Rating: ★★ ½ Studio: Aaditya Production Producer: Aditya Dadhe Director: Mandar Devasthali Music: Ajay Atul Cinematography: Sanjay Jadhav Cast: Prasad Oak, Ankush Chowdhary Atul Parchure, Shweta Shinde, Aditi Sarandhar, Neelam Shirke, Anand Abhyankar, Arun Nalavade, Vandana Gupte, Smita Talwalkar, Uday Sabnis, Digamber Naik, Vidhyadhar Joshi, Suni Godse Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

At a time when Marathi films are going for a change, with new subjects; some film makers still believe in following the traditional track of comedy, with nothing new to offer. There is no doubt that Feature films are a form of entertainment. But, the entertainment aspect should have such content which should keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Simply forming a big team of artistes and making them perform the scenes without the support of well presented screenplay, does not necessarily receive appreciation from the audience. Latest released film ‘Dhating Dhingana’ is one such film, which moves pointless; with foolish acts well suited to the title of the film; performed in rotation by different characters of the film.

Rahul( Ankush Choudhary) who is the most eligible bachelor, reads Superman Comic books and dreams of marrying a Girl, whose life is filled with adventures. His mother Snehal ( Vandana Gupte) wants him to marry her old friend Colonel’s (Late Anand Abhyankar’s) fashionable daughter Gauri( Aditi Saragdhar), who too is looking forward to marry a dashing young man.

So, to make his mother happy, Rahul calls Gauri over phone and asks her to come dressed up in modern clothes at a temple campus; so as to enable both of them to identify each other in a thrilling manner. But, Rahul mistakes Nisha, a pick pocket; for Gauri and Gauri is mistaken to be his relative by Devaa( Prasad Oak), who comes to Pune from Alibaug for a job in a bank .At the same time, Inspector Rasal( Atul Parchure) and his lady assistant inspector ( Shweta Shinde) are on a mission to arrest a gangster( Uday Sabnis) , who is expected to visit a bank, to deposit the stolen diamonds in the Bank’s locker.

It is almost at the same time a gang of Five short men plan to rob the bank. So, we find all the characters assembled inside the ABC bank. The gang of short men dressed up like Schoolboys enter the bank and manage to steal the money at Gunpoint; while the Police Inspector and his assistant are on duty outside the bank. Nisha manages to capture the bag from the Gangster almost around the same time and she flees along with Devaa; while Rahul is left in the company of Gauri. But, the Gangster lays a trap as witnessed in the old Bollywood films. Finally, they all unite together at Alibaug with the help of Police, to stop the Gang of short men and the Lamboo gang led by a Gangster, from running away to Dubai.

The film begins well, indicating that it would be a fantasy. But, as it progresses; the audience is subjected with foolish acts of different characters; which hardly make you laugh. Film literally drags till interval. The script is weak, especially in screenplay and dialogues. Mandar Deosthali’s direction is not impressive enough to create the desired humour, expected by sensible film lovers from him. Perhaps, the kids may enjoy some of the scenes.

The characters played by Vandana Gupte, Smita Talwalkar, Arun Nalawade, Vidyadhar Joshi, Savita Malpekar, Anand Abhyankar and Digambar Naik are just name sake in the film. The last two artistes are with their mask on, in the limited roles to their share. There were big expectations from Music directors Ajay Atul. But, there are just two songs; one of which is a Group performance, suited for title music at the end; but used at a wrong place.

The performances of Ankush Choudhary, Prasad Oak, Aditi Sarangdhar, Neelam Shirke, Atul Parchure and Shweta Shinde are satisfying; but, it gives an impression that they were performing on stage. Moreover, the film’s shooting seems to have taken place at least 3 to 4 years ago. The preparations for Commonwealth games in Pune is clearly noticed with proper upkeep of roads and the banners which are captured by Sanjay Jadhav’s neat and clean cinematography. Incidentally, Sanjay has also played a small cameo in this film. ‘Dhating Dhingana’ offers nothing different; but a typical situation based average comedy; in the form of old wine in a new bottle.