Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008) User Reviews

A Good Satirical Comedy.

[Pratik112 · 8/10 · 22 September 2008]

This is a rather surprising satirical comedy from a director, cousin of the late and legendary Guru Dutt, who has normally directed classic movies such as "Zubeida" and "Junoon."

Mahadev, one of the few educated men, lives in the village of Sajjanpur, which he claims was originally named Doorjanpur until the late Jawaharlal Nehru makes a visit and orders it to be renamed "Sajjanpur." He makes his living by writing songs an stories but the real bread winner is writing letters for the illiterate members of the village, of which one is Kamla, the girl who once, at school gets him into trouble but who he likes.

Starring Shreyas Talpade, Amrita Rao, Divya Dutta, Yashpal Sharma, Rajeshwari Sachdeva, Ila Arun and Ravi Kishan. This is directed by Shyam Benegal and written by Shyam Benegal and Ashok Mishra.

Shryeas Talpade has proved his talent as an actor who played the role of Shah Rukh Khan's friend in "Om Shanti Om" last year to this one while Amrita Rao has proved that she can play the role of a young girl in love to a matured one living in a village. Divya Dutta just excels in her role herewith a rather surprising impact and there's not much need to say much about her talent as she has shown it before in movies such as "Veer – Zaara."

Conclusion: This is a good satirical comedy and is worthwhile watching. However, if one does not like to watch films that are located in a village, then it may not appeal to them and the same goes for those who do not enjoy such comedy genres.

Good Comedy !

[amitindia2008 · 7/10 · 21 September 2008]

This was a nice surprise. I saw it because of Shyam Benegal's direction. The movie is well made, good jokes and comedy.

The story line was good, acting by everyone was commendable. Shreyas will turn up to be the best in sometime. His comedy and timing was so realistic.

The script and screenplay was just too good i feel.

Shyam Benegal should come up with more such themes. He has a good knack for comedy.

I would recommend it. Watch it for a good laugh.

I would rate it 7.

This is not a Comedy! Watch it if you enjoy fine storytelling!

[ssvikas · 7/10 · 24 September 2008]

For a movie maker of the caliber of Shayam Benegal is, it goes without saying with his invite to Sajjanpur comes along a bouquet of expectations. The only other movie of his that I’ve seen is Zubaidaa and I was amazed at his story telling quality! This time, the setting is rustic with characters from a usual random village. The film is presented as a slice of life from the perspective of the protagonist than a story with a beginning and end.

Mahadev, the only degree holder in Sajjanpur nurses ambitions to be a novel writer someday, but fate has sealed him to writing letters for the illiterate village folk who come to him not just for his knowledge of the letter but also for his ability to write with that extra zing and passion that makes the letters work. Playing the protagonist, Shreyas Talpade gets the largest of movie pie that he executes with brilliance without going overboard.

Our writer’s clientèle takes us through the minds of the varied village folk. It ranges from his childhood crush Kamla (Amrita Rao) who writes to her far away husband, a mother (Ila Arun) worried about her vibrant daughter’s (Divya Dutta) horoscope, a compounder (Ravi Kishan) who is deeply in love with the young widow Shobharani (Rajeshwari Sachdev), the villainous ex-Sarpanch Ramlal (Yashpal Sharma) and a Eunuch too.

The next couple of hours, which at times feels somewhat stretched, give us a glimpse of their lives. Mahadev is good at heart and does well to others, but he secretly tries to misread letters to Kamla thinking that he may have a chance if her husband went away. Ramlal tries his best to connive against the Eunuch Munnibai to ensure it doesn’t win the local elections. As is life, in the end, it’s happy for some sad for others.

Throughout the movie, its poignant moments are interspersed so delicately that you don’t feel any character being out of place. The best in my opinion is when Mahadev learns the truth about Kamala’s husband’s life, where Shreyas’ flowing emotions are so well portrayed. Then there is the scene of Munnibai getting a letter written seeking protection. For one, the music is not memorable and the seeming length may bother.

The characters of Sajjanpur are both simpletons at times and wise in the ways of the world when necessary. The movie makes a point on various serious social issues including land acquisitions for industrialization, struggle of the poor and fall into organ trade, widow remarriage, superstitions, job worry for the educated and many more. If you don’t mind the lack of typical stories and climaxes, this story is surely worth watching.

