Dashavatar: Marathi Movie Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot:
Babuli, an ageing Dashavatar performer in Konkan, is urged by his son Madhav to retire due to his failing eyesight. When Madhav finally secures a job, tragedy strikes, setting off a chain of events that put their family, village, and traditions at the center of a gripping emotional conflict.
Runtime: 135 Minutes
Director- Subodh Khanolkar.
Music- A.V. Prafullachandra
Cast- Mahesh Manjrekar, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Siddharth Menon, Dilip Prabhawalkar, Bharat Jadhav, Lokesh Mittal, Aarti Wadagbalkar, Sunil Tawde, Abhinay Berde & Ravi Kale.
Dashavatar: Complete Movie Review
Subodh Khanolkar’s Dashavatar is an evocative, emotionally-charged drama that takes you deep into the heart of Konkan’s culture while telling a story that is intimate yet impactful. The film stars the ever-reliable Dilip Prabhawalkar as Babuli, a veteran Dashavatar performer who is grappling with fading eyesight and old age but refuses to let go of the stage. His son, Madhav (Siddharth Menon), pleads with him to stop performing and promises that once he lands a job, Babuli can finally rest. Madhav does find work, but a personal tragedy flips the lives of both father and son, leading to a gripping narrative that blends familial bonds, revenge, and the fate of a village under threat.
Looking at the trailer, Dashavatar seemed poised to be an ecological thriller exploring the environmental crises of Konkan. The references to mythology, the tradition of Dashavatar performances, and the undertones of ecological imbalance hinted at a tense, hard-hitting drama. Instead, the film places its focus firmly on the father-son relationship, with the revenge angle forming its emotional and dramatic core. The ecological message is still present — highlighting how land and mineral mining threaten Konkan’s rich landscape — but it is more of a backdrop than the primary theme.
Khanolkar’s direction is refreshingly understated. He doesn’t indulge in spectacle or high-octane set pieces. Instead, he crafts a grounded, emotional story that keeps you invested. This might feel like a missed opportunity for those expecting a nail-biting thriller, but the simple approach works in favor of the characters and the story’s emotional resonance.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its performances. