Veergati

Veergati is a 2021 Indian Marathi-language drama film co-directed by Raju Desai and Vishal Desai. The film is set against the backdrop of the Indian Railways, where it revolves around various themes such as friendship, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions. The story is a poignant portrayal of the lives of a group of railway employees, their struggles, and the bond that they share. The film begins with a montage of scenes showcasing various railway employees, including conductors, ticket collectors, and maintenance workers, going about their daily routines. The narrative then shifts to the character of Bhima Ghorpade, played by Sankarshan Kharat, a dedicated and efficient railway ticket collector. Bhima, or Bhima-baapu, as he is affectionately known by the other employees, has been serving in the railways for over three decades and has earned the respect and admiration of everyone around him. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Bhima is haunted by the memories of his past, particularly the tragic loss of his daughter, Aarti. The grief and pain that Bhima experienced after losing his child have left an indelible mark on his life, making it difficult for him to move on and find closure. The loss also serves as a constant reminder of the impermanence of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. Bhima's closest friend and confidant is his colleague, Anand Sable, played by Shashank Khaitan. Anand is the opposite of Bhima; he is young, energetic, and optimistic, always looking forward to a brighter future. Together, the two men share a deep bond, which is strengthened by their mutual respect for each other. Anand often tries to draw Bhima out of his shell and help him heal, but Bhima's emotional scars run too deep for him to let go of the past easily. As the days go by, Bhima and Anand's friendship deepens, and the camera captures the warmth and camaraderie that exists between the two characters. The supporting cast, including the characters of Rama, played by Sanjay Khapre, and Lakshmi, played by Madhumita Desai, add to the richness of the narrative and provide a glimpse into the lives of the railway employees. However, tragedy strikes when Anand, who has been trying to get a promotion in the railways, loses his life in a tragic accident. Bhima is devastated, and his world is turned upside down. The loss of his friend serves as a wake-up call for Bhima, making him realize that death can occur at any moment and that life is fragile. Bhima begins to re-evaluate his priorities and takes a bold decision. Despite his advanced age, Bhima decides to leave his job in the railways, a decision that sparks controversy among his colleagues. Many of them are unable to understand why Bhima, after so many years of dedication and service, would choose to retire so abruptly. Others feel a sense of betrayal, as Bhima's departure will leave a void in their lives. Bhima's decision, however, is motivated by a deep desire to reconnect with his daughter's memory and find a sense of closure. He feels that he has failed his daughter, and this guilt has been weighing him down all his life. By leaving the railways, Bhima hopes to escape the pain of the past and find redemption. The film's climax revolves around Bhima's journey to the railway junction where he had first met his daughter. The camera follows Bhima as he walks through the crowded station, and the audience is immersed in his emotional struggle. Bhima's journey is a poignant reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and a chance for redemption. As Bhima arrives at the station, we are left wondering whether he will finally find the closure he has been seeking. The film's ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving the audience to ponder the significance of Bhima's actions and the consequences of his decision. Veergati is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption, leaving the viewer with a lasting impression long after the credits have rolled.