Sant Tukaram is a 2025 Hindi biographical film directed by Aditya Om, produced by B. Gautham under Curzon Films in association with Purushottam Studios. The movie depicts the life of the 17th-century Marathi saint-poet Sant Tukaram, focusing on his spiritual, social, and poetic journey. It was released globally in cinemas on 18 July 2025.
The film is built on the tradition of Abhanga — devotional poems/stanzas deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s spiritual culture — and aims to blend poetry, music, and moral resistance through the life of Tukaram.
Sant Tukaram Movie Review – Cast, Crew & Technical Details
- Subodh Bhave plays the titular role of Sant Tukaram. He is a known Marathi actor making a significant contribution to bring alive the saint’s persona.
- Sheena Chohan makes her Hindi debut as Avali (Jija Bai), Tukaram’s wife, portraying strength, emotional bond, and the sacrifices behind spiritual dedication.
- Other notable cast includes Sanjay Mishra, Arun Govil, Shishir Sharma, Hemant Pandey, Ganesh Yadav, Lalit Tiwari, Shiva Suryavanshi, Mukesh Bhatt, Gauri Shankar, Twinkle Kapoor, Rupali Jadhav, and narrator Mukesh Khanna.
- Cinematography by Madhusudhan Kota, editing by Prakash Jha, music by composers Nikhil Kamath, Ravi Tripathi, Veeral & Laavan.
The production design, costumes, and general art direction attempt to recreate 17th-century Maharashtra, bringing to life rural settings, devotional spaces, and the social structure of that era.
Plot & Themes
The narrative traces Tukaram’s transformation from a grieving husband into a spiritually awakened saint whose Abhanga poetry gives voice to the voiceless. After personal tragedy (the loss of his first wife Rakhma Bai) and the complexities of social, caste, and religious orthodoxy, Tukaram’s devotion deepens. He begins composing Abhangas that challenge inequality, ritualism, social discrimination, while embracing a simple, compassionate path.
His relationships—especially with his wife Avali—are given emotional weight. Avali is not just a supportive figure, but someone grounded in the real world, facing the hardships that come with being married to a man consumed by devotion. This element brings contrast, tension, and humanity to his story.
The film also shows how Tukaram confronts orthodox opposition — religious elites, social prejudices, caste biases — but does so with poetry rather than physical confrontation. His resistance is spiritual and moral.
What Works in Sant Tukaram
- Subodh Bhave’s Portrayal
Bhave embodies Tukaram with quiet humility, spiritual resolve and an emotional undercurrent. Critics highlight that he captures both the saint’s human vulnerabilities and his transcendent devotion. - Strong Performance by Sheena Chohan
As Avali, she offers a grounded portrayal—steady, emotionally grounded, supportive yet not overshadowed by the saint’s larger journey. Her performance has been praised as “soul-stirring”, especially in moments of domestic tension and earlier loss. - Music & Devotional Soundscape
The use of Abhanga tradition in songs, folk/classical blend, and devotional style music helps the film connect with its spiritual themes. The soundtrack supports the narrative’s emotional highs and lows. - Visuals & Period Realism
The cinematography, costumes, art direction, and settings help create an immersive experience. Rural Maharashtra, temples, devotional gatherings, everyday villages—all add authenticity.
Where It Falls Short
- Slow Pace & Screenplay Issues
Several reviews note that the film’s pacing is uneven. It sometimes feels stretched, with certain sequences meandering and delaying the narrative momentum. For many viewers not steeped in saint biographies, scenes may feel more expository than dramatic. - Character Depth Variation
While main characters like Tukaram and Avali are well drawn, some supporting characters are under-utilised. Some antagonists or rivals come across as less fleshed out, or their motivations less explored. - Predictability in Drama
As a biopic, some turns are expected — loss of spouse, spiritual calling, conflicts with orthodoxy. While these are well handled, those familiar with Tukaram’s life may foresee key moments early. The film doesn’t always surprise. - Limited Pan-Indian Appeal Challenges
Some critics believe that due to its language, devotional content, and cultural specificity, Sant Tukaram may resonate most strongly with Maharashtrian or regional devotees rather than a broad national audience. The lyrical style and context of Abhanga poetry might not feel immediately accessible to everyone.
Reception & Controversies
- Reviews from Firstpost, DNA India, Zee News rate it around 3 / 5 stars, applauding its spiritual tone, performances, and visual beauty while also pointing out pacing and weaker secondary arcs.
- The film has faced protests in Pune, with some shows canceled after objections from the Sant Tukaram Sansthan. Director Aditya Om responded noting that the film received a U certificate without cuts, and that it was made with devotion and intent to spread Tukaram’s values.
- Despite objections, many viewers and devotionally inclined audiences have praised the film for its reverence, poetry, emotional resonance, and the devotion with which it was made.
Verdict
Rating: 3.0 / 5
Sant Tukaram (2025) is a respectful, devotional biopic that largely succeeds in bringing to life the saint-poet’s spiritual journey, struggles, and poetic resistance. Its strengths lie in strong lead performances, immersive visuals, soulful music, and a devotional heart.
However, the film’s impact is moderated by its slow pace, some predictable arcs, and uneven character strengths among support roles. It’s more likely to deeply move audiences interested in saint literature, devotional traditions, or Marathi culture than those looking for brisk biographical drama with high conflict.
For those who appreciate spiritual cinema, poetry, morally courageous lives, and historical devotional resonance, Sant Tukaram is worth experiencing in theaters. It may not convert everyone, but for its intended audience, it delivers what it promises: faith, poetry, resistance, and reverence.
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