Review: Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam — Thoroughly Entertaining While Focusing on a Language Issue!

Protecting Marathi in schools is ultimately about preserving Maharashtra’s cultural identity and heritage. Regional languages play a crucial role in shaping a child’s cultural identity and emotional foundation. Learning in one’s mother tongue enhances understanding, creativity, and confidence at the school level. Over-dependence on English-medium schools has gradually distanced students from their roots and native languages. While English is important as a global language, it should not come at the cost of regional languages. Marathi, with its rich literary and cultural heritage, needs to be nurtured from early education. Marathi-medium schools help preserve traditions, values, and linguistic pride. If such schools decline, the language risks losing relevance among future generations. Saving Marathi-medium schools is essential to keep the language alive in everyday usage. A balanced education system can promote English proficiency while strengthening regional languages.

Writer-director Hemant Dhome’s latest Marathi film, Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam, focuses on all the above points through an entertaining narrative.

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam, a school located in Nagaon, Alibaug, is run by Dinkar Shirke (Sachin Khedekar). Unfortunately, he receives a notice to vacate the premises as a local politician (Anant Jog) wants to start an international school there. A dejected Shirke urges his ex-students to save the school. Baban (Amey Wagh), Deep (Siddharth Chandekar), Anjali (Prajakta Koli), Salma (Kshitee Jog), Rakesh (Harish Dudhade), Vishal (Pushkaraj Chirputkar), and Suman (Kadambari Kadam) visit their old school and decide to fight the authorities to save the Marathi-medium institution that caters to common people in the village and nearby town. How they go about it forms the crux of the story.

Hemant Dhome once again succeeds in presenting a socially relevant subject in a novel way and keeps the narrative humorous despite a high emotional quotient. The issue is very close to many, especially those living in interior and smaller regions across Maharashtra. The dialogues are simple yet effective. The one-liners generate laughter while also making the audience reflect. Production values are decent, and the cinematography is pleasing. The music is excellent, and the director deserves special applause for using folk music effectively in the film.

The star cast comprises well-known names from the industry, and the writer gives adequate importance to each character without overshadowing one another. Amey Wagh is excellent and keeps the mood light throughout. Siddharth Chandekar delivers a restrained performance as a celebrity still not over his childhood love. Prajakta Koli makes her debut as a heroine in Marathi cinema and shines, especially in emotional scenes. She should focus more on Marathi films, which may well lead her to superstardom. Producer-actor Kshitee Jog gives a subtle and restrained performance, while Harish Dudhade is equally effective. Pushkaraj Chirputkar makes his presence felt in every scene, and his one-liners are enjoyable. Kadambari Kadam delivers a solid performance and commands attention with her impactful portrayal. Sachin Khedekar stands tall amid the ensemble cast yet never overpowers the other actors.

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam is a must-watch for every Maharashtrian and for everyone who believes in preserving and respecting their regional language.