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.