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Bhikari
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Bhikari
Directed byGanesh Acharya
Screenplay byGuru Thakur
Story bySasi
Based onPichaikkaran
by Sasi
Produced bySharad Devram Shelar,
Ganesh Acharya
StarringSwwapnil Joshi,
Rucha Inamdar,
Kirti Adarkar,
Sayaji Shinde
CinematographyMahesh Limaye
Edited byManoj Magarr
Music byMilind Wankhede,
Vishal Mishra
Production
company
Mi Marathi Film Production
Release date
  • 4 August 2017 (2017-08-04)
Running time
165 minutes
LanguageMarathi

Bhikari (transl. Beggar) is a 2017 Marathi-language action drama film co-produced and directed by Ganesh Acharya. The film stars Swapnil Joshi, Rucha Inamdar and Kirti Adarkar, with Sayaji Shinde, Guru Thakur and Kailash Waghmare in supporting roles.

The film, a remake of the 2016 Tamil-language film Pichaikkaran, revolves around a young businessman who is forced to live the life of a beggar to cure his ailing mother and in the process faces various problems. The film was released on 4 August 2017 to mixed to positive reviews.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay, in Thanet, Kent are featured as the seaside location in Samrat's fantasy.[1]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Bhikari
Soundtrack album by
Milind Wankhede, Vishal Mishra
ReleasedJuly 25, 2017
Recorded2017
GenreSoundtrack
Length32:36
LabelZee Music Company
ProducerMilind Wankhede, Vishal Mishra

The music was composed by Milind Wankhede, Vishal Mishra and released by Zee Music Company.

Track list
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Deva Ho Deva"Vikky Nagar, Prasanna DeshmukhMilind WankhedeSukhwinder Singh, Divya Kumar5:40
2."Maagu Kasa Mi"Guru ThakurVishal MishraAjay Gogavale6:09
3."Ye Ata"Guru ThakurVishal MishraVishal Mishra, Sunidhi Chauhan5:17
4."Kasha Chi Shendi"Subodh Pawar, Ganesh AcharyaMilind WankhedeAvadhoot Gupte, Anand Shinde, Ganesh Acharya4:09
5."Bala"Guru ThakurVishal MishraVishal Mishra3:01
6."Aai"Milind Wankhede, Subodh Pawar, Guru ThakurMilind WankhedeSonu Nigam5:12
7."Ye Ata (Slow Version)"Guru ThakurVishal MishraVishal Mishra, Sunidhi Chauhan1:59
8."Aai (Slow Version)"Milind Wankhede, Subodh Pawar, Guru ThakurMilind WankhedeSonu Nigam1:09
Total length:32:36

Release

[edit]

The film was released on 4 August 2017.

Critical response

[edit]

Pune Mirror wrote, "The script has remained true to the original, but seems artificial in presentation. And if a South Indian action film seems more realistic than its Marathi version, we have a problem."[2] Times of India wrote "There are films that have the standard run-of-the-mill stuff and others that are totally hatke; Bhikari falls somewhere in between. It has the right mix of star power and masala, along with an emotionally touching story about a mother and her son. The execution is where this film falters."[3]

Box office

[edit]

Bhikari had a below par opening at the box office. It collected ₹0.31 crore (US$37,000), ₹0.53 crore (US$63,000) and ₹0.64 crore (US$76,000), making a total of ₹1.48 crore (US$180,000) in its first 3-days respectively.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bhikari

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bhikhari Thakur (18 December 1887 – 10 July 1971) was an influential Indian Bhojpuri poet, playwright, lyricist, actor, folk dancer, folk singer, and social activist, widely regarded as the "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri" for his groundbreaking work in elevating Bhojpuri folk theatre and literature to address social injustices. Born on 18 December 1887, in Kutubpur village, (now in ), into a (Nai) family facing and caste-based , Thakur's early life involved labor as a cattle herder and before he left his village in 1914 due to in search of work, later migrating to Calcutta. Thakur pioneered the Bidesia style of folk theatre, blending music, , and to critique , oppression, , migration, and gender inequalities, thereby giving voice to the marginalized rural communities of and eastern . His plays, performed in the Naach tradition, redefined Bhojpuri with the ethos that should reflect unvarnished truth without fear, as encapsulated in his phrase: "Naach hai kaanch, baaki baat hai saanch, eh mein laage na aanch" (Theatre is like glass—fragile yet transparent; the rest is truth, and it carries no heat). Notable works include Bidesia, which explored themes of migration and separation; Beti Bechwa, highlighting and female exploitation; Gabarghichor, a critique of land disputes akin to Bertolt Brecht's ; Bhai-Birodh, addressing ; Kalyug Prem, on modern love and societal decay; and Vidheshiya, among others, many of which were composed as songs for broader accessibility. Recognized during his lifetime with the title "Rai Bahadur" by the British authorities for his cultural contributions, Thakur's legacy endures through his role in fostering and preserving Bhojpuri , influencing generations of performers and continuing to resonate in contemporary and . His works remain relevant for their unflinching portrayal of casteism and rural exploitation, inspiring modern adaptations like the docu-drama Bhikhari Naama.

