Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi
| Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi | |
|---|---|
 DVD cover | |
| Directed by | Sachin Pilgaonkar |
| Written by | Vasant Sabnis |
| Based on | Biwi Aur Makan (1966) by Hrishikesh Mukherjee |
| Produced by | Kiran Shantaram |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ram Allam[1] |
| Edited by | Avinash Thakur Chintu Dhavale |
| Music by | Arun Paudwal |
Production company | |
Release date | 23 September 1988 (Maharashtra) |
Running time | 156 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Marathi |
| Box office | ₹3 crore[2] |
Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (translation: This Is Being Street–Smart) is a 1988 Indian Marathi-language comedy buddy film directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar and produced by Kiran Shantaram under the production banner of V. Shantaram Productions. The film was released in Maharashtra on 23 September 1988 and stars an ensemble cast of Ashok Saraf, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Laxmikant Berde, Siddharth Ray, Ashwini Bhave, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Priya Berde, Nivedita Joshi-Saraf, Nayantara, Viju Khote and Sudhir Joshi.[3]
The film borrows the basic plot from the Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Biwi Aur Makan (1966) which was based on the Bengali film Joy Maa Kali Boarding, and was remade in Kannada as Olu Saar Bari Olu (2003), in Hindi as Paying Guests (2009), in Punjabi as Mr & Mrs 420 (2014) and in Bengali as Jio Pagla (2017). The film was also an inspiration for the 1991 Telugu film Chitram Bhalare Vichitram, which was remade in Kannada as Bombat Hendthi (1992) and in Tamil as Aanazhagan (1995). [4][5][6]
Plot[edit]
Dhananjay Mane (Ashok Saraf) is a street-smart salesman in a cosmetics store in Pune and is secretly in love with his employer, Madhuri (Ashwini Bhave). He is the sole tenant of a stingy landlord, Mr. Vishwasrao Sarpotdar (Sudhir Joshi), and soon joined in Pune by his younger brother, Shantanu (Siddharth Ray), who is a medical student from Miraj. Though prohibited by Mr. Sarpotdar, Dhananjay and Shantanu allow their childhood friends, Sudhir (Sachin Pilgaonkar) and Parshuram (Laxmikant Berde), who is also known as Parshya, to secretly live with them since they have come to Pune from Kolhapur in search of jobs. Sudhir has been miserably disowned by his old, abusive uncle (Suhas Bhalekar) for his negligence towards job and income and participation in the typical village dance programs out of interest. Meanwhile, Parshya worked as a domestic worker for Chhaburao (Jairam Kulkarni), a theatre contractor, who fired him from his job after he discovered that Parshya is in love with his daughter, Kamli (Priya Berde). One midnight, Dhananjay, Sudhir and Parshya majorly insult Mr. Sarpotdar in a drunken state and are taken away from his house by Shantanu, who arrives at the scene a little late. Enraged by the harassment and deceit, Mr. Sarpotdar angrily storms into the room of the four friends the next day and orders them all to vacate the place within four days.
After several unsuccessful attempts in finding rented accommodation, Dhananjay and Shantanu finally reach the bungalow of a rich, old, kind and cataractic widow, Leelabai Kalbhor (Nayantara), who lives with her shrewd domestic worker, Tanu (Gulab Korgaonkar), and is often harassed for her property by her estranged nephew, Bali (Viju Khote). She is willing to rent some rooms in her bungalow provided that her tenants are married couples. In an attempt to comply with Leelabai's condition, Dhananjay and Shantanu have no other option, but to force Sudhir and Parshya to dress as women and thus begins the comedy of errors. Parshya shaves off his moustache and transforms himself into "Parvati", Dhananjay's wife, while Sudhir transforms himself into "Sudha", Shantanu's wife. Shortly after the arrival of the four friends at Leelabai's bungalow as "married couples", Leelabai's niece, Manisha (Supriya Pilgaonkar) and her childhood friend, Sushma (Nivedita Joshi-Saraf), who is coincidentally Shantanu's girlfriend from Miraj, also arrive to stay with Leelabai for many months.
Sudhir, now a successful singer and music educator, falls in love with Manisha and courts her in his original form, stating that he is the twin brother of Sudha and that he had disapproved of her marriage with Shantanu and is thus not on talking terms with them both. On the other hand, Shantanu, having passed to become a successful doctor, narrates a fake story of the deadly stomach cancer of Sudha in front of Sushma since she is deeply upset at his betrayal with her and his marriage with Sudha. Elsewhere, Parshya reunites with Kamli when she comes to Pune with Chhaburao's theatre troupe and also shares the news of Parshya having become a successful playwright back in Kolhapur. Meanwhile, Madhuri is heartbroken to see Dhananjay married with Parvati during her visit at Leelabai's bungalow, but Dhananjay confides the truth in Madhuri through a letter and the two confess their love for each other. While the four friends develop a bond of motherly love with Leelabai, Tanu reveals Parvati and Sudha's identities to Bali after she notices Parshya's wig and Sudhir wearing earrings while jumping out from the bungalow window in his original form and the two plan to teach the four friends a lesson.
