Rating: ★★★ Studio / Presenter: Nought Creation Producers: Prasad Ugle, Harshal Ushir Writer, Director: Prasad Acharekar Cinematographer: Neeshank Mathure Backgroundscore: Saurabh Bhalerao Cast: Dr. Mohan Agashe, Nirmitee Sawant, Atul Todankar, Renuka Shahane, Abhinay Sawant, Rutul Patil, Ashutosh Patki, Sumedh Gaikwad Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Psycho thrillers are not new to Marathi film industry; but, a mind twisting psychological thriller with a gripping screenplay is really something new to Marathi cinema. Writer-Director Prasad Achrekar, who is the grandson of legendary art director M. R. Achrekar, has offered his debut film ‘Akalpith’, with the help of young Snehal Pendurkar, who besides writing this riveting screenplay, has also handled the graphic art of this film, during flashbacks very well.

‘Akalpith’ begins with the special meeting of the Jury with the judge, where the public prosecutor seeks the help of a renowned female psychologist, to study the past history and the statement of the alleged psycho killer. As their proceedings go on, the film also shows the actual happenings that led to a situation, where the accused pleads ‘not guilty’ and poses himself as a sick person, suffering from a trauma; as argued by the defence lawyer.

Dr. Mohan Agashe, Renuka ShahaneThe actual argument and discussion on the case begins in post interval stage, after the audience witness the entire episode of the actual happening, till the accused is shown with a pistol in his hands, about to fire his shots at his wife and his cousin, who together had planned his murder at the cousin’s bungalow, located at a remote place.

The film begins with the Public prosecutor Ms. Saranjame, seeking the help of a renowned psychologist (Renuka Shahane) to study the case of a young murder accused, who is trying to prove himself innocent, with the help of a defence lawyer, in absence of the evidence. She wants the psychologist to help her to prove the heinous act of the accused; during the meeting of the Jury with the judge. Simultaneously, we witness on the screen, the actual happening of the event, as recorded by the accused Milind (Abhinay Sawant) in his statement. So, we find his wife Shweta (Rutul Patil) making quick phone calls to unknown persons.

When both husband and wife leave for a long drive on a weekend, they come across Milind’s cousin Vishal (Ashutosh Patki), who suggests Milind and his wife to spend the week end at his bungalow at a remote place, which is close to the place they meet . So, it is known to the audience that it’s a planned trap for Milind. A terrible looking watchman guarding the bungalow that night and warning them not to step out of the bungalow suggests the past history of that place with series of unsolved murders taken place around in the past.

As everything gets set as per the plan, a stranger with the name of Raj (Sumedh Gaikwad) walks into the bungalow, for shelter as his car goes out of order. He tries to make a phone call; but doesn’t get his line. Shweta misunderstands him as a hired killer; having arrived a day before and is confused. But, he turns out to be from the same college of Milind. So, both Milind and Raj come closer talking about their good old college days, that night. In the meanwhile, Raj comes to know about the affair between Vishal and Milind’s wife. He is asked to keep quite by Vishal. In the meanwhile, Shweta and Vishal’s plan to kill Milind, is foiled by Milind himself. Next day morning, when the real contract killer arrives, he too is confused about his target, after noticing three men around, instead of one.

Milind with the help of Raj, manages to convince the contract killer, offering more money and Milind acquires the pistol from the contract killer, aiming it at his wife Shweta first; when the film breaks for interval. In his defence, Milind claims that he could not remember anything after that scene; and that he had lost his memory. However, in post interval session, when the judge asks to present him before the jury, Milind is brought with his hands tied on a wheelchair. During this trial,( which is held in house, instead of the courtroom); he reveals the judge two new stories, recollected by him; while he was brought by Raj in a car back to Mumbai. The psychologist is almost close top grill Milind, on the basis of his past and recent paintings, when the judge gives his final verdict. The film ends with an unexpected climax, which is all about the mind game. So, watch each and every scene in this film, with full attention.

In the role of Milind , Abhinay Sawant finds a good lead role, to open his actual innings in Marathi films, though, he had appeared before in a small role through Kedar Shinde’s multi starrer film. Music director Ashok Patki’s son Ashutosh Patki also makes a good debut, in second lead, through the role of Vishal. In the role of Shweta, Rutul Patil makes an impressive debut. Having performed on stage, this Nashik girl looks very confident in every scene that she has to her share. Another newcomer Sumedh Gaikwad has also played his part like a true professional actor, though in real life, he is a still photographer. Among the supporting artistes, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Nirmitee Sawant, Atul Todankar, Renuka Shahane and others, have performed their roles with full conviction, and very naturally. Director Prasad Achrekar has handled the direction of this film very efficiently. It wasn’t an easy job; but having been influenced by the stories of Sherlock Holmes, he has received good support from Snehal Pendurkar in the screenplay.

Those who love to watch psycho thrillers, this film is a real treat for them. Young Cinematographers Amit Suresh Kudoth and Nishank Mathure, offer a visual delight, by generating interest, in every scene. Background score by Saurabh Bhalerao is well suited to this novel plot in Marathi cinema. The film does have few flaws, but looking at the sincere effort of the young team in presenting this psycho thriller, they can be ignored. Good work Prasad; keep it up..