The Hypothetical T-20 League of Pune- Final Teams

In December 2009, it was proposed to start off a hypothetical T-20 league in Pune featuring 20 teams. A preliminary idea was proposed in this article.Based on this proposal and building on 4 years of research into locations and bases for the teams, the Pune Municipality has hypothetically approved and given a green light to the formation of this league. The long pending approval was finally given a hypothetical go ahead following indecision over the involvement of (Be)Sahara Pune Warriors  in the upcoming IPL after the fallout between Sahara and BCCI. Explaining why the decision took so many years to come to fruition, board member Jajwal Kisskar said “Not enough teams had registered since half of the playing and watching population disappeared to the exotic stadium at Gahunje.” However since “this year participation of Pune was uncertain, and even in case of participation, there was to be a boycott of the IPL team -due to it being a blot on the face of the city, accelerated the creation of the league” he added.

Even if Pune Warriors would have been a part of the IPL, the chances of the local league occurring was a certainty; the abject performance from the PWI team being cited as a key reason for the drastic action. Punekars, it seems had lost patience with the so called superstars who, judging by their performance over the past 3 seasons (when the franchise was a part of IPL), were next in line to have full time access rights on the hallowed turfs on the road outside Shanipar- for obvious reasons. That said, given the fact that IPL cheerleaders and superstars from other teams and other eye candy won’t be coming to the town, the only way to keep Punekar busy during what are otherwise blazingly hot  weeks of April and May  was to organize a hypothetical local T-20 tournament. The added logic behind this, as per sources, is to distract Punekars to sports so that perennial issues which plague the city during these months- such as load shedding, power cuts, drying up of dams to drought level situations, rave parties, urinary riverflows, engineering exams, annual brain drain to US and other controversial issues do not make unwanted headlines on the front pages of local dailies such as Dupaar, Pune Horror, etc and land politicians in a soup.(Its more like chiwda).

The decision to form the league was passed after a unanimous vote of confidence given to its formation in a recently concluded meeting held at Sarasbaag Padva Pahat Samaroha between the Mayor, Corporators, Nagarsevaks and other non working politicians and dignitaries from various wards. The league will be headquartered at the Bhaurao Phanas Ground, although the ground wont be utilized for playing any matches other than the final. The committee of Board of Members was created during the meeting as well and consists of famous political and apolitical faces from the city. The committee will be headed by Mr. Umesh Gultekdi who is known as the Pappa of Sports in Pune, and was singlehandedly responsible for getting the city onto the global sporting arena with fiascos such as 6-CYG(ma). Various other corporators, leaders and personalities from  media houses complete the team. Rushicase Kaanneetkar, of the last ball 4 against Pakistan fame, is also included on the team as a Technical Advisor.  A complete list of the board members is given below:

• Umesh Gultekdi - President
• Shirish Chapat- Vice President
• Sunil Charole- Director
• Udyan Doshi- Treasurer
• Jajwal Kisskar- Publicity and Outreach
• Paradweep Chawat- Publicity and  Outreach
• Chandrakant Tusar- Infrastructure
• Nohit Thalak- Media Outreach and spokesperson.
• Aadhuri Pisal- Sponsorship.
• Mapak Dinkar- Stadium Maintenance.
• Rushicase Kaanneetkar- Technical Advisor.

Other board members with negligible voting rights include remaining corporators and nagarsevaks.

As of now, 20 teams from geographically different areas of the city have been selected representing areas as diverse as Sadashiv Peth, Kasba Peth, Mandai, Parvati, Ganeshkhind, Cantt,Katraj, etc. Matches will take place over 3 months in a round robin league format similar to the EPL, with the top 4 teams qualifying for the semifinals. As of now the dates and schedule for the tournament is yet to be released, but sources tell that it is most likely going to be a direct competition to the IPL, since it is believed no one will watch it as Sachin, Dravid and Dada wont be a part of it. The matches will be played all day on the home grounds of various teams. Places such as Ramanbaug, Mahatma Phule Mandai, Nehru Stadium, Deccan Gymkhana etc will be used as stadiums by the various teams. Each team will contain a squad of about 22 players, although in emergency situations they may be able to draft people only from the wards which they represent. Players will be played on a post-paid basis depending on how they perform throughout the tournament. Bidding for players will be held on a date approved by the University of Pune and Pune Municipality making sure there is no clashes with any practicals or any Bandhs. Players appearing for Engineering exams will be given a special consent to give the exam in December without a backlog in their academic record if they don't do well in the May exams.

We at Puneri Misal have compiled a list of the teams, their home grounds, practice grounds, Snacks and drinks, sponsors and specialities of each team. Have a go through the teams. Support the team with with your heart and tastes as well, for all winners of lucky draw at home contests will  will be given a free voucher at the restaurants and joints serving the team snacks and team drinks!

1) SSN Frugals (Sadashiv Shaniwar Narayan Frugals.)

Home team for: Sadashiv, Shaniwar Narayan Peths

Home ground: SP College Maidan, Ramanbaug.

Practice grounds: Scout Ground.

Sponsors: Chitale Dairy

Team Snack: Bedekar Misal

Team Drink: Sujata Mastani

Team Motto: Jo sutte paise deil tyala match pass miltil.