Development and production

Development

Bhikari originated as a remake of the 2016 Tamil film Pichaikkaran, directed by Sasi, which centers on a businessman adopting the life of a beggar to save his mother. The project was co-produced by Sharad Devram Shelar under Mi Maratha Film Productions and , marking Acharya's debut as a director in . The screenplay was adapted by from Sasi's original story, tailoring the narrative for Marathi audiences while preserving the core emotional arc. Pre-production commenced in late 2016, with the official muhurat and launch event held on December 7, 2016, graced by , who gave the ceremonial clap. The film's budget was estimated at approximately ₹5 . Ganesh Acharya envisioned Bhikari as an action-drama that emphasizes emotional family bonds, particularly the sensitive mother-son relationship amid themes of sacrifice and redemption. Leveraging his extensive background as a Bollywood choreographer, integrated vibrant sequences into the film's songs to enhance its dramatic and celebratory moments. Lead actor portrayed the in a , bringing his experience to the character's transformative journey.

Casting

Swapnil Joshi was cast in the lead role of Samrat, a character requiring a portrayal of dual lives as a businessman forced into beggary, after director [Ganesh Acharya](/page/Ganesh Acharya) approached him directly in 2016, declaring the part suited perfectly to his abilities. Joshi accepted following a script narration, drawn to the challenge of depicting the character's internal struggles and intense familial bonds, and he invested significant effort to immerse himself in the role. Rucha Inamdar was selected for the female lead role of , marking her debut in alongside , with the casting process prioritizing her potential to convey the character's emotional journey and on-screen rapport with the lead. In supporting roles, Kirti Adarkar portrayed Shardha Devi, the mother figure central to the film's emotional foundation, drawing on her established presence in through prior works like . Sayaji Shinde took on the antagonist Vishwanath, utilizing his veteran status in the industry with over 200 films, including numerous Marathi productions, to prepare for key confrontational scenes. The casting for Bhikari involved auditions primarily in and , key centers for Marathi film talent, resulting in Rucha Inamdar's debut without any reported major replacements.

Filming

included scenes shot in Thanet, , , where coastal locations including Kingsgate Bay and were used to depict the protagonist's time in . The production then shifted to , with key sequences shot in urban settings to capture the film's action-drama elements. In December 2016, director filmed an elaborate song sequence dedicated to Lord at Film City in , featuring over 1,000 artistes and a 40-foot-tall custom set. Additional shooting took place in in January 2017, including outdoor and interior scenes. Cinematography was led by , whose work effectively highlighted the film's intense action sequences and emotional depth, particularly in moments involving the protagonist's transformation and confrontations. Action was handled by Abbas Ali Moghul, ensuring coordinated stunts that integrated seamlessly with the dramatic , including fight scenes in industrial and temple settings. The production encountered financial hurdles, notably in payments; for instance, spot boys reported waiting up to eight months post-release for their compensation, reflecting broader challenges in the industry's payment practices. Filming wrapped in early , transitioning to editing by Manoj Mankar ahead of the film's August theatrical debut.

Plot and characters

Plot summary

Samrat Jaikar (), a promising young businessman who has recently returned from completing his higher education in , takes over the thriving family empire from his devoted mother, Sharda Devi (Kirti Adarkar). Their bond is unbreakable, and life unfolds smoothly until a tragic accident plunges Sharda into a , leaving her life hanging by a thread despite advanced medical care. In a desperate bid to save her, Samrat consults a spiritual bound by a sacred , who reveals that Sharda's only hope lies in fulfilling a divine ritual: Samrat must live the life of a beggar for 48 days to earn and prove his devotion. Agreeing without hesitation, Samrat sheds his affluent identity, disguises himself as the ragged Bhiku, and immerses himself in the unforgiving world of Mumbai's streets, begging for survival while concealing his true purpose from his family and business associates. Bhikari is an official of the 2016 Tamil film , faithfully adapting its core premise to a Marathi setting. As the days progress, Bhiku navigates the brutal hierarchy of the beggar community, forging unlikely alliances with fellow outcasts while facing challenges from rivals in the group. Amid these trials, Bhiku encounters (Rucha Inamdar), an independent pizza business owner who provides compassionate support, sparking a tender romance that offers emotional solace during his ordeal. Meanwhile, family tensions arise from a power struggle involving the greedy uncle (Sayaji Shinde), who seeks to exploit the situation to seize control of the business. Tensions escalate in the climax as betrayals within the family unravel, culminating in a fierce confrontation where Bhiku's real identity as Samrat is dramatically exposed, drawing his loved ones into the fray. Through sheer determination and a final act of , Samrat completes the 48-day vow, enabling the guru's intervention that miraculously revives Sharda. The film resolves with a poignant , as Samrat emerges transformed, reconciling his worlds of wealth and hardship.

