Shantanu Ganesh Rode, Sayali Sanjeev Discuss Marathi Film Goshta Eka Paithanichi

The Marathi-language film Goshta Eka Paithanichi (The Story of a Paithani Sari), currently playing in cinemas (with English subtitles), was awarded the National Film Award for Best Marathi film in 2022. It is a straightforward story, as suggested by the trailer. Directed and written by Shantanu Ganesh Rode, the film stars Suvrat Joshi and Sayali Sanjeev as a couple caught in a pickle when they inadvertently damage an expensive Paithani silk sari.

In an interview with SheThePeople, director Shantanu and film's lead Sayali discussed the film's delayed release, its origin and how they believe the film's simplistic storyline is what will attract the audience.

Sayali Sanjeev interview

The film is deeply rooted in village life and traces this couple’s journey to do the right thing. Tell me what led you to this story. 

Shantanu: Yes, it is about simple village folk. You see, I am from a village too, and the story's idea struck me after hearing a conversation between my sister and my sister-in-law. They were talking about their saree, and I felt it will lead to a good " target="_blank" rel="noopener">film script. So I started assembling some incidents from my life, things that I saw in my village and that’s how the film originated. It is about a family who tries a lot to protect their dignity. The paithani represents moral values, ethics, and a dream. We are raised with the thought that we should be careful with money, we should never come to a point where we have to beg/borrow for help. The film portrays this mindset, and struggle, not just about the desire to own a saree.

Sayali: There’s a dialogue in the film that says when you visit a saree shop looking for paithani, you browse through many and select that one special one, but often it is that the saree chooses you. Similarly, I think the film chose me. I never said yes, but they went for me. I feel blessed. Thankful to the director and producers for believing in me and that I could be a part of the film. I think I am very fortunate that I could be part of the film in this short span of my career. People usually have to struggle for such opportunities, and honestly, why would I refuse when they are offering it to me?

I read that the film began its journey pre-pandemic, and you had to rush to finish it. However, then the lockdown happened and you had to wait for it to release. Were there any mental challenges?

Sayali: Everything happens for a reason. While I did feel a little sad before, it's alright now because the film was bestowed with the National Award. I think people have different perceptions towards National Awardee films. They look at those films differently. I am very happy that is finally out in the theatres, feeling blessed.

Shantanu: A lot of mental struggles. In the age and day when everyone is talking about skirts, we had set out to make a movie on saree. I heard many rejections too, and people told me no one is interested to see films around moral values. The struggle began with the producer's hunt itself..but even after finding one, and the subsequent struggle that followed after writing and making the film, I had to face the lockdown. We were hopeful, though. We were tangled with the post-production work during the lockdown, hoping to release the film once the lockdown ends. But no one knew when it will end. We finished dubbing over zoom with one of our actors who was stuck in London during the lockdown. We were waiting, and at times I did feel low, but that’s life. However, the delay led us to good news too - the film received the National Award 2022. It was a huge morale booster to know that people want to watch it.

Shantanu, Sayali on the sets

The relationship between the lead couple Sayali and Suvrat looks very pure and unadulterated. There is this inherent goodness that they believe and think that the world also has. Do you also believe in the notion of good karma goes and comes around?

Shantanu: Yes, I do. I don’t have a filmy background, but somehow I always wanted to work in this industry. I believe and always say that I survived here because I came across good people. When you see good in people, they see it too. If you value goodness, they will too. What goes around, comes around. I consider myself fortunate to have met wonderful people. Situations corrupt us, but everyone has an inherent goodness within them.

Sayali: We have a river called Indrayani in Maharastra. My character picks traits from it. It is flowy, deep, and consistent. Flowy because she keeps trying, she takes effort, just like a river. Ever since childhood, we are taught to understand the workings of karma. If you do good, good things come to you. Keep track of your reputation in society, ‘usko koi daag nahi lagna chaiye.’ These are a few basic parameters of a middle-class family.

The pandemic also surged the consumption of OTT content. A lot was debated on the theatres vs OTT, but on the upside, OTT also helps you reach a wider scale of audience. Do you think it helps with storytelling and reach?

Shantanu: I accept that while OTT did help us reach a wider audience, it is also true that we decided to wait for theatres to reopen. I was clear on my target audience, which is largely the female audience, I wanted the film to reach every household. And the pandemic has been most harsh on them. People think OTT consumption surged but not for them, they were working throughout the time, balancing both career and home responsibilities. There was no vacation for them. And I wanted to release the film for them when they were at fursat to watch it. We were clear on that part, and women are the one who holds all together. Even Indrayaani, our lead character, is the one struggling here, fighting for her home’s dignity, just like the rest of the women of our country. It is a tribute to the never-ending efforts of womenfolk.

What are your expectations from the audience? 

Shantanu: I want viewers to restore their faith in humanity, and I hope my film helps them see that. It is a nice, feel-good movie.

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