far. Therefore, Marathi films dedicated to the political drama ranging from path-breaking ‘Simhasan’
directed by Dr. Jabbar Patel to ‘Zenda’ by Avadhoot Gupte were widely acclaimed by the Marathi
audiences. One such Marathi feature film that overwhelmingly won the admiration of the audiences
also honoured with several coveted awards was ‘Vazeer’, directed by eminent director Ujjwal Thengdi.
Not only did this film, released in the decade of 1990s, earn a widespread recognition and acclaim
of the Marathi audiences spread across the world but it also proved to be a grand film of its own
kind that accorded an altogether new dimension to the Marathi film industry. It was conferred with 6
different State-level awards belonging to three different categories and 3 Filmfare Awards too. What
was worth noting is, Thengdi won three State-level awards for Story, Screenplay and Dialogues for a
debut film itself.
Indeed, deservingly called as a ‘Milestone Movie’ in the glittering history of the Marathi film
industry, ‘Vazeer’ shined dazzlingly with the dashing performances of talented stars like Vikram
Gokhale, Ashok Saraf, Ashutosh Gowarikar and Ashwini Bhave. Along with ‘Vazeer’, Ujjwal Thengdi
has also done the writing and direction of several short films, serials, and plays also. A Hindi film
made by him called, ‘In the Name of Tai – Tai Ke Naam’ too was appreciated by a wide range of film
critiques. Ujjwal Thengdi is now poised to bring a similar political film to feed the appetite of Marathi
audiences and above all his fans that attempts to show his minute understanding of the political
sphere and reflections thereof through astonishingly microscopic behavioral patterns of human
psychology…….titled as, ‘DHARMANTAR’.
Being made under the banner of ‘Oum Films’, the production and direction of this ambitious film is
being handled by Ujjwal Thengdi himself. The ceremonial launching, the Muhurta, of this film was
recently conducted in the auspicious hands of veteran director Rajdatt. At this celebrated function
a scene from this film too was shot. While talking at this function, producer-director Ujjwal Thengdi
said, ‘Nowadays everybody deploys the concept of Secularism as per his or her own convenience.
Fundamentally, no one has truly understood the true meaning of this word to its letters and spirit. The
notions of majority or minority population do not fit into the ideal definition of the word secularism
because it exists far beyond the conservative meaning of these two notions. I intend to present all of
these principles through my upcoming feature film ‘DHARMANTAR’.
While expressing his intent, the guest of honour, Rajdatt said, ‘The subject-matter of the
film ‘Dharmantar’ is highly provocative. Therefore, the initiative taken by Ujjwal Thengdi is
tremendously bold step indeed but I am confident that he will project this complex subject with equal
expertise since his own thoughts about it are sufficiently clear and accurately defined. I offer my best
wishes to all the artistes and technicians associated with this film’.
A major distinction of this daring attempt is that nearly 14 different sensitive responsibilities related
with this film, such as the story-screenplay-dialogues, lyrics-music, art, choreography, production
management, costume, action-scenes, casting and acting are being looked after by Ujjwal Thengdi
himself entirely on his own and such a unique effort is being made for the first time in the history of
the Marathi film industry.
The story of the film ‘DHARMANTAR’ is about the political family in the State of Maharashtra. An
unexpected dilemma engulfs both, the life of this family and its socio-political influence known for its
political clout of adhering to the principle of Secularism in the state. The audiences shall be presented
with such a fascinating and distinct story that attempts to make an authoritative comment about the
social and political ramifications from the upcoming feature film ‘DHARMANTAR’. The film is being
co-produced by Alpesh Mehta and Ms. Palvie whereas Ms. Salma Hameed is the Financial Controller of
this film.
The star-cast of the film includes renowned actors like Dr. Vilas Ujwane, Sharad Ponkshe, Smita
Tambe, Ashwini Ekbote, Ranjit Jog, Vikas Patil, Hemangi Kavi, Faiyaaz, Parag Aajgaonkar, Ujjwal
Thengdi and veteran actress Sulochana-Didi for their equally significant roles in the upcoming Marathi
feature film ‘DHARMANTAR’.
Ajay Arya is handing Cinematography and Editing is being looked after by Dileep Kotalgi are some of
the other professionals associated with the film.
Very soon the shooting of ‘‘DHARMANTAR’ is scheduled to begin.
