Welcome to Sajjanpur

For a movie maker of the caliber of Shayam Benegal is, it goes without saying with his invite to Sajjanpur comes along a bouquet of expectations. The only other movie of his that I’ve seen is Zubaidaa and I was amazed at his story telling quality! This time, the setting is rustic with characters from a usual random village. The film is presented as a slice of life from the perspective of the protagonist than a story with a beginning and end.

Mahadev, the only degree holder in Sajjanpur nurses ambitions to be a novel writer someday, but fate has sealed him to writing letters for the illiterate village folk who come to him not just for his knowledge of the letter but also for his ability to write with that extra zing and passion that makes the letters work. Playing the protagonist, Shreyas Talpade gets the largest of movie pie that he executes with brilliance without going overboard.

Our writer’s clientèle takes us through the minds of the varied village folk. It ranges from his childhood crush Kamla (Amrita Rao) who writes to her far away husband, a mother (Ila Arun) worried about her vibrant daughter’s (Divya Dutta) horoscope, a compounder (Ravi Kishan) who is deeply in love with the young widow Shobharani (Rajeshwari Sachdev), the villainous ex-Sarpanch Ramlal (Yashpal Sharma) and a Eunuch too.

The next couple of hours, which at times feels somewhat stretched, give us a glimpse of their lives. Mahadev is good at heart and does well to others, but he secretly tries to misread letters to Kamla thinking that he may have a chance if her husband went away. Ramlal tries his best to connive against the Eunuch Munnibai to ensure it doesn’t win the local elections. As is life, in the end, it’s happy for some sad for others.

Throughout the movie, its poignant moments are interspersed so delicately that you don’t feel any character being out of place. The best in my opinion is when Mahadev learns the truth about Kamala’s husband’s life, where Shreyas’ flowing emotions are so well portrayed. Then there is the scene of Munnibai getting a letter written seeking protection. For one, the music is not memorable and the seeming length may bother.

The characters of Sajjanpur are both simpletons at times and wise in the ways of the world when necessary. The movie makes a point on various serious social issues including land acquisitions for industrialization, struggle of the poor and fall into organ trade, widow remarriage, superstitions, job worry for the educated and many more. If you don’t mind the lack of typical stories and climaxes, this story is surely worth watching.

I was also born in a small village like sajjanpur.I usually do not watch many bollywood films but this film is most beautiful and realistic film I have ever watched.It is nicely directed by Shyam Benegal and all the actors and actresses have played nicely specially Shreyas Talpade and Amrita Rao. Shryeas Talpade is a very talented actor. I would also like to mentioned the music of this film which is melodious! it is really great.

Conclusion: This is a very nice film and is worthwhile watching I will give 9 out of 10 for this film and wish that bollywood could make more film like this in future.

Nice comedy set up completely in the rural India, with jokes that make good sense in the local dialect which should not be difficult to comprehend. Ace director Shyam Benegal has made a perfect movie, albeit quite different from the serious classics he has directed in the past. Shreyas Talpade as the aspiring novelist ends up being a scribe, and therefore has a peek into everyone's lives in the village. Ends up manipulating people's lives through letters, especially his love interest's. Quite a number of funny sub plots follow, and the humor doesn't let you feel they are getting too many to remember. A few melodious numbers add to the movie.

This is a rather surprising satirical comedy from a director, cousin of the late and legendary Guru Dutt, who has normally directed classic movies such as "Zubeida" and "Junoon."

Mahadev, one of the few educated men, lives in the village of Sajjanpur, which he claims was originally named Doorjanpur until the late Jawaharlal Nehru makes a visit and orders it to be renamed "Sajjanpur." He makes his living by writing songs an stories but the real bread winner is writing letters for the illiterate members of the village, of which one is Kamla, the girl who once, at school gets him into trouble but who he likes.

Starring Shreyas Talpade, Amrita Rao, Divya Dutta, Yashpal Sharma, Rajeshwari Sachdeva, Ila Arun and Ravi Kishan. This is directed by Shyam Benegal and written by Shyam Benegal and Ashok Mishra.

Shryeas Talpade has proved his talent as an actor who played the role of Shah Rukh Khan's friend in "Om Shanti Om" last year to this one while Amrita Rao has proved that she can play the role of a young girl in love to a matured one living in a village. Divya Dutta just excels in her role herewith a rather surprising impact and there's not much need to say much about her talent as she has shown it before in movies such as "Veer – Zaara."

Conclusion: This is a good satirical comedy and is worthwhile watching. However, if one does not like to watch films that are located in a village, then it may not appeal to them and the same goes for those who do not enjoy such comedy genres.

This was a nice surprise. I saw it because of Shyam Benegal's direction. The movie is well made, good jokes and comedy.

The story line was good, acting by everyone was commendable. Shreyas will turn up to be the best in sometime. His comedy and timing was so realistic.

The script and screenplay was just too good i feel.

Shyam Benegal should come up with more such themes. He has a good knack for comedy.

I would recommend it. Watch it for a good laugh.

I would rate it 7.