Broadcast partners: Vijay Talkies, Alka Talkies

Kit Provider: Ramesh Dying.

Head Cheerleader: Smt. Kaveribai Chimanrao Jog. “Kautai”; Mrunmayi Deshpande

2) Mandai Makads

Home team for: Shukrawar Peth, Budhwar Peth, Guruvar Peth.

Home Stadium: Mahatma Phule Mandai.

Practice grounds:

Sponsors: Varpe Bandhu Naralwale

Team Snack: Shrikrushna Misal

Team Drink: Indrayani Rasavanti Gruha Usacha Ras.

Team Motto: “Amcha Ganapati Sharada Ganapati”

Head Cheerleader: Sunny Vahini Dhumal-Patil.

Kit Provider: Tulshibag(Maharashtra) Sportswear

Broadcast Partners: Vasant Talkies, Ratan Talkies.

3) Hadapsar Hippos

Home team for: Hadapsar, Kondhwa, Mundhwa, Wanowrie

Home Stadium: Aditi Gardens, Magarpatta.

Practice grounds:Anna Saheb Magar ground

Sponsors: Magarpatta Developers

Team Snack: Amanora Developers.

Team Drink: Gujar Mastani.

Team Motto: Ek saath- HADAPSAR!

Broadcast Partners: Pvr Cinemas

Kit Provider: Ipassion Sports.

Head Cheerleader: Poonam tai Sasane

4) Kothrud Kutras

Home team for: Kothrud, Karve Nagar, Karve Road, Nalstop, Warje

Home Stadium: Krishnasundar Lawns

Practice grounds: Jog school ground

Sponsors: DG Foundation.

Team Snack: Sweekar Snacks/Mankar Dosa

Team Drink: CAD-M/CAD-B

Team Motto: Kothrud che Kokrus

Head Cheerleader: Kumudini Karve

Kit Provider: Goodwill Hosiery

Broadcast Partners: Citypride Kothrud, Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha

5) Parvati Popats

Home team for: Parvati, SahakarNagar, Neelayam, Sarasbag, Satara Road

Home Stadium: Fulora Maidan

Practice grounds: Relax(Stratigic discussion), Taljai(Actual Practice).

Sponsors: Relax Pav Bhaji.

Team Snack: Relax Pav Bhaji

Team Drink: Relax Chickoo Shake

Team Motto: Ayushyabhar RELAX

Kit Provider: North Point, Parvati

Head Cheerleader: Abhya Kulkarni-Bagul

Broadcast Partners: Relax, Neelayam, Laxminarayan

6) Deccan Dukkars

Home team for: Deccan, Prabhat Road, Law College Road, Bhandarkar Road, BMCC Road, Karve Road upto Nalstop.

Home Stadium: PYC Gymkhana

Practice grounds: PYC, Law college ground.

Sponsors: Champion Sports

Team Snack: Appa chi Khichadi

Team Drink: Irani Chai, Goodluck

Team Motto: “Gar vaare, Nadi Kinaare”

Kit Providers: Champion Sportswear

Head Cheerleader: Indrayani Dakshine.

Broadcast Partners: R-Deccan

7) Fergussonian Firangs

Home team for: FC Road, Remaining parts of deccan, Model Colony, Agricultural college Road, SB Road.

Home Stadium: Fergusson College Ground

Practice grounds: Chittaranjan Vatika, Fergusson chi Tekdi.

Sponsors: Vaishali Restaurant

Team Snack: SPDP

Team Drink: Roopali Coffee extra kadak.

Team Motto: F**k the rest, we are the best yaa.

Head Cheerleader: Salonee Hotkarni

Broadcast Partners: Kimaya, FC Road, R-Deccan

Kit Providers: Tilak Sports.

8) Paud Road Roadies

Home team for: Paud Road, Ideal Colony, Bhusari Colony

Home Stadium: MIT college ground

Practice grounds: Ideal Colony

Sponsors: Vanaz

Team Snack: Chaitanya Paratha

Team Drink: Durga Cold Coffee

Team Motto: Rasta Bapacha, gadi bungawaaa

Head Cheerleader: Anandi Kulkarni

Kit Provider: MG Sports

Broadcast Partners: City Pride Kothrud, Yashwantrao Chavan

9) Ganeshkhind Gorillas

Home team for: Ganeshkhind Road, Baner, Aundh, Khadki

Home Stadium: Range Hill

Practice grounds: Government Polytechnic ground

Sponsors: E-Square

Team Snack: Kadhai  

Team Drink: Coffee stop

Team Motto: GG ka team na gaon ka na ghar ka

Head Cheerleader: Parmila Singh Mukherjee

Kit Provider: Natekar Sports

Broadcast Partners: E-Square

10) Kasba Kavalas

Home team for: Kasba Peth, Somwar, Mangalwar and Rasta Peth

Home Stadium: Santaji Ghorpade Stadium, Juna Bazaar

Practice grounds: Juna Bazaar

Sponsors: Nakoda Metalworks

Team Snack: Shahji’s Paratha

Team Drink: Jay Bajarang Raswanti Gruha

Team Motto: “Amhi prachin Punekar”

Head Cheerleader: Pureka Sunekar

Kit Provider: AG Kachi & Sons

Broadcast Partners: Appolo Talkies

11) Swargate Travellers:

Home team for: Swargate, Marketyard, Mukundnagar

Home Stadium: Nehru Stadium

Practice grounds: Marketyard  

Sponsors: Gultekdi Marketyard Sangha

Team Snack: Panchami Veg.

