Watch Jogwa

Jogwa is a Marathi language film that was released in 2009. The movie was directed by renowned filmmaker, Rajiv Patil, and starred Upendra Limaye, Mukta Barve, and Vinay Apte in lead roles. The film is based on a true story of the Jogtin tradition, a practice in which young girls are dedicated to serve the goddess Yellama. The movie revolves around the life of a young man named Tayappa, played by Upendra Limaye. Tayappa is a farm laborer who lives in a small village in Maharashtra. He is kind-hearted and hardworking, but his life takes a turn when he discovers that he has been chosen to become a Jogta, a male counterpart to a Jogtin. Tayappa struggles with the concept of becoming a Jogta as the Jogtin tradition is seen as a way for girls to reach spiritual purity by dedicating themselves to the goddess.

While Tayappa tries to come to terms with his destiny, he meets a young woman named Laxmi, played by Mukta Barve. Laxmi is also a Jogtin but is running away from the life that was chosen for her. She dreams of a life of freedom and wants to find a way out of her pre-ordained fate. As Tayappa gets to know Laxmi, he begins to see the struggles that Jogtin go through, and he starts to question the tradition.

As Tayappa and Laxmi grow closer, they face many challenges along the way. The movie portrays their journey as one of self-discovery and their struggle for freedom. Tayappa is torn between his devotion to the goddess and his love for Laxmi, while Laxmi is faced with the harsh reality that she may never be accepted back into her community.

The movie is beautifully shot, and the performances by the lead actors are outstanding. Upendra Limaye, in particular, gives a powerful performance as Tayappa. He brings a sense of vulnerability to the character and manages to convey the conflict that Tayappa feels. Mukta Barve is also excellent in her role as Laxmi, and together they create a compelling on-screen relationship.

Apart from the lead actors, the movie also boasts of an impressive supporting cast. Vinay Apte, who passed away shortly after the release of the film, was exceptional as the leader of the Jogta community. His portrayal of a man who is torn between his duty and his own conscience was one of the highlights of the film.

The movie's soundtrack is another standout feature, with music by Ajay-Atul. The songs are beautifully composed and add to the emotional depth of the movie. The title track, "Jeev Dangla," in particular, is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly captures the essence of the film.

Overall, Jogwa is a thought-provoking movie that challenges the audience to question their beliefs and traditions. It addresses important social issues such as caste, gender, and identity and acknowledges the harsh reality that many Jogtin face. The movie received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys meaningful cinema.