Simplicity of Malgudi Days

[AvinashPatalay · 12 September 2009]

"Welcome to Sajjanpur" is a revival of times on the lines of Malgudi Days and the flavour of of Hrishikesh Mukhejee & Basu Chatterjee. The fictitious village comprises of characters very humane, easily identifiable and oozing with simplicity (well, not quite!).

The narrative is extremely smooth and carries you with the flow. Shyam Benegal attempts an unexplored territory and once again he proves what a versatile director he is. With "Welcome to Sajjanpur" Shyam Benegal to a certain degree incorporates commercial elements into his style yet retaining the flavour of parallel cinema.

All the characters seem hand-picked as they are perfectly suited to the "T". Every actor gets adequate space as per the demands necessitated by the character. It seemed only Divya Dutta's character/ role was not fleshed out / elaborated (and her participation in the end was kind of coming).

In the times of heavy-weights & escapism cinema, "Welcome to Sajjanpur" manages to command a foothold in its own rights. Don't miss this movie at any costs.

With love, from Sajjanpur...

[vs_acharya · 7/10 · 29 November 2008]

As an actor, Shreyas Talpade, has exceeded my expectations every time I have seen him perform on the screen. "Welcome to Sajjanpur" in true sense is a welcome break for Bollywood, which now a days is churning out comedies which are more non-sense than light-hearted. Of course Mr.Benegal's class is very evident from each and everyone of the characters he as presented in this story.

WTS is a simple story of an arts graduate, Mahadev (Shreyas) who's new found talent of writing letters is an instant hit with the villagers. Parallely, he evolves into a writing consultant with such an élan that even a guy in love gets his love-letter written from Mahadev. There are a number of very funny people, with a variety of problems coming to him for having their letters written and the way events turn due to his thoughtful letters are truly engrossing. Ila Arun's character was the best among the supporting roles and I couldn't help laughing out mad at the climax of the movie.

Phew! very few movies like this stand up to the class of yesteryear comedies (Read Hrishikesh classics). 07/10 Don't miss this movie.

A BEAUTIFUL film by The Great BENEGAL.

[MandalBros-5 · 7/10 · 21 November 2021]

Shreyas Talpade did some very good work in his early days and this film is one of them. Welcome to Sajjanpur narrates the story of a village named 'Sajjanpur' & its residents. This film has a very beautiful writing. From the very beginning it will took you to the land of Sajjanpur.

It will give you a Priyadarshan film vibe. And at the same time, it gives some very good social messages, but not in a direct way because these are all part of the story. Everyone acted well and loved the songs specially 'Aadmi azaad hai' by Kailash Kher.

Finally, Welcome To Sajjanpur is a very beautiful film by The Great Shyam Benegal.

Available on Netflix.

© MandalBros.

Superbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Movie

[sharit_sinha · 10/10 · 9 October 2008]

Oh, what a movie! I just finished watching it and I cant think anything bad about this movie. Actors, location, script, music and .... the tremendously talented director.

I cannot imagine how did Shyam Benegal turned such a simple rural story into such a entertaining masterpiece! Yeah, I have not watched much of his movies, which is kind of a sin, I know. But, now that I have seen this, I will surely watch all the others.

The story is about a mostly illiterate village, where our hero Mahadev (Shreyas Talpade) is an educated but unestablished person, who writes and reads letters for people. In this strange occupation, he meets several dimensional persons, such as a superstitious mother of an unmarried girl, an illiterate but benevolent politician, a do-gooder eunuch, a love-struck compounder and the most desired: his childhood crush who is waiting for her husband to come from Mumbai.

Mr Benegal skillfully displayed all of the grayish characters throughout the movie, including our hero. Though the main theme is comedy, the film slowly starts touching into your spines by resembling any of our lives, any normal Indian's life.

I could have gone describing the complete story, but I would really like you guys to go and watch the movie yourself, its like a fantasy story revealing itself slowly to be as normal as any other normal human being.

Kudos, Shyam Benegal.

A Simple Comedy From The Master Of Cinema

[bobbysing · 6/10 · 23 September 2008]

Shyam Benegal, one of the key names, who represent our Indian Cinema in the world. The man responsible for number of award winning meaningful films tries a different genre this time which is a very simple, easy going and fresh attempt. But it may be too straight and slow for the fast paced young audiences.