Team Drink: Swaminath Milkshake

Team Motto: Ya Ravji, tumhi Bus-a-bhavji.

Head Cheerleader: Swargatee Barate

Kit Provider: Nu Life Sportswear

Broadcast Partners: City Pride Satara Road, Ganesh Kala Krida Mancha

12) Cantonment Campers

Home team for: Camp, Wanowrie, Kondhwa

Home Stadium: Pune Race Course

Practice grounds: St. Vincent’s Ground

Sponsors: Dorabjee’s

Team Snack: Budhani Wafers, Marzorin Sandwich

Team Drink: Clover Juice Centre- Pineapple juice

Team Motto: “Here we come YZs”

Head Cheerleader: Amruta Arore-Patil

Kit Provider: Planet Sports

Broadcast Partners: Westend

13) Shivajinagar Psychos

Home team for:  Shivajinagar, JM Road, Apte Road, Bhamburda

Home Stadium:  CoEP ground

Practice grounds: Agricultural college Ground

Sponsors: Shruti Mangal Karyalay

Team Snack: Modern Cafe Puri Bhaji

Team Drink: Shrikrushna Juice Center

Team Motto: Chaahe Koi mujhe Junglee Maharaj kahe

Head Cheerleader: Mangala Bhamburdekar

Kit Provider: Deccan Sports

Broadcast Partners: Mangala, Rahul

14) Hinjewadi Hagglers

Home team for: Hinjewadi IT Park

Home Stadium: Hinjewadi Park

Practice grounds: Infosys Basketball Court

Sponsors: Infosys

Team Snack: Tamanna Cafeteria

Team Drink: Tamanna Cafeteria

Team Motto: “Aytit ala, ITeet gela”

Head Cheerleader: Tanisha Sahasragupt Kohli

Kit Provider: SS Sports

Broadcast Partners:Capriccio Movie Theater

15) Bohri Ali Brainiacs

Home team for: Ravivar Peth, Ganesh Peth, Ghorpade Peth, Nana Peth, Bhavani Peth

Home Stadium: Ghorpade Udyan

Practice grounds: Timber Market

Sponsors: Bohri Ali Hardware Shop Union

Team Snack: Purohit Sweets

Team Drink: Kela Tea Centre

Team Motto: “Inshallah We Rock”

Head Cheerleader: Sakina Nusrat ul Jaan

Kit provider: Traxindia

Broadcast Partners: Alpana, Bharat

16) KP Partywallas

Home team for: Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar

Home Stadium: JN Petit School Ground

Practice grounds: ABC Farms

Sponsors: YZS Associates

Team Snack: Burger King

Team Drink: Frappy

Team Motto: “Rock On at the HRC!!!”

Head Cheerleader: Annie Chunawala

Kit Provider: LD Bhave & Sons

Broadcast Partners: Hardrock Cafe

17) Balewadi Badaks

Home team for: Balewadi,Sus, Pashan, Bavdhan

Home Stadium:  Chhatrapati Shivaji Stadium, Balewadi

Practice grounds: Scientist Hostel ground, Pashan

Sponsors: Charan Sweets, Gol Market

Team Snack: Joshi Wadewale

Team Drink: CCD Chandani Chowk

Team Motto: “CYG(ma) 6 stadium!”

Head Cheerleader: Sanaatai Bhutte

Kit Provider: Natekar Sports

Broadcast Partners: Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex, Kalam Auditorium

18) Katraj Kolhas

Home team for: Katraj, Bibwewadi, Padmavati, Dhankawadi

Home Stadium: Bharati Vidyapeeth Ground

Practice grounds: Rajas Society

Sponsors: D-Mart

Team Snack: D-Mart

Team Drink: D-Mart

Team Motto: Saap ala kadhi an dasla kadhi

Head Cheerleader: Janabai Jugad

Kit Provider: Atharva Sportswear

Broadcast Partners: Citypride Satara Road

19) Vitthalwadi Warriors

Home team for: Vitthalwadi, Sinhagad Road, Wadgaon, Dhayari

Home Stadium: Sinhagad Institute of Technology, Ground

Practice grounds: Bhidebaag(Abhiruchi)

Sponsors: Venkateshwara Hatcheries

Team Snack: Annapurna Wadewale

Team Drink: Kailash Juice Bar, SIT

Team Motto: Budruk, Khurda, Hingane, Bingane, saglikade fakta Vittha Vitthal

Head Cheerleader: Irawati Vitthal Dhayrigude

Kit Providers: Shakti Sports

Broadcast Partners: Funtime, Abhiruchi

20) Lohegaon Jets

Home team for: Lohegaon, Nagar Road, Yerawada, Viman Nagar

Home Stadium: Anand Garden

Practice grounds: Pune Golf Course

Sponsors: Phoenix Mall

Team Snack: Chaat Bazaar

Team Drink:  Starbucks

Team Motto: “ghetla Viman, Kela uddan”

Head Cheerleader: Mallika Lulla

Kit Provider: Total Sports

Broadcast Partners: BIG Cinemas

These are the 20 teams that will take part in the inaugural PPL organized by Pune Municipality. We have covered Home stadiums, practice grounds as well as team snacks and drinks as well as kit providers to make it easy for the fans of each team to make up their loyalties. We will update the special interesting feature of each team in this space shortly- once the player auction has been done and teams are finalized. Details will be provided for what kind of attitude to expect from each team, as well as their idiosyncrasies. Keep a watch for this space, for it will be updated soon! Till then, we thank Umesh Bhau Gultekdi and his team for organizing such a grand event for us Punekars! 

