Review : Sur Lagu De : Vikram Gokale’s swan song!

Imnensely talented and a versatile actor #VikramGolhale bid goodbye to all in 2022 creating a void in the acting arena. #AMarathiFilm #SurLaguDe is Vikram Gokale’s swan song and while watching it one realizes the same. He has headlined the film which is full of emotional upheavals and veteran actress, #SuhasiniMulay, who probably is doing her first Marathi film, has given him rock solid support. The movie deals with the dreaded decease Cancer and the a section of media who indulges in nefarious practices to elevate TRPs thus making more money.

Mohan Damle (Vikram Gokhale) is an aged grandfather looking after his grandchildren after the death of his son and daughter in law in a bomb blast. He and his wife Radha (Suhasini Mulay) are hard pressed for money and manage hand to mouth existence. Their grandson Manu is diagnosed with Cancer and the treatment’s cost is a whopping Rs 20 lakhs. Damles try to raise the funds but the task is humongously difficult for them. The neighbour’s from their chawl try to help them but not much positive happens. Sonia (Reena Madhukar) who stays in the same chawl works for a news channel. Her superiors (Meghana Naidu and Pradeep Patwardhan) hatch a plot to cash in on the misery of this aged couple and their problem. They promise Damles that by shooting and telecasting Manu’s pain and their helplessness will bring in money. What transpires after and in between forms the crux of the narration.

Cancer related subjects are many a times used by filmmakers to evoke viewer’s sympathy and Sur Lagu De is no different. But the screenplay highlights the negativity in the health as well as media sector. But the writing could have been more solid and impactful. The debutant director Pravin Birje tells the story without panache but his inexperience mars the effectiveness in the narration. The corruption in the so called social welfare associations, the greediness of the hospitals and doctors, the ruthless TRP race of television channels etc is highlighted in the movie. The production design is okay and the music helps the effectiveness of the proceedings on screen. Vikram Gokhale has given a superlative performance. But the director should have kept him in check in a few scenes. Some scenes look under rehearsed thus losing effectiveness. Suhasini Mulay has done a good job and is well supported by Reena Madhukar, Meghana Naidu, Pradeep Patwardhan, Sunil Godbole and others.

Sur Lagu De is good concept wise but fails in execution.

Rating : ***