For his fans (including myself), this is a welcome change from the master of the medium and the maestro seems to be in a completely different mood this time. As a sincere fan, "Welcome To Sajjanpur" is not among best of his works, but it's entirely a different kind of attempt from him which surely has moments of his golden touch.

The story is about a letter writer in a village, who writes letters for all the villagers and tries to put their feelings in his words. And at times this also leads to interfering in the personal lives of people. The plot is very thin and there are too many characters roped in. So as a result no particular character comes out shining except the letter writer himself. The film starts off easily with a much laid back pace and moves on as each character is introduced. It is more like the good old "Malgudi Days" and impresses as it unfolds stories about each one of them. But some sequences are pretty predictable such as the village elections and the rivalry among the contestants.

First half is too simple and slow, whereas the second half picks up and generates more interest. The last 40 minutes of the movie are more entertaining and engrossing and the climax reminds you of Hrishikesh Mukherjee kind of cinema. At first it may seem that this is not a movie matching today's fast pace of life, but as it moves on, it takes you in and after the last few minutes you feel that you liked it.

Performances wise each and every character shines like a star in the sky and "Shreyas Talpade" is like the moon with the stars. Undoubtedly, this is his best performance after "Iqbal" and "Dor". Amrita Rao, though has acted well but deliberately speaks like a village girl, where she gets caught. Rest all have done a fine job but since no other character has an upper edge provided by the writer so everyone is at par with each other. Musically, the title song is good but all the other songs should have been avoided.

In few words, it's a simple and sweet movie, to enjoy as the gold old cinema from the golden era of Indian Movies. It may not be liked by the youth as it has nothing to offer to the Rock Generation. But it has the values which we find missing in the current times.

One Request for the viewers who are new to Shyam Benegal Cinema : If you are watching this as your first Shyam Benegal flick then Please don't make any viewpoint about the master from this movie. This a different genre tried by the master and it's like he is chilling out after making some very intense and meaningful movies. I insist and request you to watch his "Suraj Ka Satwan Ghoda", "Hari Bhari", "Mammo", "Mandi", "Bhumika", "Ankur" before reaching to any unjustified conclusion about Shyam Benegal.

Particularly a must see is "Suraj Ka Satwan Ghoda" where you will find most of the cast of "Welcome To Sajjanpur" doing a completely different act with the utmost conviction.

Summing up, it can be said that in the current trend of loud comedies, "WTS" might be too simple and slow for the young viewers but it has its moments to enjoy.

A beautiful film

[iltaf-kiani · 9/10 · 19 February 2009]

I was also born in a small village like sajjanpur.I usually do not watch many bollywood films but this film is most beautiful and realistic film I have ever watched.It is nicely directed by Shyam Benegal and all the actors and actresses have played nicely specially Shreyas Talpade and Amrita Rao. Shryeas Talpade is a very talented actor. I would also like to mentioned the music of this film which is melodious! it is really great.

Conclusion: This is a very nice film and is worthwhile watching I will give 9 out of 10 for this film and wish that bollywood could make more film like this in future.

your average kinda-comedy.

[piksplanet · 6/10 · 1 January 2009]

Welcome To Sajjanpur comes from visionary director Shyam Benegal. It stars Shreyas Talpade, Amrita Rao, Ravi Kishan, Ila Arun and a whole host of others. Benegal, popularly known for his parallel films, with Welcome To Sajjanpur, shifts to a comedy/parallel film. The touch of realism/naturalism in terms of social and political conditions is unmistakable in this film, and more often than not, it is the base of it's happenings.

The most flashy thing in Welcome To Sajjanpur comes even before it's opening credits. The UTV Spot Boy banner. From then on, everything about the film is primitive. It's setting. 'Some' village which was once called 'Durjan'pur, but was renamed by Nehru himself to Sajjanpur. It's people. Mostly uneducated. There is a man who portrays a doctor in the film, but he appears in a grand total of one scene. There are the numerous bai's and mausi's, and Ramsingh's and Ramkumar's (among the numerous Ram's whom the narrator speaks of in the introduction, while brushing his teeth with a twig). The comes in the superstitions. I shall only speak of the one that says a girl must get married to a 'kukur' (yes, a dog) because she is, well, unlucky (or whatever one calls it when translated into primitive, religious Hindi. Then comes the political state of things. It's election time. There is a eunuch (acted brilliantly by Ravi Jhankal) running for it, along with your gang of gangster-type people who roam about on motorcycles with their 'mamaji's' sitting behind them, carrying a rifle. Etcetera etcetera..

