Anandi Gopal (आनंदी गोपाळ)

"Anandi Gopal (आनंदी गोपाळ)"

Watched Marathi movie "Anandi Gopal (आनंदी गोपाळ)". This film is directed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Kishore Arora, Akash Chawla & others. Writing credits Karan Shrikant Sharma. It stars Lalit Prabhakar, Bhagyashree Milind, Geetanjali Kulkarni & Yogesh Soman.

The film runs for about 2 hour 14 min. This movie is based on a unforgettable book by same name. I watched the film with Jayant, Sucheeta, Mihika and Aditi on 15th Feb 2019.

This is the story of Yamuna who was married to a widower, Gopalrao Joshee, many years older. Her name was changed to Anandi after marriage. Gopalrao was a whimsical and eccentric who was obsessed with educating his little wife. Anandibai Joshi goes on to become the first lady doctor of India.

Lalit Prabhakar portrays the role of Gopalrao authentically. We have seen his acting in TV serial earlier, but the performance he delivers in this movie is superlative. Geetanjali Kulkarni, as Gopalrao's mother in law also excels in her limited role. Bhagyashree does justice to the role of Anandi. Yogesh Soman is a good actor but he is wasted in an insignificant role. Jayant Sawarkar and Geetanjali Kulkarni play cameo. 

Direction is good. Director leaves his mark in some of the scenes, especially in the final scene when Lalit just shakes his head imperceptibly. Director chooses to present this story as a love story, which it wasn't. What was his objective in romanticizing it? He  presents only the good side of the story. He conveniently omits Anandi's treatment on boat, her suffering in America and the acidic letters of her husband. In general he covers her America stay very fast. However, whatever he chose to show, he had shown very well. 

Locations chosen are very good. The house where they stay in Alibaug, the beaches, the ferry etc. all fits the period. Cinematography is also good. The movie had a couple of good songs.

Watch at its face value, don't compare with book to avoid disappointment.