Dashavatar review: Dilip Prabhavalkar excels in this flawed yet earnest film
'Dashavatar' commences with a scene that pays homage to the iconic introduction of Aamir Khan in 'Lagaan'. A forest officer (masterfully portrayed by Bharat Jadhav in a special appearance) attempts to shoot a panther. In a dramatic twist, an elderly individual hurls a small pebble at the jaguar, mere moments before being gunned down by the officer. This elderly man, Babuli Mestry (Dilip Prabhavalkar), is a performer in the Dashavatar folk theatre. As Babuli grapples with the inexorable passage of time, his unemployed son Madhav (Siddharth Menon) implores him to forsake his performances. A physician has also advised Babuli against continuing in this folk art, as he has already lost vision in one eye. Nevertheless, Babuli remains resolute in his dedication to Dashavatar, despite the concerns articulated by Madhav and the doctor. When an unforeseen tempest disrupts his existence, he resolves to draw upon the wisdom and traditional knowledge embedded in this 800-year-old art form to navigate his challenges. Although the narrative unfolds in contemporary times, Babuli and his son inhabit an antiquated dwelling ensconced in verdant greenery.
Writer-director Subodh Khanolkar endeavors to weave mythology, folk art, and folklore into modern settings within 'Dashavatar'. While the film's premise is remarkably original and engaging, the storytelling tends to become overly simplistic as it transitions into thriller and adventure modes. The core element of any thriller or suspense film lies in the cultivation of tension and a desire for resolution; however, this is where the film falters somewhat. The unpredictability of subsequent events is crucial, yet viewers familiar with suspenseful dramas may find themselves easily foreseeing the plot twists in 'Dashavatar'.
Following the intermission, the film devolves into every cliched, predictable thriller drama we have encountered numerous times. In an interview, the director expressed his determination to maintain a sense of realism, even as the narrative shifts into thriller territory in the latter half. Consequently, certain sequences lack the exhilarating tension one might expect. The belated introduction of Inspector D'Costa (Mahesh Manjrekar) is another shortcoming of the film. The narrative would have benefited from an earlier appearance of his character, potentially at the onset of the second half, as D'Costa's entry heralds the commencement of a cat-and-mouse dynamic between him and Babuli. One can certainly feel the film's length—it spans two hours and thirty-five minutes. The first hour contains several superfluous scenes that could have been excised. The romantic subplot involving Madhav and Priyadarshini Indalkar's character feels somewhat dated. To craft a more focused and impactful narrative, director Subodh Khanolkar and editor Faisal Mahadik should have eliminated extraneous scenes and condensed the overall runtime by at least 25 minutes.
Despite its screenwriting flaws 'Dashavatar' tries to compensate it with a poignant message regarding the imperative of environmental preservation. Although forests are often referred to as the lungs of our planet, extensive illegal mining operations and timber mills have recently devastated vast tracts of ancient forest in the Sindhudurg district. Furthermore, 'Dashavatar' accentuates the significance of trees, wildlife and the ramifications of deforestation in the Konkan region. By showcasing the breathtaking, verdant woodlands, the film provides audiences—particularly those residing in urban locales—with an understanding of the necessity for development in the Konkan region, albeit not at the expense of obliterating its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
In their respective roles, each actor delivers commendable performances.
Dilip Prabhavalkar once again demonstrates why he is regarded as one of the preeminent actors in Marathi cinema. He embodies Babuli, a tenacious character who perseveres in his quest for truth. Siddharth Menon also shines in his role. Sunil Tawde impresses as a corrupt police officer willing to contravene the law to assist powerful business interests. Abhinay Berde, Vijay Kenkre, Ravi Kale, and Priyadarshini Indalkar all deliver strong performances in their respective parts.
'Dashavatar' excels in all technical aspects. The majority of the narrative is set against the backdrop of a densely forested area in the Sindhudurg district. The director and cinematographer, Devendra Golatkar, have masterfully crafted visuals that invite the viewer to immerse themselves in the stunning, verdant forest. The film offers a cinematic feast of nature through a series of breathtaking shots. The music, including the background score composed by A.V. Prafulchandra, stands out as another significant highlight. The melodies, particularly "Rangpooja" and "Rutuchakra," are likely to resonate with audiences for months. Additionally, the background score enhances the eerie atmosphere in certain forest scenes. Special commendation is warranted for the production designer, who has meticulously researched to ensure that the types of trees and other natural elements depicted on screen contribute to the story's authenticity and evoke specific emotions and themes. The production design effectively immerses the audience in the forest environment.
The remarkable teaser and trailer for 'Dashavatar' heightened my expectations to such an extent that I felt the film ultimately fell short. By excising unnecessary scenes and trimming the overall duration, 'Dashavatar' could have easily emerged as a must-see cinematic experience. Nonetheless, despite its imperfections, 'Dashavatar' remains just one-time watch movie, particularly for those seeking a distinct experience within Marathi cinema.
Cast: Dilip Prabhavalkar, Sidharth Menon
Abhinay Berde, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Sunil Tawde, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ravi Kale
Writer: Subodh Khanolkar
Director: Subodh Khanolkar
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