Rating: na Banner: Matrubhumi Productions, Cutting Chai Productions Producer: Pradeep Garg Director: Prateek Kadam Story: Janmejay – Swapnil Cinematographer: Aniket K. Cast: Aditi Sarangdhar, Swapnil Jadhav, Prasad Oak, Suhas Palshikar, Bhushan Ghadi, Chinmay Mandlekar, Shekhar Phadke, Prashant Neman, Hrishikesh Gujar, Mausami Hadkar, Poonam Jadhav, Shilpa Kamble, Swarangee, Karandikar, Tanish Sonawane, Priti Patil, Janmejay Patil, Karan Vaity, Lina Vaity, Pratik Kadam, Suhit Vaity, Pankaj, Jamir Mulla, Swapnil Vaity, Shantani Vaity Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Not all the suspense filled horror films are able to deliver, what they promise during the film’s promotion. But, latest released Marathi film ‘Aik’, has been able to offer what it claimed. To create an impact of horror and suspense, the film’s unique screenplay supported by effective camera work and background music has made a big difference. In the process, Producer Pradeep Garg and director Pratik kadam have succeeded in presenting this thriller on the new subject very well. Thanks to Janmajay Patil and Swapnil Jadhav for working together on the script. Aik Movie, aditi Sarangdhar

One of the writers-Swapnil, also makes his debut as a hero through this film. Now, who says that only Hollywood and Bollywood film makers like M. Night Shyamalan , Ramsay, Ramgopal Verma and Vikram Bhatt could handle such topics? Today, young director Prateek kadam has proved that a good team work can create something special in Marathi too. The film revolves around Rishi Marathe ( Swapnil Jadhav), a Creative director working in a Marathi Entertainment channel M4U. His family comprises of wife Aditi ( Aditi Sarangdhar) and little son. The family shifts to a new apartment in Mumbai and soon begins the clash between husband and wife, as Rishi doesn’t find time for the family.

The disturbance leads to the point of divorce and Aditi reaches with her son to the shooting venue of Rishi’s novel reality show, which is located 4 to 5 hours drive from Mumbai. The selection of this old palace of British time, has been deliberately selected by the production house, to attract adventure loving participants. When Aditi reaches there, Rishi and his Boss Sandy ( Prasad oak) are already tensed up, as the participants selected for the first live episode, back out at the last stage. The entire unit is now looking for a couple. Rishi persuades Aditi that he would sign the papers of divorce, provided she helps him and participate in the show. Aditi agrees and enters inside the palace.

The rule of the game show is such that the wife is taken inside the palace to a safe room and is made to wait there, till the husband goes in search for her and then returns back along with her, to win the game show. Before Rishi proceeds towards the palace, he is introduced to the audience from the site by the anchor Chinmay Mandlekar. Rishi is provided with microphone to constantly communicate with the anchor, waiting outside the palace and also given a buzzer, which is to be pressed thrice, in case the particiapant wishes to quit.

prasad Oak, Swapnil JadhavWhen Rishi enters the palace, he comes across terrible experiences, including terrifying sounds, indicating presence of someone around. Soon, he comes across more horror filled strange experiences and is about to quit, when he hears the voice of his wife. When he goes in her search, the in house CCTV cameras planted by the production team, capture his reactions. On few occasions, they get confused, as to why Rishi is worried and scared. Rishi also sees his own son around and later finds a terrifying Girl’s spirit, misleading him. When Rishi is given an assurance by the anchor that his son is very much in the vanity van fast asleep; he in convinced that an invisible spirit, is playing on his mind. Finally, he finds his wife, while he himself suffers an injury.
When both are on their way to exit, they actually face the girl’s spirit, all set to kill Rishi. In the console room, Sandy receives a call from an old man, who claims that the girl inside the palace is his grand daughter’s spirit. In the climax, the film concludes methodically , revealing the mystery.

‘Aik’ is a good effort by director Prateek Kadam. He gets a good support from suitable background Music and efficient camera work, to make every scene effective. The film has been shot at the most ideal location of historical Thiba Palace, situated on a hill top of Ratnagiri town. All the artistes in the film have lend a good support with their natural acting skills. Lead hero Swapnil, who makes his debut, doesn’t look like a new comer. He has played his part very naturally. Aditi Saragdhar has given a wonderful performance. The way she reacts during sensitive scenes, clearly indicate her identity as a complete actress. Prasad Oak and Chinmay Mandlekar play their respective roles with complete authority. Others in the supporting cast have done well. ‘Aik’ is a well presented creepy film, which sticks to what it promised during the ad campaign. Don’t be surprised, if any Bollywood film maker attempts a remake of this film.