Character portrayals

Samrat Jaikar, the protagonist, experiences a dramatic transformation from a privileged young executive returning from abroad to a resilient beggar enduring 48 days of hardship on the streets. This arc underscores his growth in and , as he voluntarily relinquishes his wealth to fulfill a spiritual aimed at reviving his comatose , ultimately fostering for the marginalized. In the Marathi adaptation, unique cultural tweaks infuse the narrative with local flavor, such as references to festivals during his beggar phase, symbolizing community bonds and devotion that resonate with Maharashtrian traditions. Sharda Devi, Samrat's mother, functions as the emotional core of the story, her portrayal revealing a of personal sacrifices in building the , which she hands over to her son upon his return. This mirrors Samrat's own trials, amplifying the thematic depth of the mother-son bond—a staple trope in Indian cinema that evokes and duty, positioning her as the catalyst for his redemptive journey. Her vulnerability in a state symbolizes the fragility of familial ties, compelling Samrat's heroism and highlighting themes of gratitude for maternal endurance. Vishwanath, embodied as the greedy uncle entangled in a power struggle, serves as the primary , exploiting opportunities to seize control of the following the mother's . His manipulative dynamics contrast sharply with Samrat's emerging heroism, representing the societal underbelly of avarice and that tests the protagonist's resolve amid his disguised life. This portrayal draws from the remake's roots, emphasizing moral as a foil to themes of selflessness and integrity. Madhu, the love interest, provides crucial to Samrat during his undercover existence as a beggar, evolving from a chance encounter to a pillar of emotional resilience. Her role, as an independent pizza business owner, subtly highlights traditional dynamics in action-dramas, where the female lead offers unwavering encouragement without overshadowing the male hero's arc, reinforcing ideals of and compassion in adversity.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Bhikari was released on 25 July 2017 by , comprising 8 tracks with a total runtime of 32 minutes and 36 seconds, primarily composed by Milind Wankhede and Vishal Mishra. The album features a mix of emotional , devotional numbers, and romantic tracks that integrate seamlessly into the film's narrative of sacrifice and familial bonds. Key songs include the title track "Bhikari," an emotional sung by Vishal Mishra that underscores the protagonist's sacrifices, with lyrics by emphasizing themes of and devotion. The emotional song "Aai," rendered soulfully by , highlights the central mother-son relationship in the story, with lyrics penned by , Subodh Pawar, and Milind Wankhede, composed by Milind Wankhede. The romantic number "Ye Ata," a duet by Vishal Mishra and , captures the film's lighter moments of love and longing, also with lyrics by and music by Vishal Mishra.
No.TitleSingersLyricist(s)ComposerDuration
1Deva Ho Deva, Divya KumarVikky Nagar, Prasanna DeshmukhMilind Wankhede5:40
2Maagu Kasa MiAjay GogavaleVishal Mishra6:07
3Ye AtaVishal Mishra, Vishal Mishra5:17
4Kasha Chi Shendi, Mangesh KulkarniMilind Wankhede4:45
5Aai, Subodh Pawar, Milind WankhedeMilind Wankhede5:12
6Aai (Slow Version), Subodh Pawar, Milind WankhedeMilind Wankhede1:09
7Ye Ata (Slow Version)Vishal Mishra, Vishal Mishra1:47
8Bhikari (Title Track)Vishal MishraVishal Mishra2:39
The songs are picturized to advance the plot, with devotional tracks like "Deva Ho Deva"—a —depicting the protagonist's spiritual journey, choreographed by director in a grand celebratory sequence. Upbeat numbers such as "Kasha Chi Shendi" incorporate dynamic dance routines by Acharya, blending action-romance elements to reflect the character's evolving relationships. Post-release, the soundtrack achieved initial popularity on Marathi radio stations and streaming platforms, with tracks like "Deva Ho Deva" garnering over 5.3 million views on , contributing to its widespread appeal in the regional music scene.

