Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar

Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar is a beautifully crafted Marathi language biographical drama released in 2018, directed by Abhijeet Deshpande. The movie stars an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Subodh Bhave, Sumeet Raghavan, and Sonali Kulkarni playing central roles. Notably, the movie pays a heartfelt tribute to the life of the legendary Marathi theatre and film actor, Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar, who was a towering figure during the golden era of Marathi theatre in the 1960s.

Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar's primary focus is on the life and career of the titular character, a man whose influence on the Marathi theatre and film industry remains monumental, even today. This movie aims to capture the essence of his persona beyond the iconic roles he played, diving deep into his troubled personal life, complex relationships, struggles and his relentless pursuit for acceptance and recognition in the industry.

Subodh Bhave essaying the role of Dr.Ghanekar unearths the true character of the acclaimed actor with utmost perfection. He precisely captures the essence of a man who was considered a rebel, a man who, through his distinguished acting style and charisma, revolutionized the Marathi theatre scene.

The character of Dr. Ghanekar, a qualified dentist turned actor, had a career that was as fascinating as it was varied. He was known for being the first superstar of Marathi theatre and the film extrapolates the fact with finesse.

The biopic unfolds through a series of flashbacks and present-day occurrences, adeptly piecing together the artist's journey. It begins with depicting Ghanekar's initial struggle to make a mark in the field, showing how, from being perceived as a "then unconventional choice", he went on to make an indomitable mark in the industry. But the narrative doesn't shy away from showing his fall from grace either; it showcases the actor's personal and professional trials, his turbulent relationships, and his struggle with alcoholism, thus presenting a deeply humanized portrait of the star.

Adding depth to the narrative are the pivotal characters played by Sumeet Raghavan and Sonali Kulkarni. They carve their own space in the narrative, complementing and at times challenging Bhave's character portrayal.

Sumeet Raghavan, in the role of legendary actor Dr. Shriram Lagoo, played an essential part in the narrative. Through Ghanekar’s eyes, we come to know of the professional rivalry between Dr. Lagoo and him that started due to their different approaches towards acting.

Sonali Kulkarni, essaying the role of Ghanekar's second wife, brings forth a complex character fraught with layered emotions. She beautifully encapsulates the pain, love, and dilemma of a woman standing by her partner whose life is spiralling downward due to personal and professional failures.

Director Abhijeet Deshpande does an applause-worthy job, immersing the audience into the surroundings of Marathi theatre's golden era. The movie is adequately strewn with scenes from famous Marathi plays featuring Kashinath, creating a perfect nostalgic vibe. Maintaining a fine balance between drama and realism, the director skillfully portrays the rise and fall of a major theatrical star.

Moreover, the production design and the overall mise-en-scene meticulously capture the period's essence. The lavish sets, colourful costumes and the distinct-ness in the character's makeup, true to the era, further draw the audience into the narrative.

The music of the film adds to the overall dramatic tone, highlighting the extraordinary life lived by Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar.

Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar is a fitting tribute to the yesteryear legend. It dives deep into the psyche of a man who lived his life on his terms and left an indelible mark on Marathi theatre. It's not just a movie about Ghanekar; it's about the golden period of Marathi stage & its players, the charm of theatre and the trials and tribulations faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo. This film is indeed an honest portrayal of a flamboyant star, an astute observer, a passionate learner, a hard-working actor, and a devoted artist.