Watch 15 August

"15 August" is a feel-good Marathi film released in 2019. Directed by Swapnaneel Jayakar, the movie is set in a Mumbai chawl and revolves around the lives of the residents who come from different backgrounds, but share a strong sense of community and belongingness. The film begins with a group of children practicing for a dance performance they plan to put up on India's Independence Day, which is just a week away. We are introduced to the various characters who live in the chawl - there's a retired school teacher, a struggling actor, a newlywed couple, an elderly man who pines for his deceased wife, and many more. The film takes its time to establish the personalities, quirks and relationships of these characters. As a result, the first half of the movie is leisurely and slice-of-life in nature.

However, as the Independence Day approaches, the residents face a threat - the municipal corporation plans to demolish their chawl to make way for a flyover. The residents are devastated and decide to fight for their homes. What follows is an emotional and heartwarming tale of community solidarity, as the residents come together to petition the authorities, stage a protest and even take legal action.

The film's strong point lies in its writing and performances. The characters are well-etched and relatable, and the ensemble cast does an excellent job of bringing them to life. Abhishek Deshmukh, who plays the retired teacher, is particularly impressive - his character is the emotional anchor of the movie and he delivers a nuanced, understated performance. Mrunmayee Deshpande, as the newlywed bride, is bubbly and endearing, and Namrata Kadam, as the mother of the rebellious teenager, is the perfect mix of strict and caring.

The film's themes of community, patriotism and social justice are subtle, yet effective. The fact that the residents of the chawl choose to put up a patriotic performance on Independence Day despite their looming eviction, speaks volumes about their love for their country and their home. Moreover, the story of underprivileged people fighting for their right to housing is an important one, and the film handles it with sensitivity and sincerity.

The film's technical aspects - cinematography, music, and direction - are adequate, if not exceptional. The chawl and its surroundings are captured in a realistic and evocative manner, and the music, composed by Amar Oak, is pleasant and fitting. Swapnaneel Jayakar's direction is competent, but not very imaginative - there are a few scenes that feel over-dramatic and manipulative. However, these are minor flaws in an otherwise well-made film.

Overall, "15 August" is a charming, feel-good movie that celebrates the spirit of community and patriotism. Its message of fighting for one's rights, even in the face of obstacles, is universal and relevant. The film is a reminder that India's independence struggle was fought not only by the leaders and the freedom fighters, but also by the common people who believed in the cause. It is a film that will leave you with a smile on your face and a sense of hope in your heart.

15 August is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.