Rating: ★★★ ½ Studio / Presenter: Needle Drop Productions Pvt. Ltd., Orange Tree Productions Pvt. Ltd. Producers: Shilpa Shirodkar Ranjit, Kushna Shetty Writer, Director: Amol Shetge Dialogues: Kaustubh Savarkar Cinematographer: Suresh Deshmane Editor: Rajesh Rao Cast: Sai Tamhankar, Ajinkya Deo, Tushar Dalvi, Shilpa Gandhi, Avinash Kharshikar, Aniket Kelkar, Anushka Ranjit Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

After a long time, there is a Marathi film, which has a good narrative story, filled with suspense. ‘Sou Shashi Deodhar’ is actually a mystery filled film, which is well presented by director Amol Shetge, who has himself written the story of this film. You may also call it a psychological thriller, which revolves around a middle class young married woman, who identifies herself as Ms.Shubhada Shashi Deodhar, after she recovers from a hit by the car driven by Dr. Ajinkya Vartak, during one rainy night.

Since it is a road accident, it involves police investigation and Dr.Ajinkya is held up in the hospital, till the young woman gives her statement to the police, after her recovery, admitting that it was her own fault, as she lost her balance. But, her real identity still remains a mystery; as Dr. Ajinkya, who has been asked by the police officer to drop her at the address given by her, turns out to be owned by somebody else. Even the description given by the lady about her husband, does not match with the person located. Finally, the police issue an advertisement in the newspaper, with her photo and till that time, the lady finds shelter at Dr. Ajainkya’s house. Being a bachelor and a psychiatrist, he not only takes good care of her; but, also does the job of police department, to locate Shashi Deodhar, with the help of a social networking site.

In the meanwhile, reading the advertisement, a young man Mr. Thakur( Aniket kelkar) with his one leg injured, walks into the police station, claiming the young lady as his wife- Nilima. But, the young lady refuses to identify him as her husband. So, the husband asks the police to take her to her father; who identifies her as his daughter. But, the lady claiming herself as Shubhada, is then brought in contact with Mr. Shashi Deodhar and his real wife Shubhada. Even after meeting them, the lady tells Dr. Ajinkya that she does not know them. Finally, Dr.Ajinkya, with her consent and taking the police officer into confidence, injects her with sodium pentothal drug, to make her confess the truth, in the concluding part of the film.

From start till the end, director Amol Shetge has cleverly kept the pace of the film, holding the grip on his story. Few scenes in the film look irrelevant. But, very cleverly, he has introduced new characters in the screenplay one by one, to keep the mystery. Even he has taken a break for interval, at the right time, in this little less than 2 hour length film. The concluding part unfolds the mystery in a very systematic manner, to make this film an absorbing fiction. suresh Deshmane’s cinematography is good. Music and background music is apt for this kind of mystery filled tale.

Sai Tamhankar, known for her glamorous roles, has found an opportunity to play a simple middle class married woman, suffering from a split personality disorder. She is highly impressive in a different role, through this film. In the role of Dr.Ajinkya Vartak, Ajinkya Deo has played his part very naturally. He seemed to be a perfect choice for this role. In the supporting cast, Aniket Kelkar, Avinash Kharshikar,Tushar Dalvi, Janardan Parab, producer Shilpa Shirodkar –Ranjit’s daughter Anushka, her husband Ranjit, director Amol Shetge himself and others have offered a good support. Tushar looks different in his new get up.

‘Sou Shashi Deodhar’ has certainly succeeded to bring in that desired change in Marathi films, with a new subject, which is socially so relevant. Thanks to Shilpa and her husband Ranjit for their debut offering. But, the kind of publicity done by the film, it failed to find the crowds at theatres on the first day. Growel- kandivali, witnessed just 10 people, for 1.10 pm show. Hope that the film picks up well, in next two days.