Ek Hota Pani

Story: In a village plagued by drought, a corrupt local politician (Anant Jog) controls the movement of water tankers. But after two consecutive deaths due to this water scarcity, the villagers take it on themselves to fight for their rightful access to water.

Review: A grandmother tells her grandson a story in the film that starts on these lines- 'Ek hota Raja, ek hoti Rani, udya mhanu naka, ek hota pani'. The line uses an age-old story-telling tactic to bring focus to the depleting water-levels in the state.

The line immediately makes you realise the gravity of the drought-like situation at some places in Maharashtra and the timing of the film couldn't have been any better. While the topic is relevant and close to peoples' hearts, Ek Hota Pani fails to translate that into a good film.

The tankers sent by the government for the people of Dongargan are not able to make it to the village – courtesy Patil, the corrupt local politician. Siphoning off this water for financial gains, he leads a lavish lifestyle. As the toll of deaths due to water scarcity rises, the villagers decide to expose this exploitation.

The way the situation is depicted in the film is real. However, the screenplay gets repetitive while portraying the social impact of the scarcity. Moreover, the layers to the corruption are left unexplored. On the acting front, Hansraj Jagtap, who plays one of the active villagers, is sincere but fails to make an impression. Anant Jog aces the role of a corrupt politician.

The film would have had an impact had the execution been proper. In its present form though, Ek Hota Pani fails to impress.