Rating: ★★½ Genres: Comedy Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Swiss Entertainment Pvt Ltd Producer(s): Pravinkumar Uadaylal Jain Director: Ajay Phansekar Writer: Ajay Phansekar Music: Abhijeet Narvekar Cinematographer (DOP): B. Laxman Cast: Vaibbhav Tatwawdi, Hrishikesh Joshi, Pooja Sawant, Aasavari Joshi, Suhas Joshi Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Over the years we have been watching horror films of  Bollywood and Hollywood. Even some Marathi film makers did attempt horror films in the past. But, during the past 10 years, we saw the trend of horror films changing slowly, with introduction of horror-comedy theme  in Bollywood.  2007 Bollywood film ‘Bhool Bhulaiya‘ was the best example. Now, director Ajay Phansekar has tried similar type of experiment  in Marathi, offering something new to Marathi film lovers through his latest Marathi film ‘Cheater‘.

The film revolves  around Abhay ( Vaibhav Tatwawdi) who is the son of a Agnihotri Brahmin father from Pune, who is regarded  the highest priest of the community. Abhay’s  brother and sister are well qualified. But, this  happy go lucky youngster, cheats people for fun. He is in love with Mridula, who arrives in Pune, from Mauritius to study her post graduation in Psychology. One day, Mridula has to leave for Mauritius, as her father Mr. Satam ( Hrishikesh Joshi) has a surprise for their entire family, comprising of Mridula, her TV addict mother ( Aasavari Joshi) her grand mother ( Suhas Joshi) and younger brother ( Jeevan Kalarkar). But, on entering the new house, Mridula’s grand mother has unusual experience. So, she suggests her son to perform Vastu Pooja of the new Villa, to be done only by a Brahmin from Agnihotri family from Pune. When Mridula seeks help from Abhay, he himself arrives, posing as a Swami.

With his very first interaction with Abhay,  Mridula’s father  doubts his credentials; but Mridula’s mother and Grandmother approve Abhay and believe in his work. Abhay promises to release all negative energy from the house within 5 days. But, the spirit of a young woman appears in front of him, during night hour and challenges him. She seeks help from Abhay to liberate her soul after searching  what she wants. But, for that, her soul  has to enter the body of a living person. So, one by one she picks up each member of Mridula’s family members, to create comedy scenes in this horror based screenplay. Needless to mention that in the climax of the film, she achieves what she desires.

Good  thing about this film is that all the artistes in this film have combined well, to create a perfect timing for comedy, making the audience forget that they are watching a horror film. Hrishikesh Joshi is the best among them. Vaibhav Tatwawdi has proved that he can fit into any type of role. His chemistry with Pooja Sawant has worked very well. Good support comes from Aasavari Joshi and Suhas Joshi. Director Ajay Phansekar has succeeded in entertaining the audience, especially in the second half of the film. But, to enjoy this film, the audience have to keep their logical thinking aside. The film maker already makes it clear, before the start of the film, through a declaration that  the film does not promote blind faith. Music in this film is not very impressive, in spite of the voices of reputed singers like Avadhoot Gupte and Sonu Nigam. But,  the background music is impressive. B.Laxman’s cinematography  has  skillfully captured some of the beautiful locations in Mauritius. Santosh Gawde has designed the costumes of the artistes very well.

‘Cheater‘ may appeal to those, who enjoy such type of horror comedy films. For others, it is just an average entertaining film.