Sincere thanks to: Sanjeev Gadgil, Anant Devi, Pranav Phadke, Aniket Kunjir, Hrushikesh Sagar and Anushree Datar for helping to compile the list and fill imaginary and hypothetical names in one way or the other. We also thank Zomato.com Google maps etc.

चिन्या म्हणे-१

आमचे काही मित्र आहेत, जे कोणत्याही सणासुदीनिमित्ताने, विशेषतः नाताळानिमित्ताने चेकाळून सकाळपासून रात्रीपर्यंत तीर्थप्राशन करतात. एकीकडे आपल्या टकलावरची अदृश्य शेंडी कुरवाळत व गळ्यातून हरवलेलं जानवं आणि नसलेल्या तुळशीच्या माळा मिरवत इतर लोकांची अनेक कृत्य कशी धर्माला तडा घालणारी व धर्मसंकट ओढवणारी आहेत यावर भरपूर भाष्य करत लोकांनी कसे वागले पाहिजे याचे धडे देत असतात, तर दुसरीकडे "आम्ही किती पुरोगामी आणि वेस्टर्न" म्हणत आधी मिरवलेले विचार वाळीत टाकून तोच धर्म व तीच तत्त्व भ्रष्ट करताना एक सूत सोडत नाहीत. दारूच्या नशेत झिंगत असताना हरीनामाचे धाक दाखवणारे हे आमचे (वैचारिकदृष्ट्या) दिवाळखोर आणि दाखवायचे आणि खायचे(माफ करा-प्यायचे) दात वेगळे असणारे मित्र असेच एकदा नाताळाच्या दिवशी जगाचा ताल विसरून व लय हरवून मुळशीतल्या एका "फार्महाऊस" वर पडले होते. त्यांना मनात ठेऊन हा एक विडंबन अभंग लिहिण्याचा प्रयत्न केला आहे. यात कोणालाही दुखावण्याचा हेतू नाही.

सुरेवीण होई कसा दिसारंभ,

आचमनी गिळे घोट पहिला॥

कीर्तनी हो वाचे, सुरेचे पुराण 
मुखी रामनाम, ढोसताना॥

तीर्थासह घेई चार पळी त्याचे

देवापुढे दिवे, लावताना॥

प्रसादास ठेवे चकण्याचे ताट,

पेल्याभोवती पाणी तीन वेळा॥ 

सुरेचेच सूर उठे त्रिभुवनी,

भजनात शिव्या, मुक्तकंठी॥

चिन्या म्हणे मूर्खा नको गाठू गत,

नाताळात झिंगलेल्या नाठाळाची॥

ज्यांना संबोधून लिहितो आहे, त्यांनी का लिहितोय हे समजावे, व जे या मार्गावर चालायच्या विचारात आहेत त्यांना सद्बुद्धी मिळो अशीच प्रार्थना करतो..

The 80 km Date- Mumbai Pune Mumbai- An (Over)Analysis

I wanted to write this post in Marathi, but then wrote it in English as I wanted non Marathi public to read it as well.(I get cursed by my university friends as most of them dont understand what Ive written in Marathi. So keepeing them in mind). One thing is for sure- This post will get translated into Marathi as soon as possible.

Mumbai- Pune- Mumbai, with Swapnil Joshi and Mukta Barve is one of my favourite movies. For starters, I can see myself very much in Swapnils shoes during the whole course of the movie- roaming in the city, "sutlela pot", excessive pride bordering to obsession on anything related to Pune, bickering and arguing with Mumbaikars if they call names to Pune, sporting a Bhikbali, being "padeek" on the streets playing cricket on weekends, and just the face that he is Sadashiv Pethi("Hrudaymardam" building is located in Chiman Baug, near Jog classes). There are so many things! On the other hand, Muktas character seems like a typical Mumbai girl- from Dadar, Dombivali, Parle East type areas.(Ive lived in Mumbai for 6 months which helped make certain assumptions looking at traits). Mukta has portrayed the character brilliantly! Mumbai Pune Mumbai, thus, connects immediately. Im not sure about a lot of people, but for people like me, this movie falls under the "cult hit" types. I have watched it nearly 50-60 times, and laughed at the same jokes again and again. Gunda and Andaz Apna Apna pale in front of this, as it is actually very sensible, and touches some very interesting topics in a unique fashion. Kudos to the director Satish Rajwade for that. However, a possible drawback of watching the movie so many times is probably over analysis, as im going to do below. I apologize for that- but the Punekar in me is stronger than the prekshak.Also since names for Swapnils and Muktas characters are not mentioned, Ill refer to these characters by the names of the actors only.

