Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush is a 2015 Marathi-language film directed by Om Raut and produced by Neena Raut Entertainment. The film stars Subodh Bhave as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Chinmay Mandlekar as Makarand, Priya Bapat as Sameera, and Nana Patekar as the narrator. The film was released on 2 January 2015 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film won the Best Film award at the Zee Gaurav Awards 2015 and was nominated for the Best Film award at the Filmfare Awards Marathi 2015.
The film follows the journey of a young boy from his early days to becoming the legend - "Father of Indian Unrest" - who inspired generations to come. The film shows how Tilak challenged the British rule with his newspapers, books, speeches, and social reforms. The film also depicts his friendship and rivalry with Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, a fellow reformer and journalist. The film also portrays his trials and imprisonments, his writings of Gita Rahasya and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, his leadership of the Home Rule Movement, and his influence on Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
The film is a tribute to the life and legacy of Lokmanya Tilak, one of the most revered figures in Indian history. The film succeeds in capturing the essence of his personality, his vision, his courage, and his charisma. The film also showcases the historical and cultural context of his times, with authentic costumes, sets, and locations. The film uses visual effects to recreate some of the iconic scenes from Tilak's life, such as his public rallies, his court cases, and his funeral procession.
The film boasts of stellar performances from the cast, especially Subodh Bhave, who delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Tilak. He captures the various facets of Tilak's character, such as his intelligence, his passion, his determination, his humor, and his humanity. He also bears a striking resemblance to Tilak, which adds to the realism of the film. Chinmay Mandlekar is equally impressive as Makarand, a modern-day journalist who is inspired by Tilak's story. He acts as a bridge between the past and the present, and also provides some comic relief in the film. Priya Bapat is charming as Sameera, Makarand's love interest and colleague. She supports him in his quest to learn more about Tilak and also helps him in his personal growth. Nana Patekar lends his voice as the narrator of the film, adding depth and gravitas to the story.
The film also has a melodious and inspiring soundtrack composed by Ajit-Sameer. The songs are well-written and well-sung by various artists, such as Shankar Mahadevan, Swapnil Bandodkar, Hrishikesh Ranade, Adarsh Shinde, Vaishali Samant, Bela Shende, Jasraj Joshi, Neha Rajpal, and others. The songs blend well with the mood and theme of the film, and also enhance the emotional impact of some of the scenes.
The film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to know more about Lokmanya Tilak and his contribution to India's freedom struggle. The film is not only informative but also entertaining and engaging. The film is a fitting tribute to one of India's greatest sons.