Paani Marathi Movie Review: Addinath Kothare delivers an inspiring and meaningful film

PAANI (Marathi)

Producers- Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Neha Barjatya and Mahesh Kothare

Director- Addinath Kothare

Cast- Addinath Kothare, Rucha Vaidya, Subodh Bhave, Rajit Kapoor, Kishore Kadam

Platform of Release- Theatres

Rating: 

By Jyothi Venkatesh

Set in a drought-stricken village, Paani tells the story of a commoner who takes on the challenge of transforming his barren community into a self-sufficient haven. Actor Addinath Kothare’s debut directorial has not only the tenderness of the protagonist’s love on one side, but also boasts of a harsh social reality on the other.

The story beautifully captures the protagonist’s journey as he battles severe environmental conditions, local goons, and other daily adversities threatening his mission. Hanumant (Addinath Kothare) embodies the resilience and determination of a man committed to bettering his community despite overwhelming odds. The best thing about the sensitive film is that the narrative combines environmental themes with the struggles of everyday life in rural India, making it both a powerful social commentary and a deeply emotional story of perseverance.

Hanumant, who belongs to Nagdarwadi in Marathwada, is a prospective groom for Survana (Rucha Vaidya), who is from another village. But, due to the severe water problem in Nagdarwadi, the marriage is called off by Suvarna’s family. Hanumant takes this to heart and feels his life has been destroyed by the dry wells and arid lands of his village. Hanumant and Suvarna are in love with each other and very determined to marry Suvarna, Hanumant makes a promise to solve the water crisis in Nagdarwadi.

Paani is an inspiring story of a common man’s uncommon struggle and determination. In portraying that, this film succeeds and keeps the audience engaged. Though the harsh reality of the landscape of Nagdarwadi is effectively presented in the beginning of the film, the film progresses at a snail’s pace, at times falling short on impact.

Addinath Kothare is at his natural best here and sets out to portray the struggle, determination and optimism through Hanumant’s portrayal. Rucha Vaidya’s character and her emotional entanglement ought to have been explored deeper.  Veteran actor Subhodh Bhave in a small role is good, while Rajit Kapoor has been wasted in a very small and inconsequential role. So has Kishore Kadam also.

If you’re interested in films combining a social issue like water problem with a strong character-driven story, this one is worth checking out.