For single and ready to mingle type punekars, if you have a friend from Mumbai who you want to marry or patav, this story is a dream date. However, there are a few things which create certain doubts, which sharp Punekars (such as myself) easily spot. However, before pointing out the doubts or anomalies, I take this opportunity to whole heartedly congratulate the character played by Swapnil. He certainly knows how to take a lady for a ride, going all the way from Nu.Ma Vi Mulinchi Shala(Kanishtha vidyalay) all the way to Chandani Chowk CCD for a cup of coffee when there were atleast 5 CCDs/Baristas nearer than that (when the movie was shot). SP College, Nal Stop, Law College Road, JM Road. (But what really drives me crazy is that this fellow doesnt take her to Cafe Durga and calls himself a Punekar!) Anyway, then again, when he wants to go from City Pride Kothrud "ATM"(a masterstroke) to Sarasbaug, he travels all the way to Chandani Chowk, on to Pashan- NDA Road, JM road and from there Sarasbaug! Which sane person does that! (But seriously, hats off!)

Going by the initial few scenes- a little bit "fog" totally uncrowded Prabhat road, passers by chitchatting leisurely, it looks like a Sunday morning. Also a boy as old as Swapnil playing cricket on street adds substance to this argument that this is a Sunday Morning. Since Mukta has arrived by train, it can be assumed that she has arrived to Pune by Indrayani express, which is the 1st train from Mumbai to Pune. Indrayani reaches Pune at 9 am, and about 8.50 at Shivajinagar. Considering Mukta needs to go to Chimanbaug area, we assume that she gets down at Shivajinagar. 

For a person who knows the movie by heart, a quick analysis of the "Date" reveals that the total distance covered by Muktas character in Pune during the date is about 80 kms, out of which the first 6 km she covers on her own in a rickshaw. We are shown that she gets down from railway and asks directions- near Deccan Gymkhana ground, Lijjat Papad, then Kohinoor Mangal Karyalay chauk(approaches from Bhandarkar road side, and judging by the light and absolutely no traffic, it must be a sunday morning), then ends up in Lokmanya Nagar, outside the Jogging park.(My school was in the next Lane- SPM, so I know this area inside out). From there, she is told to go khalchya angala(left) and then varchya angala(right) which leads her to Hrudaymardam- from location, it looks Chimanbag, near Jog Classes(Behind Tilak Tea stall). This journey costs her about 50 Rs. (Ridiculously low amount for that sort of distance, considering she got down at Shivajinagar station). She does not meet "hrudaymardam" over there, so heads out to a PCO where she meets Swapnil and Chhotya. This PCO is located on the corner of the Lane next to Jogging Park Lane. From there, she goes back towards Chimanbaug in search of rikshaw and waits on the corner of Kashinath Vasudev Joglekar Path, where she meets Swapnil.

Total time spent in travelling+going into hrudaymardam+phone call at PCO+walk= 1hour 30 mins.

Time now- 10.20.

1st leg of Muktas journey in Pune- Rikshaw travel from Shivajinagar-Prabhat Road-Lokmanya Nagar-Chimanbag

A= Shivaji Nagar Station

B= Kohinoor Mangal Karyalay

C=Chimanbag

D= PCO

E=Joglekar Path

Details of Lokmanya Nagar-Chimanbag area

The 2nd part involves the actual "date". Swapnil picks her up from Joglekar Path and goes all the way to CCD Chandani Chowk for coffee, which probably has the most pathetic service in Pune. All those who have watched the movie knows what happens there. It takes roughly 15 mins from reaching CCD Chandani Chowk from Joglekar Path, add to that another 30 mins for the coffee. Total time=45 mins.

Time now- 11.05

From here, the duo go to "City Pride Kothrud" ATM. Again it takes about 10 minutes to go from Chandani Chowk to Citypride, and they spend about 10 minutes over there arguing. Total time=20 Mins.

Time now- 11.25

Next the hero takes her to Sarasbaug, but instead of going the normal way, goes all the way via Chandani Chowk, Pashan-NDA road- Ganeshkhind Road- JM Road -Tilak Road(only plausible route for locations shown). Even on sunday morning this will take about 45 minutes, add to that another 30 mins spent in Sarasbaug. Total time=1 hour 15 Mins.

Time now- 12.40

From Sarasbaug, the go to Tulshibaug, and Mukta gets lost over there, Swapnil finds her, and they go from Babu Genu Chowk towards Shanipar. Here Mukta stops to make a call back home. So, total time spent here should be roughly 20 minutes, and add another 15 minutes for travel. Total time=35 minutes.

Time Now- 1.15.

