Cinema History. Films like Naal, Elizabeth Ekadashi, Killa, and Mokla Shwas have bagged National Awards for the same as well. So, considering this rich history, there is very little scope for missing a beat when you explore this particular subject again. The same is the case with “Mukkam Post Devacha Ghar”. Written by Sumit Giri and Directed by Sanket Mane, the film is yet another narrative of how children’s innocence works mysteriously when dealing with grief.
The film is set in the village of Aapti gaon, Kolhapur. The story centres around a young girl named Jija, portrayed by the talented child artist Myra Vaikul. Following the demise of her father, who served in the army, Jija’s mother explains that her father has gone to “Devacha Ghar” (God’s house). This explanation sparks a series of questions in Jija’s mind: What is God’s house? Where is it located? Can letters reach there? Determined to communicate with her late father, Jija embarks on a quest to send him a letter. This journey leads to a touching exploration of faith, innocence, and the bond between a father and daughter.
Sanket Mane’s direction shines in its ability to weave a simple yet profound tale. The screenplay, co-written by Mane and Sumit Giri, is well-crafted, balancing the moments of humor and emotion. The dialogues, penned by Sumit Giri, are authentic and resonates with the audience, reflecting the cultural nuances of rural Maharashtra. It delves into how children perceive complex concepts like death and the afterlife, and how their innocent interpretations can lead to profound insights. The film also touches upon the struggles of a widow in rural India, adding layers to the narrative.
The film takes its time unfolding, which might feel slow for some viewers, especially in the first half. While emotionally compelling, the story follows a somewhat predictable path, lacking major surprises. The film’s emotional themes and slow-paced storytelling might not resonate strongly with the audiences looking for fast-paced entertainment. Also, some of the sequences feel overtly melodramatic but I guess it’s fine considering the length of the film being very short.
Myra Vaikul delivers a standout performance as Jija, capturing the essence of childhood innocence and determination. Her portrayal brings depth to the character, making Jija’s journey both believable and emotionally engaging. Carrying a film throughout at such a tender age is a marvel in itself. The last climatic monologue teared me up like a child and I hadn’t cried so much in a long while. The supporting cast, including Mangesh Desai, Kalyanee Mulay, Prathamesh Parab, Resham Shrivardhan, Savita Malpekar, Usha Nadkarni, Madhavi Juvekar, Kamlesh Sawant, and Spruha Parab, provide strong performances that enrich the narrative of the film.
The musical duo Chinar-Mahesh provides a soulful soundtrack that complements the film’s themes. The songs enhance the storytelling, evoking the appropriate emotions at pivotal moments. The cinematography felt a bit too stylish, but that is something one might expect with modern budgets. The editing is a bit jarring at times and could have been done with lesser cuts. Despite its minor drawbacks, Mukkam Post Devacha Ghar is a touching film that successfully tugs at the heartstrings, making it a worthwhile watch! Carry some tissues, you will need them.
