| Directed by | Digpal Lanjekar
|
|---|---|
| Produced by | Template:Plainlist |
| Starring | Template:Plainlist |
| Cinematography | Sandip Shinde |
| Edited by | Sagar Shinde Vinay Shinde |
| Music by | Score: Mayur Raut Songs: Avadhoot Gandhi
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Marathi
|
Abhanga Tukaram is a 2025 Indian Marathi-language historical drama film written and directed by Digpal Lanjekar, known for his earlier series of Marathi historical films known as Shri Shivraj Ashtak.[1][2] The film chronicles the life, teachings, and literary legacy of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, the 17th-century Marathi saint-poet and key figure of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.[3] It stars Yogesh Soman in the titular role, with Smita Shewale, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Mrinal Kulkarni, Ajay Purkar and Ajinkya Raut in pivotal roles.[4][5] The film was produced by Chitrakathee Creations and Dithee Production, and was released theatrically on 7 November 2025.[6]
The music for the film was composed by Avadhoot Gandhi, built primarily around Tukaram's original abhangas.[7]
Plot
The film follows the life of Sant Tukaram Maharaj (Yogesh Soman), a humble shopkeeper from Dehu, Maharashtra, who transforms into one of the greatest spiritual reformers of 17th-century India. The narrative explores Tukaram's personal hardships, including the loss of his first wife and child and the ensuing poverty, and how these trials deepened his spiritual yearning and devotion to Lord Vitthal.
Central to the story is the unflinching support of his second wife Avali (Smita Shewale), who stands by him despite the social and economic consequences of his devotional vocation. It portrays how Tukaram's abhangas challenged the rigid caste hierarchy of his time, bringing him into conflict with orthodox religious authorities.
A pivotal conflict arises when Brahmin scholars, led by Rameshwar Bhatt (Sameer Dharmadhikari), order Tukaram to destroy his Gatha as it is deemed an infringement of the exclusive rights of the upper-caste clergy over scripture. Tukaram's calm, faith-centred response submerging his writings in the Indrayani River and awaiting divine judgment.
It also intersects the parallel story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Ajinkya Raut), who was a devoted admirer of Tukaram. The narrative shows the resonance between the spiritual courage of the saint and the political valour of the warrior king, reflecting Marathi pride in both figures. Jijabai (Mrinal Kulkarni) also features as a revered historical figure who embodied devotion and resolve.
Cast
- Yogesh Soman as Sant Tukaram[8]
- Rugved Soman as Young Tukaram
- Smita Shewale as Avali (Jijai), Tukaram's wife[9]
- Ajay Purkar as Mambaji[10]
- Sameer Dharmadhikari as Rameshwar Bhatt, Brahmin scholar antagonist
- Mrinal Kulkarni as Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's mother
- Nikhil Raut as Moropant
- Sachin Bhilare as Pantaji
- Abhijeet Shwetchandra as Lord Vitthal
- Abheer Gore as young Vitthal
- Virajas Kulkarni as Savji Maharaj
- Ajinkya Raut as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
- Nupur Daithankar as Rukmini
- Avadhoot Gandhi as Kalokhe Patil
- Sunil Godbole as Rameshwar Bhatt's assistant
- Bipin Surve as Baji Sarjerao
- Tejas Barve as Sant Dnyaneshwar
- Sharvari Joshi Ausekar
- Rudra Kolekar as Mhadya, Tukaram's son
- Ishmita Joshi as Bhagirathi, Tukaram's daughter
Production
Ajay Purkar plays the antagonist in the film, having previously been seen in protagonist roles in Digpal Lanjekar’s earlier films.[11][12] Chinmay Mandlekar, who has been part of Lanjekar’s Shri Shivraj Ashtak portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, does not play the role in this film; instead, it is portrayed by Ajinkya Raut, as Lanjekar felt Mandlekar would appear older for the role, considering Shivaji was around 17 years old at the time of his meeting with Tukaram.[13][14]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Avadhoot Gandhi, who also appears in the film in the role of Kalokhe Patil. The soundtrack is centred on Sant Tukaram's original abhangas.[15]
Release and reception
Abhanga Tukaram was released theatrically across India on 7 November 2025, distributed by Panorama Studios.[16] The grand music launch was held on 15 October 2025 and was attended by Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar, while the official trailer was unveiled on 28 October 2025.[17][18][19]