Eventually, the four friends decide to leave Leelabai's bungalow after finding a new accommodation with the help of Madhuri and stage a drama in front of Leelabai for their way out. However, in the process, the four friends are unfortunately attacked and exposed by Bali and his henchmen in front of Leelabai, Manisha and Sushma, and are handed over to the police brought in by Tanu for their crimes. However, at the police station, Leelabai surprisingly disowns Bali as her nephew and absolves the four friends of their deceit instead, since she feels from the bottom of her heart that they cheated on her out of their desperate need for a roof over their heads. She also accepts the truth that their intention was not to steal from her or take advantage of her cataract and only treated her like their own mother. Hence, Leelabai decides to take the four friends in as her own sons with the collective marriage of Dhananjay and Madhuri, Sudhir and Manisha, Parshya and Kamli, and Shantanu and Sushma. The film ends with the all four newlymarried couples taking a family photograph along with Leelabai.
Cast[edit]
- Ashok Saraf as Dhananjay Mane
- Sachin Pilgaonkar as Sudhir / Sudha Mane (fake)
- Laxmikant Berde as Parshuram (a.k.a. Parshya) / Parvati Mane (fake)
- Siddharth Ray as Shantanu Mane
- Ashwini Bhave as Madhuri
- Supriya Pilgaonkar as Manisha
- Priya Berde as Kamli
- Nivedita Joshi-Saraf as Sushma
- Nayantara as Leelabai Kalbhor (landlady)
- Viju Khote as Bali Kalbhor (Leelabai's estranged nephew)
- Sudhir Joshi as Mr. Vishwasrao Sarpotdar (landlord)
- Lata Thatte as Mrs. Sarpotdar (Mr. Sarpotdar's wife)
- Gulab Korgaonkar as Tanu (Leelabai's shrewd domestic worker)
- Jairam Kulkarni as Chhaburao (Kamli's father)
Cameo appearances[edit]
- Suhas Bhalekar as Sudhir's old abusive uncle
- Bipin Varti as Police Inspector
- Madhu Apte as visitor at Sudhir's workplace
Character analysis[edit]
- Dhananjay Mane – The character of Dhananjay is portrayed by Ashok Saraf. Dhananjay is an equal bit of serious as well as witty. He is very quick with his words and even has a romantic side to him.
- Sudhir / Sudha Mane (fake) – The character of Sudhir is portrayed by Sachin Pilgaonkar. Sudhir is interested in music and will go to any extent to protect his loved ones. Sachin Pilgaonkar's ace acting skills ensured that despite being dressed as a woman for most part of the movie, the audience could see a glimpse of Sudhir quite clearly.
- Parshuram (a.k.a. Parshya) / Parvati Mane (fake) – The character of Parshya is portrayed by Laxmikant Berde. Laxmikant Berde's well-timed comedy and his stellar screen presence are what made the character of Parshya popular. He was a delight to watch despite having to dress as a woman for most parts of the movie. Parshya is quite sensitive and has a flair for writing. He is romantic, but also very understanding.
- Shantanu Mane – The character of Shantanu is portrayed by Siddharth Ray. Shantanu is the youngest in the friends and also very serious when it comes to his studies. He is a medical student but is also a fun-loving youngster. He is great at improvising as well.
- Madhuri – The character of Madhuri is portrayed by Ashwini Bhave. Madhuri is an employer woman but secretly loves her employee. She is focused and dedicated, yet she has a soft heart.
- Manisha – The character of Manisha is portrayed by Supriya Pilgaonkar. Manisha is a bubbly and happy girl with big dreams. She knows exactly what she desires and is not afraid to go after it.
- Kamli – The character of Kamli is portrayed by Priya Berde. Kamli is a soft-hearted girl but would stand up for what she believes in and would do anything for her closed ones.
- Sushma – The character of Sushma is portrayed by Nivedita Joshi-Saraf. Sushma is very understanding as well as an independent girl. She is kind and values people and relationships.
- Leelabai Kalbhor – The character of Leelabai Kalbhor is portrayed by Nayantara. Leelabai is very innocent and trusts people easily. She is kind and a maternal figure to her tenants.
- Bali Kalbhor – The character of Bali Kalbhor is portrayed by Viju Khote. Bali is the antagonist who does not value relations and is a spoilt brat. However, he is also filled with vengeance and would go to any extent for the sake of money.
