Ata Thambaycha Naay! : Marathi Movie Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: When an initiative offers a second chance at education, 23 BMC sanitation workers set out to complete their SSC. Caught between work and family duties, their struggle to educate paves a bumpy path ahead.
Runtime: 144 Minutes
Director: Shivraj Waichal
Writer: Omkar Gokhale, Arvind Jagtap and Shivraj Waichal
Story: Dharam Valia
Cinematography: Sandeep Yadav
Editing: Sanjay Sankla
Music: Gulraj Singh, Saurabh Bhalerao
Starring: Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Jadhav, Om Bhutkar, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Parna Pethe, Shrikant Yadav
Read more Marathi movie reviews here.
Ata Thambaycha Naay! Review
“Ata Thambaycha Naay!”, which literally means to never stop, is an ode to the resilient spirit of the working class. Directed by Shivraj Waichal, it hits the theatres with a bang on the celebratory Labour Day. The film is based on the real life miracle of 23 BMC workers clearing 10th with flying colours back in 2017.
The film’s narrative centers on Udaykumar Shirurkar (Ashutosh Gowarikar) who inspired 23 BMC Class IV to pursue their basic education. The group included sanitation workers, pipeline menders and drainage cleaners. These workers, often invisible to society and burdened by gruelling jobs, face societal dismissal and personal insecurities. The story follows their transformative journey as they navigate the challenges of returning to night school, balancing work schedules and confronting self doubt. Finding humour and camaraderie in their shared struggles binds them even stronger. Some characters include Maruti (Siddharth Jadhav), a pipeline worker and also a taxi driver; Sakharam (Bharat Jadhav), a drainage cleaner for almost 35 years; Nilesh (Om Bhutkar), a resilient teacher hell bent on helping these dropouts get through their second chance.
“Is education even required if I have to sweep garbage again tomorrow?” is a dialogue that stayed with me. Then onwards throughout the film I was like a pipeline leaking tears constantly. Conversations on duty and dignity are rarely addressed, and this is where the film excels. It urges you to think back on every side eye or tantrum we throw at workers. The first step, and an important one in “EDUCATE, AGITATE, ORGANISE”, is something the film underlines quite heavily. The film also shows he socio-economic barriers these workers face and addresses systemic issues like class disparity and lack of access to education without being preachy.
Shivraj Waichal’s direction is a standout, especially for a debutant. His theatre background shines through in the film’s authentic character interactions and nuanced performances. Waichal, who has co-written the screenplay with Omkar Gokhale and Arvind Jagtap, crafts a narrative that balances emotional depth with light-hearted moments.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to connect with each character’s journey. But some scenes linger longer than necessary, slightly disrupting the momentum. The writing excels in giving each character a distinct voice, with dialogue peppered with Marathi idioms enhancing the Mumbai-centric setting. However, the film occasionally leans on predictable tropes, particularly in its resolution, which feels a tad formulaic.
Technically, cinematographer Sandeep Gn Yadav captures Mumbai’s gritty underbelly with an empathetic lens, contrasting the chaos of the city with the workers’ intimate struggles. Gulraj Singh’s soulful soundtrack, with lyrics by Manoj Yadav, the title track feels overpowering and will go a long way. The title track fits right into the legendary status. The editing is generally tight, but could have trimmed some repetitive sequences for a crisper runtime. Especially trimming out some underdeveloped subplots like the teacher’s love angle.
The ensemble cast is the film’s beating heart. Ashutosh Gowariker delivers a restrained yet powerful performance as Shirurkar, portraying a rare government official who wields his authority for the greater good. His chemistry with the workers grounds the film’s inspirational tone in authenticity. Bharat Jadhav, typically known for comedic roles, is a revelation as Sakharam, a sanitation worker grappling with health issues and self-doubt. His portrayal of vulnerability and quiet resolve is deeply moving. Siddharth Jadhav, as Maruti, the group’s de facto leader and dedicated pipeline worker, brings power and emotional weight, making his character’s arc both relatable and inspiring. Kiran Khoje steals scenes as Apsara, infusing the role with humour and defiance. Om Bhutkar too delivers a spirited and gritty act as the teacher and guide.
Released on Maharashtra Day, “Ata Thambaycha Naay” is a fitting tribute to Mumbai’s unsung heroes. It avoids melodrama, grounding its inspiration in relatable human experiences. While not without flaws, its celebration of resilience, education, and human dignity makes it a standout in Marathi cinema. Also marking Shivraj Waichal as a filmmaker to watch out for.
“तू वणवा पेटवलायेस! वणवा!” – rush to cinemas in flocks and keep the wildfire running people!
