Sanai Choughade

Sanai Choughade is a 2008, critically acclaimed Marathi film directed by Rajeev Patil and produced by Bollywood superstar Shreyas Talpade. The movie features an ensemble cast comprising of popular Marathi cinema actors like Subodh Bhave, Tushar Dalvi and Bharti Achrekar among others. The film is a unique blend of romance, family values, light comedy and real-life situations that aptly represent the diverse colors of Indian culture.

The movie starts off in a small town in Maharashtra, focusing on story of Sayee (Sai Tamhankar), a lively young woman living with her loving but extremely traditional grandmother (Bharti Achrekar) and her strict and disciplinarian father (Tushar Dalvi). Both consider themselves as Sayee’s guardians and have taken upon themselves the task of getting Sayee married to the best suitor according to their standards and preferences but not hers. Thus, setting the premise of a light-hearted, yet gripping and emotionally enriching journey that unfolds as Sayee's search for the one who will win her heart.

Subodh Bhave essays the role of Shreyas, Sayee's cousin and a city-bred, who is against the idea of forced arranged marriages. He is vocal about his disagreement and firmly believes that the decision of choosing a life partner should rest solely with the individual concerned, without any undue influence or pressure from the family. Hence, he takes the onus of finding a modern, apt match for Sayee, who respects her decisions and treats her as an equal.

The sharp contrast of this movie is found in the closed walls of tradition vs the expansive skies of personal freedom. This movie also throws light on the age-old debate of love marriage vs arranged marriage and goes one step ahead by adding a new dimension of ‘arranged love’ to it. There are a number of scenes that poignantly highlight the clash between the old and new thoughts and compellingly capture the evolution of marriage and relationships over time.

The actors in the movie have given stupendous performances, creating characters that stay with the viewers. Sai Tamhancar, as Sayee, beautifully portrays the simmering rebellion bubbling within an otherwise obedient girl. Bharti Achrekar, as the traditional but loving grandmother, brings to life the confusion faced by a generation caught between love for their lineage and the changing thoughts of their progeny. Tushar Dalvi renders an impressive performance as a strict father attempting to uphold the traditions. The transition of his character from a stern father to a remorseful one is highly effective.

Subodh Bhave, as the progressive and supportive Shreyas, delivers an equally commendable performance. His confrontation scenes with Tushar Dalvi are some of the most engaging moments in the movie that subtly hint at the ideological clashes prevalent in many Indian households even today.

Shot in the scintillating backdrop of a humble Marathi household against the buzzing streets of Pune, Sanai Choughade strikes a chord with viewers with its simplistically profound narrative. The music, helmed by Avadhoot Gupte, deserves a special mention for enhancing the overall narrative with the preference of folk tunes and modern beats playing along with the story line at the perfect moments. The beautiful title track ‘Sanai Choughade’ became an instant hit among listeners and perfectly encapsulated the theme and mood of the story.

“Sanai Choughade” carefully balances the old-world charm with new-age thoughts, without being preachy or melodramatic. It depicts much more than just a romance blossoming between two individuals, it encapsulates life in a nuclear yet traditional Maharashtrian family and showcases the changes taking place in society, due to education and exposure, especially for women.

This is a movie that is worth watching not just for the performances of its star cast, but also due to the earnestness with which it portrays the dichotomy in the Indian society, caused by tradition and modernity. An entertainer and thought provoker, "Sanai Choughade" is a film that truly stands out in those dealing with the theme of marriage and societal norms. It is a heart-warming piece of cinema that leaves you with a pleasant feeling and a much-needed message. It is a must watch for people who appreciate subtle and meaningful story telling combined with standout performances.