Chalu Swapnil- Part 1... CCD- Tulshibag 

A= Joglekar Path

B= CCD Chandani Chowk

C=Citypride Kothrud

D= Sarasbag

E= Tulshibag

It is at this point that there is a serious flaw. Swapnil gets Bakarwadi and Amba barfi from Chitale which is located just opposite to where Mukta makes a phone call roughly at this time. But according to our calculations, the time is already past 1 at the earliest when Swapnil goes to the shop, and it is impossible that Chitale is open. This is a serious flaw!!!  I mean you can portray anything else according to what is convenient, but keeping Chitale Bandhu open for a whole 15 minutes  extra, even in a movie is outright criminal. Moreover, with the amount of travelling shown, and assuming our guess about Indrayani is wrong, it is impossible in any other combination that Swapnil could but those things from the Shop. Considering Mukta leaves to Mumbai by the evening Intercity or Indrayani(which is incorrect, since there is an explicit announcement for departure by Deccan Express, which leaves at 3.30), even then, they reach Chitale shop before 4.( Since they go to Sinhagad after that.) This is a serious glitch in the movie, and one that I am totally perplexed about. This simply cannot happen. There is no other Chitale Shop near the vicinity of Mandai, and whatever train you select, for arrival and departure, this simply does not fit the bill. All in all, "Swapnil cannot buy bakarwadi and Ambabarfi"

Chitale Bandhu on Bajirao Rd. Closed when Swapnil Reaches- considering any likely scenario

After the Chitale episode, the two head out to Sinhagad- which takes atleast 45 minutes to go to at the earliest, 45 minutes to come and say about half an hour on the top. This calculation is optimistic at its best, and Sundays being crowded at Khadakwasla, we add another 40 minutes to the schedule. At the end of Sinhagad, they go to Dagdusheth Halwai and spend about 10 minutes. Total time spent is 2 hours 40 minutes

Time now - 4.05. (oops there goes Deccan Express, and oops there goes Koyna Express).

Actually there are only a handful of central railway trains which sport a livery similar to what Muktas train has- Sinhagad, Pragati, Deccan Queen, Deccan Express, Panchavati Express(which doesnt come to Pune), Pune-Manmad Express, Intercity, Indrayani and Koyna. considering Deccan Express is explicitly mentioned in the movie, the next best options for the journey back to Mumbai are Koyna and Intercity, but according to Railway time table and the time scale of the movie, DE and Koyna can be ruled out, which leaves us only with Intercity as a plausible option. So lets assume now, Mukta leaves by Intercity, which is at 5.55 pm. That gives us a margin of just less than 2 hours

Railway Livery for Muktas Train sported by only a handful of trains.

From Dagdusheth, Swapnil takes Mukta to Wadeshwar for Coffee. Considering it takes 20 mins to go from Dagdusheth to Wadeshwar in afternoons in traffic by the route which Swapnil takes - via Z bridge, and a further 30 minutes to go from Wadeshwar to station via balgandharva- omkareshwar- station- kumbhar ves- juna bazaar route that Swapnil follows (from Logic- they are shown crossing the Balgandharwa bridge at this stage, and this is the shortest route), and the fact that they reach station 20 minutes before Muktas train back home, i.e at 5.35, it gives them about 20 minutes to spend in Wadeshwar for some food and coffee- which is possible, since service is quite efficient in Wadeshwar.

Chalu Swapnil-2- Dagdusheth-Wadeshwar-Station via Z bridge and Balgandharva respectively 

A=Dagdusheth

B=Wadeshwar

C= Station

(All Maps have been prepared according to sequences shown in the movie, and routes are the best possible routes/shortest/ most time saving routes, unless explicitly shown in the movie)

However few anomalies glaringly stand out, which Id like to point out..

1) Whatever the schedule, it is highly unlikely for Swapnil to get Bakarwadi and Amba Barfi from Chitale, as they arrive there when it is already past 1.

2) Another flaw is evident, as the railway station announcement is for Deccan Express, which should rather be Intercity express. Indrayani leaves at 6.35, by which time it is already dark outside usually, so Intercity is the last option that we have. Also- actual announcement is for Arrival at Pune which is totally wrong, but can be considered as departure by Deccan Exp.

3) As calculated, they enter Tulshibaug at about 12.30-1.  The tulshibag Ram Mandir where Mukta goes to see Bronze statues is closed at this time.

4) When Swapnil takes Mukta to sarasbaug, JM road is first shown and later on NDA-Pashan road is shown, which unnecessarily complicates distance calculations, and so, the order was reversed. Same case for a few other roads.

5) The calculations above are very optimistic estimations, considering a fast bike. Swapnil however is shown using an old model of Kinetic, which raises a few eyebrows. Kinetic has awesome pickup to meet the expected optimistic predictions within the city, and we are not questioning Swapnils "gadi bungawane". But that Kinetic looks highly unlikely to climb up Sinhagad, and there is now way that the Swapnil and Mukta climb Sinhagad from its Paytha and be back in such a short time.

6) There is absolutely no time spared for lunch! I doubt Swapnils character would skip a sunday lunch for anything! I wouldnt!!!
7) Id like to ask Swapnils character one particular question- "Bhau, Gadi average kay dete re??" ekdahi petrol na bharta 80 km+ gadi chalavliyes, Kinetic madhe tya diwasat pan jemtem 2-2.5 liter petrol bharta yaycha.
8)Also, in some shots, directions are incorrectly shown- on Pashan NDA road, Prabhat rd, etc. anyway, that can be overlooked though, and easily adjusted for as minor errors.
9) Another major glitch- when Swapnil says bye to Mukta on a platform, a train is shown pulling into  the platform with a WDM engine, but in the next shot, It is hauled by a WCAM engine of Kalyan shed. Also the livery of the train keeps on changing at the same moment! From Muktas angle, it looks like a CR Livery as shown above, but from Swapnils angle, it looks like a standard IR 2 colour Livery as shown below

IR Livery standard

These observations are just by observing train schedules and estimating the time spent in the all the rides that they did. A look at clocks and other things will complicate the analysis even further.