Background score

The background score for the 2017 Marathi film Bhikari was composed by Shamita Bhatkar, Abhijeet Hegdepatil, Zoeb Khan, and Gaurav Vaswani, who contributed original instrumental compositions to enhance the film's emotional and action sequences. These efforts focused on creating atmospheric tension, particularly in scenes depicting the protagonist's experiences as a beggar, blending traditional elements with orchestral arrangements to support the narrative's intensity. However, detailed information on specific motifs, such as recurring themes for the character Samrat's dual life—upbeat for his affluent background and somber strings for his hardships—or the recording process in studios remains limited in available coverage. Technically, the score integrated for ambient street noises and action cues to immerse viewers in non-song scenes, including the climax buildup, distinguishing it from the Tamil original 's musical approach by . No awards or nominations for the background score were reported.

Release

Marketing and promotion

The promotional campaign for Bhikari began in the lead-up to its August 2017 release, focusing on building anticipation among Marathi-speaking audiences in through a mix of , high-profile events, and tie-ins. The official trailer was unveiled on July 12, 2017, via , highlighting the film's emotional core of family sacrifice and action elements to appeal to both multiplex and single-screen viewers. A key highlight was the star-studded music launch event held on July 23, 2017, in , which featured Bollywood celebrities including director , actors Tushar Kapoor, , and alongside the cast. This event generated significant media buzz, emphasizing the soundtrack's role in promoting the film's family drama theme and attracting cross-over interest from fans. The campaign leveraged collaborations with for the soundtrack's promotion, with songs like "Deva Ho Deva" released through their Marathi channel to reach local radio and digital platforms popular in and . Additional publicity efforts included promotional interviews and talks with lead actors , , and director in late July, held in to engage press and fans. To underscore the film's narrative of empathy and struggle, actor participated in a unique outreach event interacting with street beggars in Mumbai's area, aligning the promotion with the story's themes of humility and resilience for authentic connection with Maharashtra's diverse audiences. Bollywood actor also contributed to the hype with a playful, shirtless promotional video, broadening appeal beyond regional lines.

Theatrical release

Bhikari was released theatrically on 4 August 2017. The film was granted a U/A certification by the (CBFC) due to its portrayal of violence and emotional content. A special premiere screening was held in , attended by the cast and crew, complete with a event and media interactions. With a running time of 165 minutes, the film was formatted for digital projection and initially screened in approximately 150 theaters. As of November 2025, the film is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video.

Reception

Critical response

Bhikari received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its emotional core centered on the mother-son bond while critiquing its overambitious narrative and lack of originality as a . The film was lauded for Swapnil Joshi's committed performance as the Samrat, who convincingly portrays both the affluent businessman and the beggar, bringing sincerity to the role of a son making extreme sacrifices for his ailing . Mihir Bhanage of noted, "Bhikari has the right mix of star power and masala along with an emotionally touching story about a and her son," highlighting the heartfelt adage ' tinhi jagacha, aai vina bhikari' (one without a mother is a beggar) as a strong thematic anchor, though execution faltered with added subplots like romance and family intrigue that diluted the central premise. Critics pointed out flaws in the direction by , his debut in , for lacking freshness despite the source material's potential, resulting in a melodramatic plot overloaded with artificial action sequences and song routines. Mirror observed that while the script stayed faithful to the original Tamil film (2016), "it seems artificial in presentation," with the shift from emotional to excessive action undermining the story's authenticity. Reviews also noted gaps in exploring the realities of beggar life, offering only superficial insights into their struggles amid the temple settings and , rather than a deeper societal commentary. On aggregate platforms, the film holds a 6.1/10 rating on based on 169 user reviews as of November 2025, reflecting a moderate consensus that appreciates its emotional highs but faults the uneven pacing and formulaic elements. In terms of recognition, Bhikari earned a nomination for Best at the 4th for the song "Deva Ho Deva," acknowledging its musical contributions, though it did not secure wins in major categories like acting or direction.

Commercial performance

Bhikari earned ₹1.48 nett in its opening weekend across , registering strong collections particularly in the and circuits. The film had a below par overall performance at the . Although it underperformed against its reported ₹5 budget, Bhikari found success in regional markets and generated additional income through sales and OTT licensing deals.

References

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  47. https://m.facebook.com/TaranAdarshOfficial/photos/a.1489645284582510/1989138221299878/
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