Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam Review: Hemant Dhome Highlights the Crisis of Marathi Schools

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam Review: In the heart of Maharashtra, Hemant Dhome’s film addresses a grave problem: the closing of Marathi-medium schools. The story follows Dinker Shirke (played by Sachin Khedekar), a dedicated principal of Krantijyoti Vidyalaya in Alibaug. When a landlord named Jagtap (Anant Jog) tries to tear down the school to build a fancy “International School”, Dinker calls his former students back to save it. For Dinker, this issue is not just about a building; it is about protecting the Marathi language in the education system.

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Amey Wagh, Siddharth Chandekar, Prajakta Koli, Kshitee Joh, Kadambari Kadam, Harish Dudhade, Pushkaraj Chirputkar

Director: Hemant Dhome

Hemant Dhome’s Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam deals with a “burning topic” that is very real. In the past 10 years, more than 100 Marathi schools have closed in Mumbai alone. The movie tells how the reason for the shutdown is happening because many Maharashtrian parents now prefer English-medium schools, believing that English is the only way to succeed in a global world. As a result of this, the number of students in Marathi schools is dropping fast. Dhome’s film handles this balance well. It never speaks badly about the English language or English schools. In fact, Dinker points out that English is taught in Marathi schools too. The film’s main point is that Marathi is losing its place, and the shutting down of regional schools is a major reason why.

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam Review: What The Film Gets Right

One of the strongest points of the film is how it compares different types of education and intentions. Through the character Dinker, the filmmaker explains that modern international schools are often too expensive for middle-class families. These schools focus more on extravagant buildings and “facilities” rather than the actual quality of education. Schools like Krantijyoti Vidyalaya might not be luxurious, but their priority is education and making it affordable to people of all financial backgrounds. Amidst the discussion, the first hour is also made enjoyable by seeing the ex-students of different batches reminiscing about their school days. But sometimes, the nostalgia feels like it is performed more for the audience than the characters deeply experiencing it. Nevertheless, it feels good.

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam Review: Accountability Questions

In the second half, the story is still stuck in the nostalgia element despite taking time to come to the main issues. The story unnecessarily drags on, as you, like Dinker, are waiting for the ex-students to understand the reason for their gathering. Furthermore, during the third act, when the education minister appears, the makers put the responsibility on the “common people” more than the government. It asks parents why they aren’t choosing Marathi schools for their kids. While the concern is a fair point, the film doesn’t really question the government’s lack of help in saving these schools. At times, Dinker’s long speeches, where he looks directly at the camera, can feel a bit “preachy”, even if the questions he asks are very important. The movie brings a conclusion to this serious matter too conveniently, considering in reality, many regional schools are suffering even after concerns are being raised.

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam Review: Performances

Coming to the performances, Sachin Khedekar plays principal Dinker Shirke with great passion. Sachin Khedekar’s portrayal of the principal is characterised by his well-spokenness and seriousness, without ever going overboard. Amey Wagh, as Baban, brings a lot of fun and comedy to the story. Even when his character becomes a bit silly, he still makes you laugh and can quickly switch to a serious mood when needed. Siddharth Chandekar and Prajakta Koli do a decent job as Deep and Anjali; their past romantic connection is one of the major subplots and quite bland. Thankfully, it doesn’t overtake the main topic.

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However, not every performance felt natural. Kshitee Jog, playing Salma, has a very aggressive style that feels a bit forced. She comes across more like an exaggerated version of a tough officer rather than a real person. The rest of the cast, including Anant Jog and Kadambari Kadam, play their parts well.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Hemant Dhome’s Krantijyoti Vidyalaya Marathi Madhyam is a film that both entertains and enlightens. Throughout the movie, the filmmaker asks a solid question: why should we destroy a working Marathi school just to build an expensive one that most people can’t afford? The intention is to remind the audience that the future of a language is in the hands of its people. However, regional schools alone can’t be the main pillar of this foundation. While the movie is truly a good watch and mesmerises you with the beautiful Konkan landscape, it doesn’t go tough while questioning the government and education ministry.