 But what can be concluded is that

1) the date is almost 80 KM in length, spread out over 9 hours. 

2) Mukta arrives in Pune by Indrayani Express, as it is the earliest to reach Pune- 9 am.

3) Intercity and Indrayani both halt at Dadar and Thane on Mumbai side. Assuming that Mukta arrives by the Morning Indrayani, 3 likely places of her residence in Mumbai can be pinointed- Parle East, Dadar (Shivaji Park) or Dombivali. This list has been kept to these three locations based on the type of language spoken, and proximity of these places to Dadar or Thane, since Indrayani leaves Mumbai at a very awkward time. (5.55 am)

4) Swapnil is a complete rockstar and a cunning, and opportunistic Punekar, not to mention complete Sadashiv Pethi. (Bhikbali, sutleli dheri, Chimanbagetla ghar)

5) All Punekars hoping to woo girls from Mumbai can actually implement this. It could actually work!

6) Whatever said and done, this remains my favourite Marathi movie.

To all fans of the movie, Im sorry i dissected it so much, but I couldnt help. I am a big fan of the movie myself, but the fact that Chitale is open after 1 more than anything else compelled me to write this. The first time I saw the movie, me and Sumedh took our hats off to Sir Swapnil Joshis character for the way he behaves, but at the same time were cursing him for being chaloo. The more I saw this movie, the more apparent these things(glitches) became, till a point that I had to write it down. Artistic expression, flexibility all appreciated, but still, Swapnil should not be able to buy bakarwadi, no matter what. Chitale is not open from 1-4 in the afternoon. Indraneel Chitale will support this for sure! 

2 Jewels from the Goldmine called Shiva Bavani

When it comes to descriptions of feats of Shivaji Maharaj, no one comes close to the fantastic descriptions given by Kavi Bhushan. These Veer Ras poems capture your imagination, and once you get hang of the written language(Braj), you cant help but read in awe of both Shivaji Maharaj and Bhushan. Shivaji Maharaj is described by so many adjectives and pseudonyms that I will run out of time writing them all. His is a personality that inspires everyone even today. We need to absorb the essence of Shivaji Maharaj and act accordingly, that is sufficient to set straight the falling standards of cultural life in our country. Shivaji Maharaj can only be called as a Yugapurusha. 

On the other hand, Bhushan inspires awe for his brilliance. The metaphors, personifications, comparisons from vedas, puranas, mahabharat and ramayan that he uses to build the character of Shivaji Maharaj takes your breath away. Ive never read such rich and ornate poetry. Saraswati herself resides in Bhushans poems. 

Recently I was reading a collection of 52 chhands (poems) of Bhushan which is titled Shiva-Bavani. 52 verses on Shivaji. The descriptions I found in the text are amazing. Im sharing two of them in this post- verse 38 and 39. Bhushan uses some stories from Puranas which a reader may not be familiar with, so I will try to explain the background of the comparison where needed.

Most of the words are Sanskrit/Sanskrit inspired and/or not commonly used, I have provided the meaning of those words. The translations are obtained from a translation of Shivabavani by Pandit Harishankar Sharma,  Publishers: Ramprasad and Bros., Agra. Ive provided phonetic version of the verses, as obtained from Google translate to make it easier for those who cannot read devnagari script.

Anyway, here goes:

सक्र जिमि सैल पर अर्क तमफैल पर बिघन की रैल पर लम्बोदर देखिये|

राम दसकंध पर भीम जरासंध पर, "भूषन" ज्यों सिन्धु पर कुम्भज बिसेखिये||
हर ज्यों अनंग पर गरुड़ ज्यों भुजंग पर कौरव के अंग पर पार्थ जो पेखिये|
बाज जो विहंग पर सिंह ज्यों मतंग पर म्लेंच्छ चतुरंग पर सिवराज देखिये||

साक्र = इंद्र; सैल=पर्वत; अर्क=सूर्य; तमफैल=अंधकार; बिघन=विघ्न; दासकंध=रावण; सिन्धु=समुद्र; कुम्भज=अगस्ती; हर=शिव; अनंग=कुबेर; पार्थ=अर्जुन; बाज=ससाणा; विहंग=पक्षी; मतंग=हत्ती; चतुरंग=हत्तीदळ; घोडदळ, पायदळ व रथदल असलेले चतुरंगी सैन्य.

Sakra jimi saila para arka tamaphaila para bighana kī raila para lambōdara dēkhiyē
Rāma dasakandha para bhīma jarāsandha para bhūṣaṇa jyō sindhu para kumbhaja visēkhiyē
Hara jyō anaṅga para garuṛa jyō bhujaṅga para kaurava kē aṅga para pārtha jyō pēkhiyē
Bāja jyō vihaṅga para sinha jyō mataṅga para mlēn̄ccha caturaṅga para sivarāja dēkhiyē

Sakra(Indra) tackling mountains[1], Sun tackling the darkness and Ganesha tackling obstacles,

Like Ram killing Ravana, Bhim killing Jarasandh and Agasti swallowing the sea in one gulp[2], 

Like Shiv annihilating Kubera, eagles ruthlessly attacking serpents, and Arjun defeating the Kauravas

Like a bird that flees when pursued by a falcon or the same act done by an elephant on seeing a lion, in Similar way, the fourfold[5] army of the Mlencchha run away at the sight of Shivaji .

