In the Name of Tai Review

IN THE NAME OF TAI is a Hindi feature film which released on 12th October, 2012. It has been produced by Ujjwal Thengdi under the banner of Oum Films. It has also been directed by Ujjwal Thengdi. Its genre is biopic and is based on true personality. Read the review ahead.

Story : It is based on the true story of a village woman who fights for the rights and property of poor famers in rural Maharashtra. She also fights against all the odds to defend acres of land from the influential builders and politicians. Thus she is conferred the title of 'tai' (elder sister) by the local people, who consider her as their only savior.

The lead role has been played by Marathi actress Nishigandha Wad.

Sandhya (Wad) opposes the builders and politicians, who lure the uneducated farmers of Poisar, Maharashtra, so that they could sell their land at a lower price. They make false promises to them that they would be given jobs once the factory is established on their land. But Tai understands their wickedness and eventually she asks the poor farmers not to listen to them.

Not only that, she also takes the matter to court and bravely faces the repercussions of her aggressive movement.

Apart from fighting for the society, she also has to struggle with her personal life.

Performance : Nishigandha Wad has performed well. She does justice to her role.

Script : Its writer (story, screenplay, dialogues) is also Ujjwal Thengdi whose writing is not impressive. Its plot is loose. The story goes haywire with haphazard characters making significant appearances. Dialogues are also below average. It could have conveyed some social message to the society but it even fails at that point i.e. it is not fully able to deliver social message. The research work needed more work.

Music : Despite several playback singers such as Hema Sardesai, Madhushree, Sadhna Sargam, Sudesh Bhosle etc. none of the songs are impressive.

Other Technical Aspects : Camerawork by Ajay Arya is so and so. Editing by Dilip Kotalgi is okay.

Direction : The director (who is also the story, screenplay, and dialogue writer) thought a nice idea but failed to write it properly or to direct it in an impressive way. He could not portray the real 'tai' in a proper or impressive manner.

Plus Points : Message of the Film (Which is half baked)

Minus Points : Poorly Written; Weak Execution

Conclusion : It is not a commercial film. It would have been better if it was made as a documentary film. That could have been more effective and impressive.

Verdict : Not well executed. Can be ignored!