Shreyas Talpade does well as the film's lead. The narrative, always having a comedic spark to it, does not disappoint. The acting is top class. Ila Arun, Yashpal Sharma and Ravi Jhankal are priceless. Also the man who plays the Subedar (damn, i forgot his name). The songs are mediocre. Bheeni bheeni's picturisation is done very well, with what one can only call a dream sequence. Aadmi azad hain acts as the revolutionary (comedy) song, as does Munni ki baari (yes, it was sung after Jhankal's Munni bai won in the election). Kunal Kapoor makes a nice guest appearance.

You wouldn't miss anything if you do not see Welcome To Sajjanpur. It's a decent watch though, which introduces you to certain bits and pieces of primitive Indian thought and action. 6/10.

A refreshing refresher on the situation in rural India

[tusharvyas15041987 · 5/10 · 23 September 2008]

Shyam Benegal's Welcome to Sajjanpur is a welcome aberration. In a cinematic age teeming with urban narratives, beefed-up heroes and curiously synthetic heroines, Sajjanpur takes us to a village.

Instead of dates in malls and aggressively sexual dances in nightclubs, we have a hesitant romance depicted by a bicycle ride in the fields and a quick press of the shoulders.

The hero, Madhav played by Shreyas Talpade, gets his power not by virtue of his looks or bank balance but only because he is Sajjanpur's lone college graduate. The wannabe novelist writes letters for the whole village and ends up controlling their lives and destinies.

Working from his own story, Benegal creates a sweet and quietly funny film with textured characters and poignant moments.

He uses the letter writer to comment on a plethora of social issues from widow remarriage to religious superstitions but Welcome to Sajjanpur works because Benegal doesn't preach or pontificate.

He directs with a light-hand and even in the darker moments, keeps the tone evenly comic.

Benegal has a great affection for his characters—even the unwholesome ones have their share of memorable lines.

The actors are in form—Shreyas Talpade sparkles as does Ila Arun playing a perpetually harassed mother, who insists on marrying her daughter to a dog.

What doesn't work well are the songs, which seem unnecessary and random. The plotting also gets bumpy in the second half –there are way too many sub-plots vying for our attention and in the end, the threads are tied up too briskly.

But despite these flaws, I recommend that you see Welcome to Sajjanpur. It has qualities that you don't find in movies too often these days: a heart, charm and grace.

Great to have Shyam Benegal back

[flowerboy · 9/10 · 23 September 2008]

It's great to have Shyam Benegal back making films again. He's relaunched himself with a fairly light film, one that reminded me of another of my favorite directors of the 80s, Sai Paranjpe. Both Sai and Shyam are so good at capturing the quirks of village life, warts and all. Welcome To Sajjanpur actually does have some dark elements, but the director doesn't seem to want to ruin India Shining's cheery mood by dwelling on these too much. Be warned, a lot of the language in this film is Bhojpuri, especially the dialogs of Ila Arun. I missed a lot of her funny lines, but the Bhojpuri speaking people in the audience were laughing out loud. The performances of the actors were all great - Shyam is obviously good at casting. Don't know if this film is destines to run for long, so I'd advise everyone to go out and see it right away. Or you could always wait to see it on TV (UTV Spotboy movies make it to TV in 3 months) or buy the DVD (for Rs 50!).

welcome to a feel good movie.......

[apoorvsharma2006 · 7/10 · 1 January 2010]

Shyam Benegal is a great storyteller..........he has really given us nice movies in the past.After a long time,he has come back into comedy genre.So did he deliver? The ans. is yes!!It is a good good movie.The movie is about a village named Sajjanpur and tells the stories of various residents of the village.Shreys Talpade ,being amongst the few literate people in the village,writes letter for the people.The characters are explained from his perspective. The beauty of the movie is its simplicity. The people,the locations & the series of events happening are quite interesting.You can easily identify with characters if you are well versed with the rural environment. Some of the scenes are really heart warming. The cinematography is quite good.A special mention has to be given to the music which is quite soothing.Performances from Talpade,Ravi Kissan & Yashpal Sharma stand out.Divya Dutta & Ila Arun are also quite effective.Needless to say the direction is compelling. The beauty of the movie is its sarcastic humor.It takes a dig on various social evils (like Ila Arun-Divya Dutta incident) and village level political conspiracies in a humorous way. Go for this movie if you really want to see some feel good cinema..........

