Marali Manege

A mother pines for her son who has been missing for 25 years. Meanwhile, she meets a young Good Samaritan in the village whose presence seems to be filling this void.

Yogesh Master's Marali Manege is a simple tale set in a village, where the characters lead idyllic lives. But, a closer look reveals that their lives are all broken and the emotions are complicated. The film talks about the dynamics of father-son relationships, using two cases, while in the backdrop is seen the pathos of the mothers who are stuck between the warring sides.

The film has some good performances, led ably by Shruthi. What doesn't work though is the treatment. The music and editing makes it seem like the film is out at least a decade too late. At a time when quirky treatments ensure films set in rural backdrops entice all crowds, like in the case of Thithi, this film employs the good old formulaic ways. What is commendable, though, is the filmmaker's seamless use of Marathi in the narrative, trying to show the socio-cultural dynamics in the village. Ultimately, all said, this film is worth a watch for Shruthi's performance, alone.