Last Stop Khanda’, released yesterday, opens with a bang at the box office; find out how the film is
“Every day, I watch my love die for someone else!”
This heartfelt line delivered by Kiran — a young man hopelessly, devotedly in one-sided love — instantly transports the audience to their own forgotten memories of unrequited affection. Last Stop Khanda, written and acted by Shramesh Betkar and directed by Vinit Parulekar, released across Maharashtra on Friday, 21 November. Marathi cinema rarely ventures into the rom-com space, and this film marks a refreshing, lively addition to the genre.
The film opens with an energetic comedic sequence featuring Nikhil Bane, setting the tone for what follows. Soon after, enters Juilee Temkar — a girl fresh from a breakup and the very object of Kiran’s one-sided love — and the story truly takes flight.
Meanwhile, Kiran’s restless attempts to confess his genuine feelings to his best friend, who is nursing heartbreak, genuinely tug at the heart. The narrative moves at a gentle, measured pace before the interval, but post-interval it pulls the viewer into an emotional roller-coaster right until the end. On one side, the riotous comic timing delivered by Prabhakar More and an ensemble of new artists keeps you laughing out loud; on the other, the tender moments between Shramesh and Juilee beautifully portray the ache and intensity of unspoken love. Enhancing this emotional landscape is Shreyas Raj Angane’s touching background score.
For both Sharmesh Betkar and Juilee Temkar, Last Stop Khanda marks their debut in lead roles, and their performances are remarkably confident and praise-worthy.
It’s hard to believe that this is director Vinit Parulekar’s first film. His craft reflects an impressive level of cinematic maturity and professionalism. Another major strength of the film is its breathtaking cinematography. The visual beauty of Konkan — Ratnadurg Fort, Bhatye Beach, Gaavkhadi Beach, and the winding coastal roads of Ratnagiri — unfolds onscreen as a feast for the eyes.
The songs, composed by Shreyas Raj Angane and Kishor Mohite, are melodious throughout. Among them, the title track “Last Stop Khanda” sung by Suhas Sawant, and “Pirmach Tuufan” sung by Shreyas himself, stand out memorably. The lively number “Shalu Jhoka De Go Maina”, picturized on Prabhakar More and Dhanashri Kadgaonkar, adds a delightful burst of entertainment. The story, screenplay, and dialogues are written by Shramesh Betkar himself. The ensemble cast includes Nikhil Bane, Mandar Mandavkar, Shashikant Kerkar, Sudesh Jadhav, Mahesh Kaprekar, Ashok Dhage, and Priyanka Hande — each contributing to the film’s comedic charm. Cinematography is handled by Haresh Sawant, with art direction by Keshav Thakur.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes, the film keeps you engrossed till the very last frame. To discover how far Kiran’s love manages to travel through the seven stages of Love, you will have to watch this engaging ride unfold on the big screen.