Don't see if not a bhojpuri

[psnogi · 1/10 · 1 October 2008]

The driving potential of film is 1/10. I didn't laugh even once in the film. I don't know what people really expect. How can you give 10/10 for such a movie. The film was heading nowhere.

The most devastating thing about film were: 1. How was muni bai alive? 2. Why were ravi kishan and wife hanged. This was disgusting.

Also there are many of questions unanswered. People's mentality is truly foolish.

One of more comments about other films. Especially the top 1000 voters, i don't know how they vote for many films. A person should not view film from critics side but as a whole, just like, DID PEOPLE ENJOY.

Do u people think that THE DARK KNIGHT DESERVES a 9.2/10 and DIE HARD 4, a mere 7.8.

Welcome Back Shyam Benegal

[Chrysanthepop · 10 October 2008]

After taking a break from direction for about 7 years, one of my all time favourite directors is back and this time with something different: a satirical comedy. 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' is such a joy to watch. It isn't an out-and-out comedy as there are elements of tragedy but the film feels refreshing and genuine. When most Hindi movies nowadays are set in foreign locations, 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' is set in a fictitious Indian village and it tells the humble story of the inhabitants of that village. I don't recall Benegal ever having made a comedy and here he succeeds greatly. The sharp writing consists of some hilariously witty dialogues, rich and sincere characters and laugh-out-loud situations. I enjoyed all the letter-writing sequences with the colourful characters. Benegal also cleverly presents themes such as politics, 'gay' rights and widow remarriage into the plots. The songs too fit well with the story although the dream sequence filmed on Talpade and Rao in an airplane is awkward.

The performances are splendid. Ila Arun and Divya Dutta are awesome as the conflicting mother-daughter duo. Amrita Rao is marvelous as the married village belle. Ravi Kishan finally gets to display his comic talents in a substantial role. Rajeshwari Sachdev is impressive in a small role. She's particularly funny in the scene where her father-in-law asks her to read the letter from Ramkumar. Yashpal Sharma is adequate. Kunal Kapoor thankfully only has a teeny role.

And, 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' is confidently carried by Shreyas Talpade, one of the most talented young actors of the current generation. Benegal's previous films indicate that he has an eye for talented actors and he has cleverly cast Talpade in the lead role. The actor delivers a finely balanced and very natural performance.

I can safely add 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' to my list of favourite films of the year and so far it is one of the best Hindi films of 2008. If you're looking for an something in the form of good entertainment, innovative storytelling with some interesting themes and good cinema, then this is that movie.

Good cast Good movie

[anant-rulzz · 7/10 · 24 July 2020]

One time watch but good. Shreyas Talpade did a good job

Funny and Brilliant Story Telling of Village Sajjanpur

[NavinTripathi · 7/10 · 9 October 2008]

One more simple yet brilliant movie for Shyam Benegal. Welcome to Sajjanpur makes you giggle and involves you with its concept as soon as you grab your seat. Shreyas Talpad easily slips into role of Mahadev and portrays the character of Mahadev, most learned man who writes the letter for his village people who believes that his letters help them in achieving their purpose. Movie has its heart and soul in right place and you can't stop appreciating the real life like village characters like mausi, kamla, munnibai and others. At times it seems that movie is dragging the plot but it efficiently deals and do justice to each and every character. I will not say its a comedy movie but yes for sure at times it is very funny for the very good scenes and some really funny time. Go Enjoy a movie with very good performance of Shreyas Talpade. You will not be disappointed.

Well made comedy by Benegal

[saxena_ashes · 8/10 · 12 October 2008]

Nice comedy set up completely in the rural India, with jokes that make good sense in the local dialect which should not be difficult to comprehend. Ace director Shyam Benegal has made a perfect movie, albeit quite different from the serious classics he has directed in the past. Shreyas Talpade as the aspiring novelist ends up being a scribe, and therefore has a peek into everyone's lives in the village. Ends up manipulating people's lives through letters, especially his love interest's. Quite a number of funny sub plots follow, and the humor doesn't let you feel they are getting too many to remember. A few melodious numbers add to the movie.

