Watch Vitti Dandu

Vitti Dandu is a 2014 Indian Marathi-language coming-of-age drama film directed by Ganesh Kadam. It features a talented ensemble cast including Shubhankar Atre, Charudatta Bhagwat, and Nishant Bhavsar. Set in the 1980s in a small village in Maharashtra, the film revolves around the game of Vitti Dandu, a traditional form of gilli-danda played in rural India.

The film tells the story of young Govind (played by Shubhankar Atre), who lives in a small village with his parents and elder brother Anand. Govind adores his brother and spends most of his time with him playing Vitti Dandu. Anand is an excellent player and has won many tournaments. The village is preparing for a big Vitti Dandu tournament and everyone is eager to see Anand play. However, tragedy strikes when Anand dies in a road accident just before the tournament. This leaves Govind devastated and the entire village in shock.

In his grief, Govind turns to his grandfather (played by Charudatta Bhagwat), who is a retired Vitti Dandu player. Govind learns the game from his grandfather and eventually becomes an excellent player himself. However, the journey to becoming a skilled player is not without its challenges. Govind faces opposition from his own family members and the other players in the village who do not believe that a young boy like him can become a champion. But Govind is determined to prove them wrong and fulfill his brother's dream of winning the Vitti Dandu tournament.

The film also explores the various social issues prevalent in rural India during the 1980s. It touches upon the caste system and the discrimination faced by lower-caste people, especially in the context of sports. Govind's grandfather is a lower-caste person and was never allowed to play Vitti Dandu professionally, despite being one of the best players in his time. Through Govind's journey, the film highlights the need to break free from the shackles of casteism and to recognize talent for what it is.

Overall, Vitti Dandu is a heartwarming tale of love, loss and redemption. It celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and the joy of playing a game for the love of it. The film's portrayal of the rural landscape and its people is realistic and authentic, and the performances by the cast are top-notch. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys sports films or coming-of-age dramas.