April May 99 Movie Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot:
3 inseparable friends spending their summer vacations in Konkan are having a blast. But things get rough when they meet Zai.
Runtime: 129 Minutes
Director- Rohan Mapuskar
Music- Rohan Gokhale, Rohan Pradhan
Cast- Shreyas Thorat, Aaryan Menghji, Manthan Kanekar, Sajiri Joshi
April May 99: Complete Film Review
After a long haul as a casting director, Rohan Mapuskar finally hits the golden star of directing a feature film in his career. His debut “April May 99” is an ode to the nostalgic summers most of us experienced in the 90s. It works out all fine and is bound to stay with you for quite some time.
Set in the picturesque village of Shrivardhan in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, the film captures the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of rural life before the advent of digital technology. It is a tale of 3 friends, Prasad (Shreyas Thorat), Siddhesh (Manthan Kanekar) and Krushna (Aaryan Menghji). It takes you down memory lane when we see them eagerly awaiting their vacations, and how much we as kids looked forward to them, too. They have everything planned out, when Prasad’s parents are planning to send him to Mumbai for a 2-month English course. Their plan is interrupted by a guest from Pune, who speaks English fluently and offers to teach them. What remains to be seen is how these notorious boys who have a cat-and-mouse relationship with girls in their village, accept Jaie as a friend and as an English ‘teacher’ above that. How they navigate through their insecurities and turbulence by the end of the vacation is what the film holds ahead for you. On village trips with the boys, Jaie captures 99 photos and learns the local language from the villagers, experiences that inspire the title.
Even to start with, what is particularly noteworthy is how well they have managed to create the rural Konkan setting with attention to detail. None of the characters and elements feel forcefully placed, and looking at the actors thriving in the space so comfortably makes you really enjoy it. The divine Konkan is finally seen as it is in real life. The beach adds a comforting layer to an already warm and homely setting. The cinematography is one of the biggest reasons behind this. Divine location, beautiful compositions, and the splendid direction to get all of this together is simply a treat.
The screenplay is perfectly tender throughout, making every moment count. There is very little exaggeration, and therefore it touches your heart. The dialogue, penned by Mapuskar and Pawar, is natural and infused with humour, particularly in moments where the boys grapple with new emotions, such as their earnest declaration, “I am thank you.” The film’s pacing, at 129 minutes, allows for a leisurely exploration of its characters and setting, though some might find it slow in parts. Mapuskar’s direction avoids heavy-handed coming-of-age clichés, opting for a gentle approach that treats puberty and emotional growth with sensitivity, making the film accessible to a wide audience.
The chemistry between the lead cast manages to cook the nostalgia to a perfect taste. Sajiri Joshi plays Jaie, the 13-year-old, who has never lived in a rural setting before. She impresses with her performance and doesn’t try to overdo it, being the mature one among the three notorious boys. Rajshri Potdar also shines in her small but impactful role, becoming an integral part of the film. The soundtrack, composed by Rohan-Rohan, is another strength, with tracks like “Mann Jaie,” sung by Sonu Nigam, leaving a lasting emotional impact.
“April May 99” is a delightful and evocative film that captures the essence of youth, friendship, and nostalgia. Its authentic performances, stunning visuals, and soulful music make it a standout in Marathi cinema. For those seeking a heartwarming escape to a simpler time, this film is a must-watch. Gather all the teenagers around you and storm to the theatres, they need to see how fun the 90s summer vacations were!
