Tukaram (film)

Synopsis

"Tukaram" was born in 1608 in Dehu, a village near Pune to a family who were devoted followers of the deity Vitthal or Vithoba (a form of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu Trinity). The family belonged to the Kunbi caste, they were moneylenders and traders by profession.

'Tukaram' had a very normal childhood. He was fascinated with Lord Vitthal who he claimed as his dear friend. He was a very innocent and generous kid and would freely park with his toys or personal belongings with his friends. As he grews up he takes up the family responsibility as his elder brother is not interested in the material world and is drawn completely towards spiritual pursuits. When his first wife 'Rakhma' is unable to bear a child, he bows to his family's wishes and marries 'Aavli'. Tuka tries to become a good son and husband but the arrival of a major famine destroys this beautiful picture. He loses both his parents, his sister-in-law (brother's wife) dies and his elder brother 'Savji' abandons home. His first wife and son die too; during this hopeless atmosphere of a terrible three-year-long famine, 'Tukaram' realizes that the perennial treasure of God's grace is far more valuable than ephemeral worldly riches and he shifts his focus to divine worship. He does not choose to quit his responsibilities though and follow a solitary path.

Instead, he feels it is more important to try and reduce the sorrows of the people around him. For him, being 'a good human being' is as vital as being a good son, friend or husband.

Cast

Production

Tukaram being a revered saint in Maharashtra, his works have been a subject of numerous study. But the film focuses on his life before sainthood. The story, screenplay and dialogues for the film were written by Ajit Dalvi and Prashant Dalvi. Through various researches and many re-writings, the screenplay took almost five years to produce. Multiple National Film Award winner Vikram Gaikwad did the makeup of the artists. The costumes were designed by Poornima Oak.

Music

The music of the film is composed by veteran music director Ashok Patki and the new age director Avadhoot Gupte. Singers include Aniruddha Joshi, Dnyaneshwar Meshram, Padmanabh Gaikwad and Janhavi Prabhu Arora along with Avdhoot Gupte. Joshi and Gaikwad have been winners of Marathi Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Meshram and Arora have been participants in it; all in different seasons. Gaikwad who is the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs season 2 also plays the role of young Tukaram in the film. Ashutosh Gowarikar launched the music album.

Awards