Sangte Aika

Sangte Aika is an Indian Marathi-language drama film film directed and produced by Anant Mane, from a screenplay Vyankatesh Madgulkar, featured Jayshree Gadkar, Dada Salvi, Chandrakant, Suryakant, Hansa Wadkar, Sulochana Latkar, Vasant Shinde. The film was a huge commercial hit, ran over 131 weeks in Pune's Vijayanand Theatre and screened alomost two year across the cities in Maharashtra, a record that later broken by the Hindi film Sholay. Afterwards, the movie served as the inspiration for Wadkar's 1970 autobiography of the same name.

Plot
In the rustic village of Rajuri, Sangate Aika spins a captivating tale of rivalry and retribution. At its core are two formidable figures: Chima, a spirited tamasha performer, and Mahadev Patil, the tyrannical landlord and village chief. The feud ignites when Chima accuses Patil of her father's murder and his staunch defense of the oppressive village hierarchy. As Patil's power grows unchecked, he orchestrates heinous acts, including the murder of an innocent farmer and the violation of his wife, Hansa. Despite enduring unimaginable loss, Chima remains resolute. When Hansa's newborn daughter perishes, Salaram, once feared as a dacoit, unexpectedly becomes her protector. Fate intertwines as Hansa's child finds sanctuary in Chima's care, setting the stage for a confrontation. As the tale unfolds, Patil's facade crumbles. His son, Krishna, mirrors his father's dark deeds, while Chima returns to Rajuri, armed with damning revelations. In a climactic showdown, she exposes Patil's crimes before a stunned audience, including Krishna and Hansa. Tensions escalate as Patil confronts his adversaries with lethal intent. Yet, in a twist of fate, it is Salaram who meets a tragic end, sacrificing himself for those he once preyed upon. In a poignant moment, Hansa extends forgiveness to her brother, Krishna, symbolized by a simple rakhi. As the dust settles on Rajuri's tumultuous saga, Sangate Aika delivers a powerful message of resilience and redemption, where the bonds of kinship and the pursuit of justice prevail over darkness.

Cast

 * Jayshree Gadkar as Hansa, Patil's daughter
 * Dada Salvi as Mahadev Patil
 * Chandrakant as Sakharam Shinde
 * Suryakant as Krishna Patil
 * Hansa Wadkar as Chima (Tamasha dancer–Tamasgirin)
 * Sulochana Latkar Hansa, Sakharam's wife
 * Vasant Shinde
 * Pushpa Rane

Release and reception
The film was released in 1959 in Maharshtra, becomes a major commercial success. Sangte Aika set a record by continuous screenings for almost 230 weeks. It also made a lasting impression on Marathi literature and theatre. Narwekar stated that Shikleli Baiko and Sangte Aika both reaffirmed the notion that the new Marathi film audience was concentrated in rural regions and was drawn to movies with a similar theme. Those who made films against this backdrop did so out of a natural desire to distance themselves from the limited urban Marathi film audience. Prior to independence, Marathi films were praised for their unique substance, and in light of this appreciation, Hindi versions were made shortly after.

Impact
The number of tamasha films steadily grew between 1959 and 1972. Sangte Aika spent nearly 140–240 weeks in theaters. Production figures for the tamasha film increased starting in 1961. As a result, there were two in 1961 (Shahir Parshuram and Rangapanchami), two in 1964 (Sawaal Majha Aika! and Sundara Mana Madhye Bharli), three in 1967, five in 1970.The tamasha gained popularity in rural performing circuits with a cinematic rendition. As it was eventually performed in tiny towns and villages, this also had an impact on its performance elements. A form that the film industry had successfully taken was being influenced in the opposite way. It led to an odd historical turnabout for the tamasha as a folk art form and the film industry.

Soundtrack
The music composed by Vasant Pawar and the songs are sung by Asha Bhosale, Vitthal Shinde, Madhubala Jhaveri, and Kumud Pendekar, while the lyrics were provided by G. D. Madgulkar. The lavani song "Bugadi Majhi Sandli Ga" sung by Asha Bhosle and picturized on Jayshree Gadkar became very popular at that time.