Review: 'Teen Bayka Fajiti Aika' (Marathi)

Film: Teen Bayka Fajiti Aika (Marathi)
Director: Raju Parsekar
Cast: Makarand Anaspure, Nisha Parulekar, Surekha Kudchi, Kranti Redkar, Tejashree
Rating: **1/2

 

Makarand Anaspure is at it again, springing up from nowhere with his brand of over-the-top comedy and those inseparable knit eyebrows. Last year’s Teecha Baap Tyacha Baap and (his directorial debut) Dambis are fresh proofs.

 

As the title suggests, in Teen Bayka Fajiti Aika, Vishwasrao Doke (Anaspure) is in a tri-lemma of sorts. Married for 5 years and childless, middle-aged Vishwasrao is under pressure to perform, literally. Set in a remote wada somewhere in Maharashtra, the film sees a very loving Vishwasrao being a good husband to Biwi no.1 Prajakta (Nisha Parulekar). With a mother (Surekha Kudchi) who’d kill for honour and a comical turn of events, Vishwasrao finds himself married to Biwi no.2 Madhavi (Kranti Redkar). While Vishwasrao’s hopes for a “honeymoon” take flight, his two wives strike and uncanny friendship that have him at his wits’ end. Watch the film to know how all hell breaks loose with the entry of Biwi no.3 Pari (Tejashree).

 

The search for heir apparent never ends in a land where property may or may not have been acquired through legal means. Teen Bayka… explores this Indian obsession and in this world where women hear no end from their mothers-in-law and sons are mere puppets.

 

In the backyard of hysterical retorts, runs deep a story of revenge, revealed only towards the end. Before we get there, we have to endure much monotony that sets in after each wife is brought home. After a lull right from the beginning, things look up in the first half with the Prajakta and Madhavi’s crackling chemistry that subtly leaves you chuckling (a welcome change from Anaspure’s overt gestures). Some jokes, especially Marathi adages are hilarious when heard only from Anaspure and no one can take that away from him.

The parallel story is almost like an after-thought, not cared for or groomed until the very end. The Indian soap opera-style editing, with obvious jumps, generous thunder and whooshing sounds, cries for attention. Marathi filmmakers should seriously rethink and set a limit to the song-and-dance routine in any film. Mansi Naik’s Vaat Baghtoy Rickshawala item song is the only treat, with well-choreographed moves set to the famous Koli folk song.

 

The traits of the three wives are well-thought out and executed and the actresses put up decent performances. Kranti Redkar’s ‘Ingrazi-speaking’ Madhavi is clearly the soul of the film, peppy and refreshing. Despite the laborious climax, useless songs and Anaspure’s histrionics, Teen Bayka Fajiti Aika is a fun watch. Go for it.