The late Dada Kondke has inspired an entire generation of viewers, filmmakers and actors in Maharashtra, and Pandu is a testimony of that. No, it’s not a remake or sequel of Dada Kondke’s iconic Pandu Hawaldar, but a tribute to Dada Kondke.
Pandu doesn’t make tall claims; it stays true to the essence of Dada Kondke’s films, with one sole purpose – that of entertaining the masses. And who better to do that than two of the most well known comedians from the industry?
Bhau Kadam and Kushal Badrike team up for this comedy, making it the first time for the two to be acting together on the big screen. The film begins with the Bhau (Pandu) and Kushal (Mhadu) performing at a programme in honour of politician Babasaheb Pathare (Pravin Tarde). Happy with their performance, Babasaheb fulfils their wish of doing a job for livelihood and gets them inducted as Hawaldars in the Mumbai police force. What follows is a comedy of errors, twists and turns, and a hatke climax.
Comedy with double meaning jokes is a tricky area. It needs to have just the right balance; a little less can make it drab, and a little more can make it crass. Director Viju Mane manages to strike a balance, making you laugh with just the right tadka.