When films explore friendships, they often walk a fine line between humor and emotion. Sangee (2025), directed by Sumit Kulkarni and written by Thopte Vijaysinh Sarjerao, dives straight into this space with a lighthearted yet meaningful narrative. Produced under Yantrana Films and Armoks Films, the movie was released theatrically on 17 January 2025 and attempts to strike a balance between nostalgia, comedy, and personal drama.
At its heart, Sangee tells the story of Baman, played by the talented Sharib Hashmi, a man whose financial missteps have left him with a reputation among his friends. The film focuses on his attempts to reconnect with old buddies while once again asking them for help — a setup that naturally leads to laughter, tension, and reflection.
Sangee Movie Review – Storyline and Premise
The premise is deceptively simple: Baman, a middle-aged man with a history of borrowing money, reaches out to his childhood classmates Karan (Sanjay Bishnoi) and Akhil (Shyamraj Patil). This time, too, he’s looking for financial support for a new venture. However, the shadows of his past debts loom large. His friends are understandably hesitant, and what follows is a comedic yet heartfelt journey of persuasion, nostalgia, misunderstandings, and rediscovering the meaning of friendship.
While the core idea is rooted in comedy, it also raises pertinent questions: How much do we owe our old friends? At what point does trust wear thin? And is friendship enough to outweigh skepticism when money is involved?
The screenplay cleverly mixes slapstick moments with situational humor. For instance, Baman’s increasingly desperate and inventive excuses draw laughter, while his interactions with Karan’s wife Mohini (Vidya Malvade) add extra complications. The comic timing is consistent, but the film also makes space for quieter emotional beats where regret, loyalty, and the fragility of bonds come into play.
Performances That Stand Out
Sharib Hashmi as Baman
The soul of the movie is undoubtedly Sharib Hashmi. Known for his nuanced performances in films and series, Hashmi once again proves why he is among the most underrated actors in Bollywood today. His portrayal of Baman is equal parts irritating and endearing. While the character could easily have slipped into caricature, Hashmi lends him warmth and humanity. You might shake your head at his antics, but you also can’t help but root for him.
Sanjay Bishnoi and Shyamraj Patil
As Karan and Akhil, the two skeptical friends, Bishnoi and Patil do a fine job balancing irritation with empathy. They represent every person who has dealt with “that one friend” who always asks for favors. Their chemistry with Hashmi keeps the banter alive, and some of the best scenes in the film are when the three clash and reconnect.
Vidya Malvade, Gaurav More, and Others
Vidya Malvade plays Mohini, Karan’s wife, who finds herself caught in the crossfire between old friends. Her performance adds depth to the film, showing how friendships affect not only the individuals involved but also their families. Gaurav More, Martin Jishil, Mira Jagannath, and other supporting cast members bring color to the narrative, though their roles could have been fleshed out further.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Sumit Kulkarni keeps the tone accessible and light, ensuring the humor never feels forced. However, critics point out that while the execution is competent, the film struggles with pacing issues. At just over 102 minutes, it should have breezed along, but certain sequences drag, particularly in the second half.
The screenplay by Thopte Vijaysinh Sarjerao shines in pockets — especially the comical exchanges and nostalgic flashbacks. Yet, the predictability of the plot limits its impact. By the time the climax arrives, seasoned moviegoers may already guess where the story is headed.
Music, Cinematography, and Technical Aspects
The music by Manoj More complements the film’s mood. While not particularly groundbreaking, the songs and background score work well enough to enhance the lighter moments and underscore emotional beats.
Sopan Purandare’s cinematography captures the everyday vibe of middle-class settings beautifully. The lensing avoids over-dramatization, sticking to realistic portrayals of homes, classrooms, and social gatherings. Editing by Hemant Vansh could have been tighter — certain subplots feel stretched and dilute the impact of the core narrative.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, Sangee is less about borrowing money and more about the complexities of human connections. The recurring theme is trust: how it is built, tested, and sometimes broken. The film suggests that friendship, though strong, is not immune to practical realities.
Baman’s constant requests for loans serve as a metaphor for people who lean too heavily on emotional ties without taking responsibility. His journey reflects not just desperation but also a yearning to remain connected to his past. Meanwhile, Karan and Akhil represent the pragmatic side of friendship — supportive but wary of being taken advantage of.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to positive reviews upon release:
- Times of India gave it 3/5 stars, praising Sharib Hashmi’s performance while pointing out the cliché-ridden screenplay and a convenient climax.
- Bollywood Hungama highlighted the humor and Hashmi’s charisma but admitted the film lacks originality.
- Film Information labeled it a “routine entertainer,” though it acknowledged that the comedy portions prevent it from feeling dull.
On IMDb, Sangee currently holds an impressive 8.2/10 rating, suggesting that audiences are connecting with the film’s lighthearted approach more than critics expected.
Strengths of the Film
- Outstanding lead performance by Sharib Hashmi
- Relatable and nostalgic theme about old friends
- Plenty of situational comedy and funny moments
- Short runtime makes it a breezy watch
Weaknesses of the Film
- Predictable storyline with a formulaic climax
- Inconsistent pacing, especially in the second half
- Supporting characters lack development
- Tone imbalance between humor and drama
Final Verdict
Rating: 3.0/5
Sangee is not groundbreaking cinema, but it is heartfelt and funny in its own modest way. The film thrives on Sharib Hashmi’s magnetic performance and its exploration of friendships tested by money. Despite its flaws — including predictability and occasional drag — it remains an enjoyable watch for anyone seeking a light, relatable story.
If you want a breezy comedy-drama that reminds you of your own school friends and the awkwardness of favors, Sangee delivers enough laughs and warmth to be worth your time.
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