Phullwanti is a 2024 Indian Marathi-language epichistorical drama film directed by actress Snehal Pravin Tarde in her directorial debut, and is produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, Mangesh Pawar, Shweta Mali, and Prajakta Mali under the banners of Panorama Studios, Mangesh Pawar & Company, and Shivoham Creations Pvt. Ltd.[3][4] The film stars Mali in the title role, alongside Gashmeer Mahajani.[5] Based on Babasaheb Purandare's Marathi novel Phulwanti, the film is set in the Peshwa era and narrates the story of the dancer Phullwanti and the renowned Peshwa Pandit scholar Venkat Shastri.[6]
The film was released in theatres on 11 October 2024[7]. The film garnered positive reviews from critics and audience for story, music, cinematography, grandeur presentation, direction and strong performance by lead actors (especially Mahajani and Mali). The film grossed over ₹7.5 crore (US$890,000) at the box office, becoming a commercial success and the eighth highest-grossing Marathi film of 2024.[8] It won several accolades, including six awards at the Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar, among them Best Female Playback Singer. It also won ten awards at the 27th Sanskruti Kala Darpan Awards, including Best Film, Best Actor (Mahajani), Best Actress (Mali), Best Music Director (Avinash–Vishwajeet), and Best Female Playback Singer (Mhade).
Plot
Phulwanti, a renowned Lavani dancer celebrated across India, is invited to perform at a wedding. Initially, she declines,however, upon learning that the wedding is in Pune, she accepts — drawn not by the performance, but by her long-held desire to visit Mastani Mahal. Phulwanti is a great admirer of Mastani, not just as a dancer but as a symbol of courage, grace, and defiance in a world ruled by rigid norms. Her visit to Pune becomes both a personal pilgrimage and an artistic opportunity.
During her time in the city, Phulwanti is also invited to perform on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami at the Peshwa Darbar. She prays to Goddess Saraswati before her performance, blending devotion with dance. Among the many present in the court is Venkat Vishnu Shastri, a respected scholar known for his rigid views and deep-rooted biases. Seeing a Lavani dancer perform in a sacred space irks him, and he prepares to leave — until Phulwanti’s graceful tribute to the goddess halts him. Her art moves the audience, but not enough to change Shastri’s heart. He murmurs a condescending remark, questioning the purity of Saraswati’s presence in the feet of a Lavani dancer. The insult, though veiled, is heard by Phulwanti.
Stung but dignified, Phulwanti challenges Shastri on the spot: he must play the pakhwaj, an instrument he has no skill in, while she dances. The first to make three mistakes will lose — and become a slave to the other. Shock ripples through the court, but Shastri, calmly accepts. Thus begins an unusual competition: intellect versus art, pride versus surrender.
Phulwanti trains rigorously under some of the finest gurus from across India, refining her already masterful technique. Shastri, on the other hand, is reprimanded by his own guru, who warns him that he has not only insulted a true artist, but also the very essence of art. Still, Shastri, bound by his promise, learns the pakhwaj with discipline and humility. As the date nears, the city buzzes with anticipation.
At home, Shastri’s wife Laxmi quietly suffers. She fears that if her husband loses, their dignity will be crushed, and if he wins, a beautiful, talented woman may enter their home as a slave. Torn between loyalty and insecurity, she continues to support her husband with silent prayers and unwavering strength.
The day of the competition arrives. The court is full, the tension palpable. What unfolds is a breathtaking duel — Phulwanti’s dance in perfect rhythm with Shastri’s surprising command of the pakhwaj. Both push themselves to the limit. Eventually, Phulwanti makes her third mistake. Shastri wins.
To everyone’s shock, Phulwanti smiles. She bows in respect, not in defeat. That night, Phulwanti reveals that she lost purposefully and knowingly. She is least disheartened by her loss. Shastri arrives to claim his reward. But instead of taking her to his home, he brings her to the Peshwa Wada and frees her, declaring that he only wanted to free her from the ego she had unknowingly developed. Phulwanti is moved to tears. She confesses she had fallen in love with him since the day she saw him — not just as a scholar, but as a man of fierce integrity.
Still, she refuses freedom, not out of pride, but love. The next morning, she arrives at Shastri’s house, only to find it empty. A lone servant hands her a letter and her ghungroos. The letter reads: she is free to keep her house, her art, and her pride. Shastri acknowledges her feelings but affirms his loyalty to his wife.
Elsewhere, on the road leaving Pune, Laxmi quietly asks her husband if her place in his heart was ever shaken. Shastri, caught off guard, begins to speak, but she gently stops him. “Don’t answer,” she says, “because I know you won’t lie… and I’m not ready to hear the truth.” The silence that follows is heavy — not with guilt or betrayal, but with the quiet weight of choices made for love, duty, and honour.
The movie ends with Phulwanti putting her ghungroos and dancing her heart out in the house of Vishnu Shastri.
The film marks the directorial debut of actress Snehal Tarde and the producing debut of actress Prajakta Mali under her banner, Shivoham Creations Pvt. Ltd.[15][16] Filming was completed in mid-July 2024.[17][18] In September 2024, a poster revealed additional cast members, including Prasad Oak, Vaibhav Mangle, Hrishikesh Joshi, Kshitish Date, and Tarde herself.[19]
Music
The first song, the title track, was released on 12 September 2024. The music was compared by Avinash–Vishwajeet[20][21]
On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya 2024, the makers officially announced the film with a motion poster.[22] Mali's look was released on her birthday, along with the film's release date.[23][24]Gashmeer Mahajani's character's motion poster was revealed on 5 September 2024, coinciding with Teachers' Day.[25][26] The teaser for the film, released on 21 September, captivated audiences with its stunning sets, powerful historical characters, high production values, and sharp dialogues, all of which were highly praised.[27][28]
Release
The film was theatrically released on 11 October 2024.[5] OTT release on Amazon Prime on November, 22, 2024.[29]
Reception
Critical reception
Anub George from The Times of India rated 3.5 out of 5 stars, commending its stunning sets, effective direction by Snehal Tarde, and excellent cinematography by Mahesh Limaye, all of which enhance the captivating narrative. However, he identified a notable flaw in the dance sequences, mentioning that, despite Mali's dancing talent, the editing and shot choices diminish her character's reputation. While the choreography looks impressive in wide shots, the emotional impact is lost due to the editing. Nevertheless, the reviewer recognises that Mali's strong acting makes up for this shortcoming.[30] Santosh Bhingarde of Sakal rated 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and praised the film's strong, impressive music, performances, beautiful visuals, and applauded the effort to create a grand and elegant portrayal of the Peshwa era. Acknowledged some flaws but suggests that these can be overlooked due to the film's ambition and its rich display of beauty and dance.[31] Kalpeshraj Kunal of Maharashtra Times rated the film 3 stars out of 5 stars, and praised screenplay, dialogues, direction, and cinematography for vividly bringing the Peshwa era to life. He commends Prajakta's dance, Umesh Jadhav's choreography, and Avinash-Vishwajit's music for enhancing the historical atmosphere. The dialogue is noted for its poetic rhythm and sharpness, effectively reflecting the characters' personalities.[32]
Box office
The film collected ₹8 lakh (US$9,500) on its opening day and ₹1.19 crore (US$140,000) in its opening weekend.[33]
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