Name: April May 99
Genre: Film
Released: 2025-05-23
Cast: Ashutosh Gowariker

Synopsis

April May 99

Set during the summer of 1999 in Shrivardhan, the film follows three 14-year-old friends—Krushna, Prasad, and Siddhesh—who look forward to their school vacation filled with cycling, games, and carefree exploration. Before the holidays begin, Prasad's father plans to send him to Mumbai for an English-language course, a decision Prasad and his friends strongly resist. The boys’ plans change when Jaie, a girl from Pune visiting her aunt for the summer, arrives in the village. Prasad's father subsequently cancels the Mumbai plan on the condition that Jaie tutors Prasad in English during the vacation and that he assists her in adjusting to village life. Jaie's presence gradually alters the dynamics of the group, initially causing friction and resistance among the boys. As the summer progresses, the four adolescents form an unexpected bond, and their interactions begin to test loyalties, challenge assumptions, and shape their emotional growth. Set in a pre-digital era, the film explores friendship, adolescence, and the fleeting innocence of youth through a season that proves transformative for all involved.

Release: 23 May 2025
Run time: 129 min
Language: Marathi

Cast & crew

Ashutosh Gowariker Jaie's father

Rajesh Mapuskar Producer RO Rohan-Rohan Composer

Reviews

Indian-media reviews, grouped by reception.

Review snapshot

Mixed

The available source-linked Indian-media review for April May 99 is mixed.

Best forViewers looking for Marathi cinema.

Reception Order

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Scroll Nandini Ramnath

April May 99 is like travelling in a time machine back to the joys of childhood vacations where nothing of importance seemed to happen even though a great deal was churning under the surface. Mapuskar’s film deftly shows how the holiday does more than improve English-speaking abilities, best captured in the earnest declaration “I am thank you.” The final sequence is beautifully judged, poised as it is delicately between adolescence and impending adulthood. The gorgeous locales, which have been shot by Apoorva Shaligram, create their own kind of nostalgia for green and uncluttered spaces. The 129-minute movie also has a lovely soundtrack by the composers Rohan-Rohan, with Mann Jaie, soulfully sung by Sonu Nigam, lingering in memory long after the end credits have rolled.

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