Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 120 mins
Studio/presenter: Asian Entertainment
Producer: Sachin Pandurang Salunkhe
Director: Nitin Dixit
Writer: Nitin Dixit
Lyrics:  na
Music: Gandhaar
Cinematographer (DOP): Nagaraj M.D.
Cast: Adinath Kothare, Mihiresh Joshi, Yash Kulkarni, Sulabha Deshpande, Leena Bhagwat, Sunil Abhyankar, Rashmi Khedekar
Movie Review by: Keertikumar Kadam

In the past, we have seen many famous plays and films, opposing blind faith. Recently, there was a film ‘OMG’ which openly challenged the blind faith. Last week released Hindi film, ‘PK’, was also an advanced version of such a plot. And now, the recent Marathi movie Avatarachi Goshta produced by Sachin Salunkhe and director Nitin Dixit , has also tried to make a comment on superstition & miracles, in today’s advanced world based on science.
Set on the backdrop of a small town in Maharashtra, the film shows two school going friends, Kaustubh (Mihiresh Joshi) and Mangya (Yash Kulkarni), living their normal lives, like other children from small towns. Kaustubh being fond of listening to mythological stories from his Grandmother (Sulabha Deshpande), starts believing that after nine reincarnations of lord Vishnu, he is the chosen one for the tenth reincarnation, to end the miseries of mankind on the earth. Mangya, being a strong believer in Koustubh, supports his belief and both start noticing unusual happennings as miracles. Kausthub also starts believing in his superpowers.
Kaustubh’s family, comprising of mother ( Leena Bhagwat), father (Sunil Abhyankar), Grandmother( Sulabha Deshpande) and adolescent sister Shweta (Rashmi Khedekar), are unaware of this development. When Mangya is convinced that Kaustubh possesses the power of God, he encourages him to jump into a pit. In this attempt, Kaustubh fractures his leg. As a result of which, he turns violent against all family members, including Mangya. At this stage, Amod (Aadinath Kothare) the paying guest living with Kaustubh’s family, plays an important role, explaining Kaustubh the coincidental miracles and rationalizes them with convincing examples. Kausthub too realises the futility of his belief.

The limited story is by Nitin Dixit ( Dhag fame); who also has written the dialogues and screenplay, besides directing the movie. Though his screenplay and dialogues are of high quality, they have limitations due to thin story-line. The film however shows promise, with suitable mythological narration in the opening part and achievements of scientists in the credits in the end. The film has become slower in the interior part. Camerawork by Nagraj Diwakar aptly captures the tone of the story and settings, giving it a real and authentic look. Missing love-angle doesn’t give scope to music by Gandhaar, though the songs are good. However, the background music is far better and does justice to the story telling.
Aadinath looks cute and boyish and has delivered ably, what was expected from him, but he has been wasted in the first half. However, in the second half, director has given his character maximum scope. Also, very cleverly , he has shown the one sided love of Shweta towards Aadinath . Supporting cast is extremely good, with names like, Leena Bhagwat, Sulabha Deshpande, Sunil Abyankar, Aashish Vidhyarthi (special appearance). Child actor, Mihiresh Joshi has a central role, which he manages well by displaying various forms of emotions, through different scenes. He has been ably supported by another child artist Yash Kulkarni.
One thing is for sure that as a script writer Nitin Dixit has done a good job. No wonder, the film has bagged nine awards in various categories, at different popular awards and festivals. But, as a director, he needs to work harder.

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Last year, we saw her playing a humour filled family member of Ghana in ‘Eka Lagnachi Doosari Goshta’ and before that her powerful character of Shalini as a tenant in Agnihotri’s house, had received lot of appreciation. But, Leena is not new to the filed of acting. She had started performing in experimental theatre, way back in 1991, while she was still in college. Through Experimental plays like ‘Hach Khel Udya Pudhe’, she soon got into professional play ‘Moru Chi Maushi’ and also performed with Pradeep Patwardhan, in one of the popular programmes of Sahyadri channel- ‘Awaad Aaapli Aapli’. Leena came into reckoning, through these performances and was offered a role by Amol Palekar in his film ‘Kairee’, which turned out to be debut film for Leena. Later, Leena did perform in films like ‘Doh’, ‘Dhudgus’, ‘Pach Naar Ek Bejaar'; but as a TV actress, she has gained more popularity till date.

Having started her acting career through stage, Leena still finds time for stage and is at present performing in Malvani comedy ‘Pandgo Ilo Re Ba Ilo’. She is also considering a proposal from a new Marathi play. In the meanwhile, Leena has recently won an award from Zee Gaurav, for her performance in the film ‘Avatarachi Goshta’, which is yet to release. In this film, Leena plays the mother of a small child, around whom the story of this film revolves. MarathiMovieWorld spoke to Leena Bhagwat, to know more about her profession and she was kind enough to discuss about herself. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: You came into the field of acting by chance or you really struggled to find suitable roles ?
A: I was interested in acting since my college days. Initially, I started through experimental plays. I still remember the days, when I used to ask for concessions during my rehearsals, to adjust my college schedule. But, I managed it well. I wouldn’t call it struggle; but it was hard work and sincerity in this acting profession. Not all are lucky to find the roles of their choice. But, I consider myself lucky, as I found all those roles, which were to my satisfaction.

Q: Two years ago, you performed in popular TV serial ‘Agnihotra’, which is now being shown in repeat run during afternoon time. Tell us something about the character of Shalini, played by you.
A: When Mr. Ranga Godbole explained to me about my role, he made it very clear that my character did not belong to Agnihotri family. But, he said that it was an important character. I trusted him and as the shooting progressed, I realised the importance of Shalini in the script. Both Abhay Paranjape as a writer and Mr. Godbole as a director had shaped it so well, that I had the privilege of interacting with most of the important characters in this serial.

Q: Now, when you are playing the character of Sharayu in ‘Honar Sunn Mee Hya Gharchi’, what difference you notice in the characters of Shalini and Sharayu ?
A: Shalini in ‘Agnihotra’ did not belong to the family; yet, she was a responsible person in the script. When Mandar Deosthali explained to me about the role of Sharayu in ‘Honar Sunn Mee Hya Gharchi’, I knew that I had to present not only a humour filled absent minded character, but also display my emotions, at a later stage. As Leena Bhagwat, I would say, as an actress “I gained a lot from Sharayu’s character”. It is such a wonderful role.

Q: Are you happy with your television image?
A: I feel that whatever roles have come to me on television, they have given me a lot of satisfaction. But, I am also doing films and stage. Recently, I was awarded Zee Gaurav Puraskar for my performance in the film ‘Avatarachi Goshta’, which is yet to release. I am also doing a play ‘Pandgo Ilo Re Ba Ilo’. So, I am busy with all three mediums of acting. It’s not only television please.

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