Way to go, Mr Benegal

[upal-chatterji · 9/10 · 16 February 2009]

This film is a treat to watch and in recent times one of the very few films which leave a beautiful after taste in the mouth long after the titles have been displayed. This film is a creation so rare, displaying a fine balance between satire, ridicule, humour and all the while making the viewer aware of the dark side of life. Many aspects of the film bear the stamp of the Master that Mr Benegal is, and like a rare wine , he has only kept improving with the passage of years. The acting is first rate, with Shreyas Talpade carrying the film through on his capable shoulders, ably supported by most of the other cast. The editing is crisp and never does any sequence appear in any way out of the cohesive well knit fabric of human lives which make up Sajjanpur. Its an amazing film and should deserve many more accolades and International recognition than what has been received by it.It is a shame that it has not been nominated for the Oscars or the Golden Globe.

Watch it only if you are a die-hard Shyam Benegal fan

[sumanbarthakursmailbox · 4/10 · 19 December 2009]

Filmmaker Shyam Benegal's Welcome To Sajjanpur is not only one of the best films of 2008, it's among the finest films you'll see in a long time. It is on the one hand, a humorous portrait of life in a small village in northern India; and on the other an honest exploration of human personalities. It's also a remarkably progressive film that makes many important points, but does so subtly and intelligently, never beating its chest about it.With Sajjanpur, Benegal proves once again that a simple plot with interesting characters is all it takes to engage an audience. Benegal is familiar with his milieu and understands his characters and their motivations intricately. Shreyas Talpade plays Mahadev, one of the few literates in Sajjanpur, who makes a living writing letters for those who can't read and write themselves. For anything between fifty paise and two rupees, he'll dash off whatever communication the village folk urge him to. For the compounder at the local dispensary who's besotted by a young widow, Mahadev writes a rousing love-note; for an elderly woman convinced her daughter's stars aren't quite in order he writes letters to her trusted astrologer enquiring how to ward off evil spirits; for a eunuch who's preparing to contest the village elections he scribbles off an impassioned plea for protection. His knack with words and his skill at writing persuasive letters makes him particularly popular with his neighbors. When his childhood crush Kamla (played by Amrita Rao) approaches him to write to her husband in the city to communicate her frustration about being away from him so long, Mahadev lets his feelings for her get in the way. He manipulates the communication both ways in the hope of breaking up the couple and winning her heart himself. Welcome To Sajjanpur is a placid film, not plot-driven but centred on the emotional journey of its characters. And what a colorful palette of characters Benegal serves up - the hassled 'mousi ' who cries through her nose, her headstrong scooter-riding daughter, the snake-charmer who carries around a rubber cobra, even the gangster-like politicians. It's evident that the director has nothing but affection for his characters, even the darker ones get their moments to shine. At the core of the drama, of course, is Mahadev. Sometimes a character in a movie inhabits his world so freely, so easily that he creates it for us as well. Shreyas Talpade does that in Welcome To Sajjanpur, as the kind-hearted fellow who writes for free for those who can't afford to pay him, also the sly chap who plots to snatch his sweetheart from her absent husband. Benegal's protagonists are seldom black or white, and Mahadev can't be saddled with those labels either. He's a good man, but a little selfish. Not very different from any of us. Welcome To Sajjanpur is one of Benegal's most evocative films, what a fine job he does of lacing it with social consciousness. The film dwells on relevant issues like widow remarriage, caste politics and superstition, but it's weaved intrinsically into the film's plot. In this day of slapstick senseless comedy, Benegal delivers a film that's both witty and wise, and he's aided by a terrific cast that doesn't miss a beat. Divya Dutta, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Yashpal Sharma, Ravi Kissen, Ila Arun, every single one of them is in superb form. Amrita Rao is terrific as the conflicted, suffering bride, and Shreyas Talpade turns in a career-best performance as Mahadev. Watch him in that scene in which he's reading the letter Kamla's husband has sent to her in the end -- that is what you call an actor. If Sajjanpur falters, it's in the length department. The film could have easily done with fewer songs, even though Shantanu Moitra's score is refreshingly wholesome. In the end, the movie is a beautiful, complete, moving experience, and years from now will be regarded as one of Benegal's most layered films. It's a sweet, simple story of life in a village, a bittersweet tale of human frailties, a small film with a very big heart. Watch it because gems like these are hard to find.

