# Phullwanti

Phullwanti is a 2024 Indian Marathi-language epic historical drama film directed by actress Snehal Pravin Tarde in her directorial debut, and is produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, Mangesh Pawar, Shweta Mali, and Prajakta Mali under the banners of Panorama Studios, Mangesh Pawar & Company, and Shivoham Creations Pvt. Ltd. The film stars Mali in the title role, alongside Gashmeer Mahajani. Based on Babasaheb Purandare's Marathi novel Phulwanti, the film is set in the Peshwa era and narrates the story of the dancer Phullwanti and the renowned Peshwa Pandit scholar Venkat Shastri.
The film was released in theatres on 11 October 2024. The film garnered positive reviews from critics and audience for story, music, cinematography, grandeur presentation, direction and strong performance by lead actors (especially Gashmeer Mahajani and Prajakta Mali). The film was commercially successful and hit at box office.

## Plot

Phulwanti is a renowned dancer celebrated across India. She arrives in Pune for a performance at the Peshwa`s court. But her performance is overshadowed by a comment from the court scholar, Venkat Shastri. Determined to seek justice, Phulwanti challenges him, leading to a competition that explores the clash between art and intellect.

## Cast

* Prajakta Mali as Phullwanti
* Gashmeer Mahajani as Venkatadhwari Narasimha Shastri
* Prasad Oak as Bakhre Savkar Naik
* Snehal Tarde as Lakshmi
* Vaibhav Mangle as Martand Bhairavacharya
* Mangesh Desai as Subhedar Mankar
* Kshitish Date as Shrimant Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa
* Hrishikesh Joshi as Pant Chitnis
* Sukhada Khandkekar as Ragini Devi
* Jaywant Wadkar as Vitthoba
* Savita Malpekar as Radhakka
* Deepti Lele as Peshawinbai
* Sunil Abhyankar as Nana Fadnavis
* Nikhil Raut as Bayja
* Samir Choughule as Wamanrao
* Vibhavari Deshpande as Avanti Devi
* Chinmayee Sumeet as Minakshi Devi
* Vijay Patwardhan as Narayan
* Vanita Kharat
* Gaurav More
* Mir Sarvar as Badshah
* Chetana Bhat
* Siddheshwar Zadbukke as Anand Shastri
* Prithvik Pratap as Chimanrao
* Rohit Mane

## Production

The film marks the directorial debut of actress Snehal Tarde and the producing debut of actress Prajakta Mali under her banner, Shivoham Creations Pvt. Ltd. Filming was completed in mid-July 2024. In September 2024, a poster revealed additional cast members, including Prasad Oak, Vaibhav Mangle, Hrishikesh Joshi, Kshitish Date, and Tarde herself.

## Music

The first song, the title track, was released on 12 September 2024. The music was compared by Avinash–Vishwajeet

## Marketing

On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya 2024, the makers officially announced the film with a motion poster. Mali's look was released on her birthday, along with the film's release date. Gashmeer Mahajani's character's motion poster was revealed on 5 September 2024, coinciding with Teachers' Day. The teaser for the film, released on 21 September, captivated audiences with its stunning sets, powerful historical characters, high production values, and sharp dialogues, all of which were highly praised.

## Release

The film was theatrically released on 11 October 2024. OTT release on Amazon Prime on November, 22, 2024.

## Reception
### Critical reception

Anub George from The Times of India rated 3.5 out of 5 stars, commending its stunning sets, effective direction by Snehal Tarde, and excellent cinematography by Mahesh Limaye, all of which enhance the captivating narrative. However, he identified a notable flaw in the dance sequences, mentioning that, despite Mali's dancing talent, the editing and shot choices diminish her character's reputation. While the choreography looks impressive in wide shots, the emotional impact is lost due to the editing. Nevertheless, the reviewer recognises that Mali's strong acting makes up for this shortcoming. Santosh Bhingarde of Sakal rated 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and praised the film's strong impressive music, performances, beautiful visuals, and applauded the effort to create a grand and elegant portrayal of the Peshwa era. Acknowledged some flaws but suggest that these can be overlooked due to the film's ambition and its rich display of beauty and dance. Kalpeshraj Kunal of Maharashtra Times rated the film 3 stars out of 5 stars, and praised screenplay, dialogues, direction, cinematography for vividly bringing the Peshwa era to life. He commend Prajakta's dance, Umesh Jadhav's choreography, and Avinash-Vishwajit's music for enhancing the historical atmosphere. The dialogue is noted for its poetic rhythm and sharpness, effectively reflecting the characters' personalities.

### Box office

The film collected ₹8 lakh (US$9,200) on its opening day and ₹1.19 crore (US$140,000) in its opening weekend.

### Accolades

| Awards | Year | Category | Recipient | Result |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Film | Phullwanti | Nominated |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Director | Snehal Tarde | Won |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Screenplay | Snehal Tarde | Nominated |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Actor | Gashmeer Mahajani | Nominated |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Actress | Prajakta Mali | Nominated |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Music Director | Avinash–Vishwajeet | Nominated |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Lyricist | Dr. Prasad Bivare (song "Madanmanjiri") | Nominated |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Singer Male | Rahul Deshpande (song "Hey Sharada") | Nominated |
| City Cine Awards | 2024 | Best Singer Female | Aarya Ambekar (song "Phulvanti - Title Song") | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Film | Phullwanti | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Actor | Gashmeer Mahajani | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Actress | Prajakta Mali | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | The Most Natural Performance Of The Year | Prajakta Mali | Won |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Supporting Actor | Kshitish Date | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Supporting Actor | Sunil Abhyankar | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Supporting Actress | Chinmayee Sumeet | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Music Director | Avinash–Vishwajeet | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Background Music | Avinash–Vishwajeet | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Sound Designer | Pranam Pansare | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Playback Singer – Female | Aarya Ambekar (song "Phulvanti - Title Song") | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Playback Singer – Female | Vaishali Mhade (song "Madanmanjiri") | Won |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Cinematographer | Mahesh Limaye | Won |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Makeup Artist | Mahesh Barate | Won |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Custom | Manasi Attarde | Won |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Art Director | Eknath Kadam | Nominated |
| Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | 2025 | Best Choreographer | Umesh Jadhav | Won |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Film | Phullwanti | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Director | Snehal Tarde | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Screenplay | Snehal Tarde | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Gashmeer Mahajani | Won |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Prajakta Mali | Won |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Hrishikesh Joshi | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Chinmayee Sumeet | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Music Album | Avinash–Vishwajeet | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Background Score | Avinash–Vishwajeet | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Playback Singer (Female) | Vaishali Mhade (song "Madanmanjiri") | Won |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Lyricist | Dr. Prasad Bivare (song "Madanmanjiri") | Nominated |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Art Director | Eknath Kadam | Won |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Cinematography | Mahesh Limaye | Won |
| NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards | 2025 | Best Custom Design | Manasi Attarde | Nominated |
| MaTa Sanman | 2025 | Best Film | Phullwanti | Pending |
| MaTa Sanman | 2025 | Best Actress | Prajakta Mali | Pending |
| MaTa Sanman | 2025 | Best Cinematography | Mahesh Limaye | Pending |
| MaTa Sanman | 2025 | Best Playback Singer (Female) | Vaishali Mhade (song "Madanmanjiri") | Pending |
| MaTa Sanman | 2025 | Best Music Director | Avinash–Vishwajeet | Pending |
| MaTa Sanman | 2025 | Best Art Director | Eknath Kadam | Pending |