Hindurao Dhonde Patil

Hindurao Dhonde Patil
Samna character
Nilu Phule as Hindurao Dhonde Patil
First appearance	Samna (1974)
Created by	Vijay Tendulkar
Portrayed by	Nilu Phule
In-universe information
Gender	Male
Occupation	Sugar tycoon
Nationality	Indian

Hindurao Dhonde Patil is a sugar tycoon from 1974 Marathi film Samna. It was portrayed by Nilu Phule. He is depicted as a manipulative sugar baron, merging humility with ruthless ambition. His character illustrates the exploitation inherent in cooperative systems, as he wields power through cunning and intimidation while masquerading as a benevolent leader. The on-screen actorial between Phule and Shreeram Lagoo is one of the film's standout moments.

Development

The film's producer, Ramdas Phutane, sought out Vijay Tendulkar to write a script that would honor the performances of Nilu Phule and Sriram Lagoo. Tendulkar had a special insistence on casting Phule in the role of Hindurao Dhonde Patil. Following this, Jabbar Patel was appointed as the director.

Biography

Hindurao Dhonde Patil, a prominent sugar baron in a village, known for his influence and wealth. His rise to power was marked by a relentless drive to modernize the village, establishing a sugar factory, poultry farms, and a school. However, this progress came at a cost, as he was willing to manipulate and control those around him to maintain his dominance. When a middle-aged penniless drunkard, referred to as "Master," arrived in the village, Hindurao grew suspicious, fearing that the man might be a government investigator. To monitor him, Hindurao invited Master to live in his mansion, all the while concealing his darker dealings. He had previously falsely implicated a military man, Maruti Kamble, in a scandal to protect his interests, ultimately leading to Kamble's murder. As the situation unfolded, Hindurao's facade began to crumble, especially when Master demanded an investigation into Kamble's disappearance. Facing mounting pressure and chaos within his enterprises, Hindurao attempted to divert attention with speeches but was met with public outcry. Ultimately, in a moment of confrontation, he surrendered to the police, meeting Master's gaze with a disarming smile, a subtle acknowledgment of the shifting power dynamics in the village.

Legacy and reception

In 2013, Forbes India included Nilu Phule's portrayal of Hindurao Dhonde Patil as one of the 25 greatest performances in Indian cinema. The Marathi news channel Loksatta is indicating that the character of Hindurao Dhonde-Patil represents political behaviors and tendencies that remain relevant today. This suggests that the themes of power dynamics and political manipulation in the film resonate with contemporary issues, making it feel timeless and relatable even after four decades.

Shanta Gokhale of Scroll.in describes Hindurao Dhonde Patil as a complex antagonist who embodies the socio-political dynamics of 1970s rural Maharashtra. Dhonde Patil's conflict with Maruti Kamble, a war veteran, underscores the themes of oppression and resistance, making him a compelling representation of the era's social issues. Maharashtra Times underscores the complexity of Hindurao Dhonde Patil, accentuating that, while he embodies a villainous role as a corrupt sugar baron, his character also displays deep emotional struggles and vulnerabilities. The conflict between his greed and guilt showcases his humanity, allowing the audience to connect with him on a deeper level. The reviewer credits writer Vijay Tendulkar for creating this nuanced character, which ultimately leads to a powerful performance that resonated with audiences. Hindurao is depicted as a multifaceted antagonist, illustrating the struggles of power and morality. Prakash Dhule of Marathifilmdata.com suggests that Hindurao Dhonde Patil represents a sophisticated character struggling with his conscience. Patil is depicted as a powerful figure who engages in corrupt practices to build his empire. Despite his attempts to justify his actions, he ultimately cannot escape the moral implications of his choices. The reviewer emphasizes that Patil's character embodies the conflict between ambition and moral accountability, illustrating how one's conscience can lead to self-doubt and eventual surrender to the truth.