- Mr. Vishwasrao Sarpotdar – The character of Mr. Vishwasrao Sarpotdar is portrayed by Sudhir Joshi. Mr. Sarpotdar is a petty man with a loudmouth, who wants to profit from every situation and is always looking for the easy way out.
- Mrs. Sarpotdar – The character of Mrs. Sarpotdar is portrayed by Lata Thatte. Mrs. Sarpotdar is quite traditional and easygoing compared to her husband.
- Tanu – The character of Tanu is portrayed by Gulab Korgaonkar. Tanu is a grey character in the movie and was quite good at establishing her motive despite not having a lot of screen time.
Production[edit]
Casting[edit]
Sachin selected himself for the role of Sudhir/Sudha. Ashok Saraf was cast as Dhananjay Mane, marking his third film with Sachin. Laxmikant Berde was selected for the role of Parshuram/Parvati. He was happy when Sachin suggested him for the film. Initially excited, he agreed to play a role. However, later he got upset when he realized he had to portray a woman in the movie but Sachin convinced by saying, "People may enjoy seeing me in a female role, but you, portraying Parvati, will likely be even more appreciated."[7] Producer Kiran Shantaram suggested Siddharth Ray for the role of Shantanu to Sachin. Supriya Pilgaonkar and Nivedita Joshi was selected for the role of Manisha & Sushma respectively. Nayantara get offered the role of Leelabai Kalbhor. Kishori Shahane was the first choice for the role of Madhuri but she rejected and role went to the Ashwini Bhave.[8] The film also marked the debut of Priya Arun. Viju Khote was cast as Villain.[9]
Soundtrack[edit]
| Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | 1988 |
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack |
| Length | 22:17 |
| Language | Marathi |
| Label | Ishtar Music |
| Official audio | |
| Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi - Full Album on YouTube | |
The lyrics were penned by Shantaram Nandgaonkar and Sudhir Moghe. The song "Hridayi Vasant Phulatana" was sung by Anuradha Paudwal, Suresh Wadkar, Sudesh Bhosale, Uttara Kelkar, Shailendra Singh, Amit Kumar, Suhasini, Aparna Mayekar and Sachin Pilgaonkar.[10]
Track listing[edit]
All music is composed by Arun Paudwal
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer (s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Shirshak Geet (Title Track)" | Shantaram Nandgaonkar | Sachin Pilgaonkar, Suresh Wadkar, Sudesh Bhosle, Shailendra Singh | 4:18 |
| 2. | "Hi Duniya Mayajaal Manuja Jaag Jara" | Shantaram Nandgaonkar | Suresh Wadkar, Sachin Pilgaonkar | 5:00 |
| 3. | "Banwa Banwi, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi" | Shantaram Nandgaonkar | Sachin Pilgaonkar, Suresh Wadkar, Amit Kumar, Shailendra Singh | 5:01 |
| 4. | "Ga Kunitari Yenar Yenar Ga" | Sudhir Moghe | Anuradha Paudwal, Uttara Kelkar, Suhasini | 4:40 |
| 5. | "Hridayi Vasant Phulatana" | Shantaram Nandgaonkar | Suresh Wadkar, Sudesh Bhosle, Shailendra Singh, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Anuradha Paudwal, Aparna Mayekar | 7:06 |
| Total length: | 22:17 | |||
References[edit]
- ^ "Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 5 June 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "तुफान गाजलेल्या 'बनवाबनवी'चं तेव्हाचं तिकीट किती होतं ठाऊक आहे का? लागलेले हाउसफुलचे बोर्ड". Maharashtra Times. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
- ^ "33 Years of 'Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi': Iconic Marathi Comedy Still Rules People's Hearts". News18 India. 24 September 2021. Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ "33 years of 'Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi': FIVE Interesting facts about Sachin Pilgoankar and Ashok Saraf's iconic comedy film". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. ISBN 9781135943257. Archived from the original on 15 September 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023 – via Google Books.
- ^ "अशी ही बनवाबनवी हा चित्रपट नाहीये ओरिजनल, या बॉलिवूड चित्रपटाचा आहे रिमेक". Lokmat (in Marathi). 9 May 2019. Archived from the original on 28 October 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ डेस्क, एबीपी माझा एंटरटेनमेंट. "'अशी ही बनवाबनवी'चे चाहते आहात? सिनेमाबद्दलच्या 'या' गोष्टी तुम्हाला माहिती असायलाच हव्यात". ABP Marathi (in Marathi). Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ ""मला अजूनही वाईट वाटतं..." सुपरहिट 'अशी ही बनवाबनवी'ला किशोरी शहाणेंनी दिला होता नकार, कारण देत म्हणाल्या..." Loksatta (in Marathi). 16 September 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ "'Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ "हृदयी वसंत फुलताना..." Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). 18 November 2014. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