Critical response
Anub George of The Times of India gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Being based on real life events there are definite issues with pacing but devotees are sure to have a heart warming experience watching their beloved Sant."[20] Santosh Bhingarde of Sakal gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, particularly praising the performances and music, and wrote, "Although the pace of the film is a bit slow and the story does not progress much after the interval, the story of Sant Tukaram's Abhangas is presented in a suitable combination of devotion, faith, religion, spirituality and sacrifice."[21]
References
- ↑ संतश्रेष्ठ तुकाराम महाराजांच्या अभंग गाथेवरील ‘आनंदडोह’;संत साहित्याचे समृद्ध संचित रुपेरी पडद्यावर, Marathi, TV9. TV9 Marathi(2024-11-12). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ जगद्गुरू संतश्रेष्ठ तुकाराम महाराजांच्या गाथेची कथा दिसणार 'अभंग तुकाराम’ मध्ये; कोण साकारणार मुख्य भूमिका?, Naik, Payal. Marathi News Esakal(2025-08-12). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ देहूनगरीत ‘अभंग तुकाराम’ चित्रपटाचा भक्तीमय सोहळा. Loksatta(2025-08-30). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Yogesh Soman to portray Sant Tukaram in Abhang Tukaram; First Look Launched in Dehu –, Talkies, Movie. www.movietalkies.com. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ 'अभंग तुकाराम'! दिग्पाल लांजेकरचा नवीन सिनेमा, मालिकाविश्वातील 'हा' लोकप्रिय अभिनेता झळकणार मुख्य भूमिकेत. Loksatta(2025-08-12). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Marathi Movie: ‘अभंग तुकाराम’ चित्रपटाचा टिझर चक्क संस्कृत भाषेत,चाहत्यांनी दिला अनोखा सन्मान, यादव, अमृता. Navarashtra(2025-10-24). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ ‘अभंग तुकाराम’ चित्रपटाचा संगीत लोकार्पण सोहळा संपन्न, कलाकारही चित्रपटातील लूकमधून थेट मंचावर | abhang Tukaram movie(2025-10-14). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Actor Yogesh Soman to portray Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj in ‘Abhang Tukaram’! - Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster, Reporter, Cine(2025-08-28). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ "विठ्ठलाची माफी मागितली कारण…", स्मिता शेवाळे असं का म्हणाली? सांगितला 'अभंग तुकाराम'च्या सेटवरील अनुभव. Loksatta(2025-11-06). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ अभिनेते अजय पूरकर साकारणार खलनायक, ‘अभंग तुकाराम’ चित्रपटात ‘मंबाजी’च्या भूमिकेत. Loksatta(2025-10-09). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Actor Ajay Purkar to Play Antagonist in ‘Abhang Tukaram’! - Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster, Reporter, Cine(2025-10-09). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Abhang Tukaram: हा मराठी अभिनेता झळकणार खलनायक अवतारात; 'अभंग तुकाराम'मध्ये साकारणार खास भूमिका, Kadam, Shruti Vilas. Marathi News | Saam TV(2025-10-10). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ ...म्हणून अभंग तुकाराममध्ये महाराजांच्या भूमिकेत चिन्मय मांडलेकर नाही", अखेर दिग्पाल लांजेकरांनी सांगितलं कारण. Lokmat(2025-10-19). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ ‘अभंग तुकाराम’ मध्ये छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांची भूमिका साकारणार अजिंक्य राऊत,म्हणाला,”माझ्यासाठी खास..”, यादव, अमृता. Navarashtra(2025-10-22). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ ‘अभंग तुकाराम’ चित्रपटाचा संगीत अनावरण सोहळा संपन्न... सांस्कृतिक कार्य मंत्री ॲड. आशिष शेलार उपस्थित. Loksatta(2025-10-15). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ 'अभंग तुकाराम'चे शुक्रवारी प्रदर्शन. Loksatta(2025-11-02). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ ‘अभंग तुकाराम’ चित्रपटाचा संगीत लोकार्पण सोहळा संपन्न; प्रदर्शनाची तारीखही आली समोर, Kale, Krantee V.. marathi.freepressjournal.in(2025-10-15). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Video : तुकोबांचे अभंग गात विठ्ठल नामात दंग झाले कलाकार ! अभंग तुकाराम सिनेमाचा संगीत लोकार्पण सोहळा संपन्न, narayan, kimaya. Marathi News Esakal(2025-10-15). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ लोककल्याणाची गाथा आणि भक्तीचा वसा ! अभंग तुकाराम सिनेमाचा ट्रेलर प्रदर्शित, या तारखेला रिलीज होणार सिनेमा, narayan, kimaya. Marathi News Esakal(2025-10-30). Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Abhanga Tukaram Movie Review: A musical deep dive into the life of Sant Tukaram. The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ Movie Review : अभंग तुकाराम - धर्माची, त्यागाची आणि संघर्षाची उद्बोधक कथा, Bhingarde, Santosh. Marathi News Esakal(2025-11-08). Retrieved 2026-05-02.