Watch Natrang

Natrang is a Marathi musical drama film that is directed by Ravi Jadhav and produced by Ravi Jadhav and Krishika Lulla. It was released in 2010 and stars Atul Kulkarni and Sonalee Kulkarni in lead roles. The movie is set in the 1970s in Maharashtra and revolves around the life of a poor farmer called Guna (Atul Kulkarni) who dreams of becoming a Tamasha performer. Tamasha is a form of traditional Marathi folk theatre that involves music, dancing, and storytelling. Guna is fascinated by the art form and was introduced to it by his childhood friend, Banphool (Kishor Kadam). He is determined to become a performer and begins to learn the art form under the guidance of a local Tamasha master, Pandoba (Vibhavari Deshpande).

As Guna's passion for Tamasha grows, his wife, Naina (Sonalee Kulkarni), also starts to get interested in the art form. She encourages Guna to pursue his dreams despite the ridicule and criticism he faces from the villagers, who consider Tamasha to be lowly and vulgar.

The film beautifully portrays the struggles and sacrifices that Guna has to go through to become a successful Tamasha performer. He transforms himself entirely, including his physical appearance, by shaving his head and beard and wearing women's clothes to play female characters in the performances. His dedication and hard work eventually pay off, and he achieves recognition as a talented artist.

Natrang is not just a story of Guna's journey; it also depicts the social issues prevalent in rural Maharashtra during the 70s. The film highlights the caste system, the exploitation of farmers, and the oppression of women. It does so by weaving these themes into the narrative of the movie, effectively creating a realistic portrayal of the landscape and society of the time.

The music in Natrang is also a significant highlight of the film. It features traditional Marathi folk music, composed by Ajay-Atul, that captures the essence of the Tamasha performances. The songs are soulful and beautifully convey the emotions of the characters.

One of the most impressive aspects of Natrang is the remarkable performances by the lead actors, Atul Kulkarni and Sonalee Kulkarni. Atul Kulkarni delivers an outstanding performance as Guna, perfectly portraying the different emotions of the character. His portrayal of a small-town farmer with big dreams is both sincere and heart-warming. Sonalee Kulkarni is equally impressive as Guna's supportive wife, Naina. She brings a sense of maturity and groundedness to her character, which perfectly balances Guna's exuberance.

The cinematography of Natrang is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant colors and bustling energy of rural Maharashtra. The film's visual appeal is enhanced by the vivid Tamasha performances and the gorgeous costumes and makeup used for them. The film's art direction and production design are also top-notch, accurately portraying the look and feel of the 70s.

Overall, Natrang is a splendid film that captures the spirit of Maharashtra's Tamasha culture and the struggles of its people. It is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of art to transcend boundaries and bring communities together. Natrang is a must-watch for those who enjoy musical dramas and those interested in Marathi culture and history.