Phullwanti movie Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: Renowned dancer Phullwanti arrives in Pune to perform at the Peshwa’s court, but a disparaging remark from court scholar Venkat Shastri spurs her to challenge him, igniting a riveting clash between art and intellect.
Runtime: 134 Minutes
Director: Snehal Pravin Tarde
Based on: Phulwanti by Babasaheb Purandare
Music: Avinash-Vishwajeet
Cast: Prajakta Mali, Gashmeer Mahajani, Prasad Oak, Snehal Tarde, Kshitish Date
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Phullwanti Marathi Movie Review
About the Film:
The battle between art and intellect has been existing for centuries. Phullwanti unfolds a captivating tale where the world of art collides with the realm of the intellect. It explores the passion, rivalry, and complexity between a celebrated dancer and a scholarly critic. Based on the renowned novel with the same name by Babasaheb Purandare, the dialogues for Phullwanti are penned by Pravin Tarde and directed by Snehal Pravin Tarde.
Plot Overview:
Set in 18th-century Hindustan, Phullwanti (Prajakta Mali) is a dancer who has wooed the whole subcontinent with her charm and grace. The idol that Phullwanti has looked up to all her life is the great Mastani, who once added a spark to the chambers of Shaniwar Wada with her graceful dance. Even though she has performed all over Hindustan, Phullwanti dreams of dancing in the Peshwa Darbar at Shaniwar Wada. The mastery of her skills reflects a tad bit of arrogance and pride in her behaviour.
An opportunity comes her way in the form of Bakhre Savkar Naik (Prasad Oak) from Poona. She instantly agrees to his terms, but on the condition that he arranges her a performance at Shaniwar Wada. She soon fulfills her dream in the presence of the then Peshwa (Kshitish Date). The darbar is also graced by the scholar-courtier Venkatadhwari Narasimha Shastri (Gashmeer Mahajani). He is the epitome of intellect, who has never ever taken interest in dance performances. But he is forced to stay by the Peshwa when Phullwanti performs.
This takes a dramatic turn when the scholar makes a disparaging remark disrupting her moment. Determined to get justice, Phullwanti confronts him, sparking a compelling competition that delves into the timeless clash between art and intellect. Will intellect win over art or will art dance its way out of the intellectual puzzle, is how the film moves forward.
Technical Aspects:
When the original work is so deep and celebrated, it becomes even more difficult to adapt it. Pravin Tarde’s dialogues do a decent job of keeping it precise. Snehal Tarde’s direction during some scenes is terrific. Who knew she had a director’s vision hidden behind her acting prowess? But after a strong and steady first half, Snehal’s direction feels a bit unimaginative in the second half. Especially, a dull climax kills the emotional high completely. One keeps hoping for a better and enthralling end to such a tragic tale, but all of it goes in vain in an underwhelming second half.
The visuals by Mahesh Limaye are stunning but fall short during the dance sequences, which are the most important aspect of the film. The orchestra of the camera work and editing also falls short during all the important dance sequences. The first ones are still okay, but the climax could have been so much better it could give the audience the high the story deserved. The music by Avinash-Vishwajeet is very soulful and works big time.
Performances :
Prajakta Mali’s performance blooms with the grace and subtle allure of a Chapha flower, leaving a lingering fragrance even after the film ends. Gashmeer Mahajani brings a depth and gravitas to his role as the court scholar, embodying wisdom and intensity, with a presence that commands every scene. Vaibhav Mangale and Hrishikesh Joshi bring out the much-needed comic relief from time to time. Snehal Tarde as Lakshmi delivers a performance that feels a bit lost and soulless.
Overall Verdict:
Phullwanti masterfully explores the timeless conflict between art and intellect, where the beauty of expression and the sharpness of reason collide. A story where art meets reason, and in that encounter, both are transformed! Deep down, the film is also a whisper of forbidden love. All in all, Phullwanti enchants with its brilliant music, mesmerizing dance choreography, and stellar performances, creating a powerful cinematic experience that beautifully captures the heart of art versus intellect.
