Welcome To Sajjanpur

The Plot:
Mahadev is popular letter writer who aspires to be a novel writer. He makes his fellow villagers life easy (miserable) by his writing. Various lives in Sajjanpur revolves around highly educated Mahadev and you keep wondering (like Mahadev) in this world of e-mail, SMS and MMS, post card is such important part of these uneducated souls. Mr. Benegal three cheers to your plot.
Ratings: **** (4-Star)

Screenplays:
First few scenes are very well written to establish the identity of the characters.  All small and significant stories are woven effectively. Mr. Benegal tried to touch all urban as well as rural current issues through excellently directed screenplays like nuclear deal, frequent power shutdown, uneducated MPs and their fraud degrees, Murder suspect and eunuch contesting Panchayat election, Bal vidhwa and her remarriage, kidney sell, SEZ plant etc. There is either message or sarcasrism in dialogues which are delivered smartly. Screenplays remind me old goldies like Chupake Chupake, Bawarchi, Chitchor, Golmaal, Ankur and many more.
Few scenes between Mahadev and childhood love Kamala are repetitive. Dream songs were unnecessary. But you will surely enjoy the ride to Sajjanpur.
Ratings: *** (3-Star)

Casting:
Ekdam Mast. Shreyas as Mahadev has immense screen-presence. He is confident, spontaneous and impeccable. He is there in almost each frame but you still want to see him more and more. I don’t mind calling him Amol Palekar of 2008. National Award is not far for this immensely talented actor. Amrita as a wife longing for husband is surprising excellent. She needs good director to extract best in her. Other supporting cast justified their character. Ravikishen as a compounder is superb and Ravi Jhankal as eunuch is superlative. But best of them all is Illa Arun – a desperate mother determined to marry her daughter with a dog. She is on screen only for twice or thrice but her dialogue delivery, her lines can’t stop you to jump on seat with laughter. She is winner. So is Divya Dutta and all characters are treat to watch.
Ratings:*****(5-Star)

Music:
Music is just okey-dokey. The only situational song 'Aadmi Azaad Hai Desh' that carries a message about democratic India and human rights makes an impact.  'Munnibai' song too touches the current issues.  Ashok Mishra handled department of lyrics. 'Ek Meetha Marz De Ke' written by Swanand Kirkire has melodic touch.
Shantanu could not give us soothing music as good as Parineeta.
Ratings: **(2-Star)

Other:
You will wonder is that a real Gaon or a set? Great art work by Samir Chanda ! Movie rules mostly on its dialogues. Superb job by Ashok Mishra. This is a true depiction of today’s India moving towards modernity - there is computer, mobile connectivity and cable but still lacks in education. Lot of thought has been given to each small thing cloths, body language, behavior and customs. Everybody knows the kind of movie Mr. Benegal has given to audience but this genre of comedy and commercial cinema is commendable.
Ratings: **** (4-Star)

Suv’s verdict:
This movie may or may not appeal urban audience but its going to be huge hit in rural circuit as they will be able to relate with the characters. Instead of watching the slapstick, ajar, meaningless and cheap comedy, visit Benegal’s Sajjanpur. Sometime I really wonder why movies like Singh is King or Welcome are super hit… Anyways…
You are welcome to Sajjanpur so don’t miss the invitation and have a great stay there.
Overall Ratings: ***1/2 (3 and ½ Star)