Veteran Actor Dilip Prabhavalkar on Why Marathi Film Dashavatar Resonates Across Languages: “There’s Shock, Disbelief, Grief”
Veteran actor Dilip Prabhavalkar, known for his work in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, was recently seen in the suspense thriller Dashavatar. The film garnered mixed-to-positive reviews and earned ₹5.22 crore over its opening weekend, making it the biggest Marathi film debut of 2025. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, the National Film Award winner revealed what drew him to the film and why it’s connecting with audiences beyond language barriers.
Why Dilip Prabhavalkar Chose Dashavatar
Reflecting on his decision to join the project, Dilip shared, “There are many memorable moments that stayed with me, but three scenes stand out. They were deeply moving and emotionally challenging to perform without getting overwhelmed.”He described the first scene: “During the chariot procession, the protagonist is heading to perform his final Dashavatar drama, a promise made to his son after securing a job. As he dances as Bhishma, he spots his son waving from afar. He waves back and tries to speak, but his son can’t hear him. This turns out to be their last meeting. Though festive in setting, the scene is heartbreakingly emotional.”
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The second scene captures the raw grief of loss: “During the last performance on Mahashivratri, the character learns of his son’s death. Stunned, he walks into the jungle with his friends, unable to process the news. As rain falls, he sits alone under a tree surrounded by people but utterly isolated in his sorrow. The silence amplifies his shock, disbelief, and grief.”The third scene offers a tense psychological exchange: “It’s a mind game with Mahesh Manjrekar’s character investigating. He tries to trap Babuli (my character), but Babuli deftly evades the questions, turning them back and leaving the mystery unsolved. These three scenes were powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.”
Why Dashavatar Connects Across Languages
When asked why a Marathi film like Dashavatar resonates with viewers from different linguistic backgrounds, Dilip credited the filmmaker’s storytelling approach. “Subodh Kanwalkar, the writer and director, maintained a strong grip on the visual storytelling. The story’s strength, gripping content, impactful presentation, camera work, and powerful performances help it cross language barriers.”He elaborated, “Look at silent films by Charlie Chaplin — Gold Rush, The Kid, Modern Times — they had universal appeal without dialogue.
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