Shyamchi Aai

Shyamchi Aai - this was the first movie to get the very first National Award for the Best Feature Film, made by 'Ashtapailu' (All-rounder) P. K. Atre, most commonly known as Acharya Atre.




Cast :- Damuanna Joshi, Vanamala, Madhav Vaze
Directed by :- P.K.Atre
Produced by :- P.K.Atre
Written by :- P.K.Atre
Sane Guruji (story)

First time when i read this book, I was in 4th standard and about an year later there was this movie on dd channel. my mom had made a compulsion on us to watch this, i still remember. Since those were the days of watching movies once a week, we also used to enjoy. At that age the whole movie we saw as a guide - what to do and what not to... The innocent and simple manners of Shyam we all wanted to bring in ourselves.
Now seeing the same movie after becoming a mother, the viewpoint has changed completely. Tomorrow to tell my daughter the values and principles about life, i started thinking, whether I am perfect like this great mother. The answer is No - but yes this movies leaves such a great impact that we think about it all over again and again even after weeks passed, one automatically tends to follow since the mission is same of upbringing the child. In todays fast progressing (??) multimedia world, this movie is a must to show to all the young kids for the simple and earthly principles of life. The movie was based on a famous autobiography by Saneguruji (1899 - 1950), in which he has narrated his child hood stories to children, specially mentioning the credits of his mother in his upbringing.
The Main characters are Shyam and his mother. How she brings him up with all the right values during troubled times. The account traces the travails of a rural Marathi family headed by a midlevel landlord and his joint family. A reversal of fortune brought about by ever incurring debts necessitates that the family move out to lesser living conditions but it is the mother who keeps up the spirit and imbues little Shyam with all the true morals that stand him in good stead in the years to come.
The movie has numerous scenes between the mother and the child teaching the right values of life to the viewer and the sequences also posses the power to transform.

Child actor Madhav Vaze has delivered brilliant performance, playing the character of Shyam. His confidence, style and conviction is simply worth watching. Actually it's his performance in the movie which enhances the impact of the pain felt by his mother on screen to many folds. His simple mannerism is to adore.
Another solid performance is that of the lead actress, Vanamala. It is said that even if she acted in this one film only, she would still be remembered fondly by viewers. Damuanna Joshi fits perfectly as father and not to forget Durvanchii aaji... :)
The other remarkable gem from the movie "Shyamchi Aai" is its melodious music by Vasant Desai. All the songs from the movie are wonderful in history of marathi cinema's music. The one sung by Shyamchi aai depicting the love of sister, the one filmed on all the children playing in the school, and the last song 'Aai kuna mhanu mee??'

Sane guruji has made this novel immortal by the simplicity of language and Atre has has made the movie immortal by giving the full justice to the story and ofcourse the superb direction which also flows along.
About this book Pu. La. once said:
"Jya diwashi he pustak out of pint hoil tya diwashi manusaki out of print zali asa mhanav laagel!"
The simplicity of this film touches the audience due to its honesty and the straightforwardness. All the incidents are derived from the real life so like the book flows, movie flows in episodes. Sentiments of son and mother, sons patriotism like his father, identifiable characters around, earthly family values - all these things keep the audience seated.
Aamhi sagale jase ha cinema pahun vadhalo, he pustak vachun mothe zalo - tasech aamachya puadhachya generation ne hi karave.... arthat our last generation also has been brought up on this movie. :)
and parents like me will also show this movie to the upcoming young generation.
so Enjoy this movie on the following link

Watch Shyamchi Aai (Marathi) 1953 in Family View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com