इंद्र ज्या प्रमाणे पर्वतावर, सूर्य ज्या प्रमाणे तिमिरावर, व लंबोदर ज्या प्रमाणे विघ्नावर,

 राम रावणावर, भीम जरासंधावर, किंव्हा अगस्ती जसा समुद्रावर, 

शंकर जसा मदनावर, गरुड जसा भुजंगावर किंवा अर्जुन जसा कौरवांवर, 

काकोल जसा विहंगावर, केसरी जसा मतांगावर तुटून पडतो, 

त्याच प्रमाणे हा शिवाजी राजा चतुरंगी म्लेंच्छसेनेवर तुटून पडतो.

वारिधि के कुंभ भव घन बन दावानल, तरुन तिमिर हू के किरन समाज हैं|

कंस के कन्हैया कामधेनु हू के कंटकाल कैटभ के कालिका बिहंगम के बाज हैं||
भूषन भनत जम जालिम के सचीपति, पन्नग के कुल के प्रबल पच्छीराज हैं|
रावन के राम कार्तबीज के परसुराम दिल्लीपति दिग्गज के सेर सिवराज है||

वारिधी=समुद्र; कुंभ=अगस्ती; दावानल=वणवा; तरून=घोर; कंटकाल=काटेरी कुंपण; कैटभ= एक असुर ज्याचा कालीने वध केला; जम=यम; जम जालिम= वृत्रासुर; सचीपति=इंद्र; पन्नग= नाग; पाच्छीराज= गरुड; कार्तबीज=सहस्रार्जुन;

Vāridhi kē kumbha bhava ghana bana dāvānala, taruna timira hū kē kirana samāja haiṁ|

Kansa kē kanhaiyā kāmadhēnu hū kē kaṇṭakāla kaiṭabha kē kālikā bihaṅgama kē bāja haiṁ||

Bhūṣana bhanata jama jālima kē sacīpati, pannaga kē kula kē prabala pacchīrāja haiṁ| 

Rāvana kē rāma kārtabīja kē parasurāma dillīpati diggaja kē sēra sivarāja hai||

Like Agasti is to the sea[2], Clouds are to a forest fire, and sun rays to darkness,

Like Krishna was to Kans, like a thorny compound for Kamadhenu, Like Kali for Kaithab[3] and falcons to birds,

Like Indra is to Vrutrasura[4], Eagles are to serpants, Ram is to Ravan and Parshuram is to Sahasrarjun, in similar way, Shivaji is the lion and is sworn enemy of the nobles sitting in Delhi.

समुद्रास अगस्ती, वणव्यास जलाधी अन तिमिरास प्रकाश जसा अरी,

विहंग कैटभ कामधेनु च कंस यांस काकोल कालि कंटक कृष्ण हेच अरी,

भुजंगास पक्षिराज अन रावणास राम का  वृत्रास जसा वज्रपाणी अरी  

तसा हा द्विजरामरुपी  शिवाजी दिल्लीपतीला सहस्रार्जुनपरी संहारी. 

In both these verses, Bhushan directly compares celebrated duels from Vedas and Puranas with the enimity between Shivaji and Aurangzeb, and ends the verse by describing Shivaji as a victor. 

Video of Babasaheb Purandare presenting 2 chhandas of Kavi Bhushan, one of which is Sakra Jimi Saila par, given in this text.

Some stories which may be helpful in the context of comparisons(Upama) .

[1]In the first verse, Indra is described as attacking mountains. This comes from the well established story of Aravali Mountains, which could fly. Indra cut off its wings and made them sedentary. The blood that came out from the points where the wings were cut gives the Aravali mountains a reddish tinge. 

[2] A group of underwater demons used to come out at night and slaughter sages and other tapasvis and retire to the seabed at morning. In order to kill them, the Devas approached Vishnu who advised to take Agasti Munis help. Agasti drank the whole sea in one gulp so that the Devas could attack and kill the demons.

[3] Madhu and Kaithab were two Asuras who were born to destroy Brahma. Mahamaya was created by Brahma to kill them and She managed to kill Kaitabh while Madhu was killed by Vishnu, which gave him the name Madhusudan.

[4] Vrutrasur was a powerful person whose penance shook Indras throne. Scared, Indra attacked him while he was unarmed and blew his body to bits, only to later spend time expressing remorse over this attack. Another story says that Indra is infact Surya and Vrutrasur is megh and the story is that of the Water Cycle.

[5] Foufold army consists of divisions containing Cavalry, Elephants, Chariots and Infantry.

P.S

I have taken a liberty and tried to to translate the into marathi with a meter(2nd one) on the go. But I know I can do much better. This is only a draft version of translation, and when I think of something good, I will update the post with the same.

References:

Shivabavani, Pt. Harishankar Sharma. Ramprasad and Bros, Agra.

Google Translate.