Dashavatar Marathi movie Review: A Promising Idea That Falls Short

When the film Dashavatar was announced, it brought high expectations, much like Kantara, by promising to bring the revered Konkan folk tradition of Dashavatari Natak to the big screen. The story, written and directed by Subodh Khanolkar, revolves around Babuli (Dilip Prabhavalkar), a respected veteran performer who plans his final show on Mahashivratri. His son, Madhav (Siddharth Menon), wants him to retire, but a life-altering incident pushes the plot into motion.

While the concept is powerful, its execution struggles to live up to the hype. The film feels too heavy for its director to handle. The initial pace is slow, with several scenes before the interval feeling unnecessarily stretched. Although the film gains some momentum and offers a few compelling moments after the intermission, it ultimately loses its way in the third act, leaving a sense of disappointment. The attempt to weave in too many elements at once dilutes its impact, turning a potentially extraordinary film into a merely passable one.

Despite the narrative’s shortcomings, the film is saved by its performances. Dilip Prabhavalkar is an absolute treat to watch as Babuli. His portrayal is a masterclass in acting, bringing superb energy and nuance to each of his Dashavatari characters. Siddharth Menon impresses as the ambitious son, and Mahesh Manjrekar adds a vibrant touch as Inspector Michael D’Souza. The rest of the cast, including Priyadarshini Indalkar and Ravi Kale, deliver commendable performances.

The music by A.V. Prafullachandra is another highlight. Both the songs and the background score effectively capture the soul of the story, enhancing its emotional moments.

Thus, Dashavatar had the potential to be a truly outstanding Marathi film. While it falls short of its ambitious goals, it remains a unique attempt in Marathi cinema. For Dilip Prabhavalkar’s brilliant performance and the film’s musical magic, it is worth watching at least once.