Absolutely Brilliant!

[ullu01 · 10/10 · 10 January 2009]

I created an IMDb.com account just so I could rate this movie a 10! Its an amazing movie, I watched it twice and was rolling with laughter even the second time I watched it! That being said, it would be a flaw to call this movie just a comedy. There are definitely elements of tragedy and satire in it. Without giving any of the plot of the movie away, let me just say that it is a brilliant movie, certainly one of the best movies I have ever watched. The actors are brilliant, the story is fantastic and is well strung together around the protagonist, a humble letter writer. The protagonist himself displays shades of gray. And this movie is far from the typical "... and they lived happily every after" kinda fairy tales. It does not venture too far from reality (yeah, no US presidents flying fighter planes, shooting down aliens, or unbelievable actors splitting bullets into two, or couples dancing in flimsy clothes on frozen mountain peaks) and thats one of the most endearing qualities of this movie. Highly recommended!

Really you can enjoy!!!!

[shripathipn · 26 September 2008]

Yes this is a good movie and worth watching. Here Shyam Benegal gave a good message of democracy and need of literacy with a good comedy essence.

Shreyas Talpade really acted well as in Om Shanti Om and Iqbal. He proved his talent as a potential actor. Amritha Rao , Divya Datta, Ila Arun excellent in their performance.

I liked the language they used in this movie. It is really nice. One more hing I would like to tell about music which is melodious and location no second opinion! it is too good. Shyam Benegal showed his creative mind with very simple,watchful,movie. he is a master of Indian Cinema.

Simple story telling with lot of twists.

[rhs-rohith · 10/10 · 27 December 2008]

Welcome to Sajjanpur is from one of the India's most experienced director Shyam Benegal. In times where people go to see well advertised movies, world of glamor and glitz here is a movie which challenges the Bollywood trend of running behind Khans, Roshans, Bachans and heavy budgets. What's distinctive about this movie is simple story telling, exceptional direction, and a team of actors who have lived their character. With a simple village theme the movie talks about a failed novel writer who changes the lives of many characters simply by writing letters on their behalf. He also realizes some of his mistakes and overcomes them. The movie always makes you wonder what's going to happen next. Hindi movie industry would need more movies like this to breed good directors, actors. The movie also light heartedly criticizes Indian politics; it creates some unbelievable twists to the story. The movie is full of fun, energy, simplicity and twist. I would give 10 out of 10 for this movie.

A good way to achieve a goal

[tambe · 9/10 · 3 October 2008]

Welcome to Sajjanpur was a great movie. I liked Shreyas Talpade and Amrita Rao's acting was fantastic and they fit in the character. The difference between a good and bad movie is how the storyline is. Out here the story line made a difference. The emotions and the passion was really creditable. The dream of becoming a novelist failed. So he had to become a letter writer. But the thoughts and practice which he got by writing letters lead him to a good future, a novelist. I hope Shyam Benegal's movie are going to go ahead. I would tell all the people to go and see this movie. Illa Arun did a good job as a illiterate woman . The movie was quite a comedy and a very soothing movie. Ravi Kishan and Rajeshree made a good couple and had done acting very well.Shyam Benegal has a good knack for comedy. He should produce more movies of comedy and adventure. Shyam Benegal has showed his creative and simple mind through this movie. I would give it one mark less because i did not understand how did Munni bai die when later they showed that she was the minister? but leaving that part WElCOME TO SAJJANPUR was a great movie.

Good film

[silvan-desouza · 8/10 · 25 May 2009]

Shyam Benegal returns with this film and gives a simple film which suits the multiplex people

The film has a nice story and is treated well though there are too many sub plots and too many songs which could be avoided

The comedy is subtle and nicely done, even the truth of Kunal Kapoor is done well while the entire election part is well handled

Of course there are some flaws like how the village has no problem with Shreyas and Amrita meeting and some more

Direction by Shyam Benegal is good Music is okay, but too many songs ruin the film

Shreyas steals the show with a simple yet powerful performance, he should do such roles not craps like GOLMAAL RETURNS Amrita Rao too is nice and likable Kunal Kapoor is good in his cameo Ila Arun, Divya Dutta, Yashpal Sharma all lend good support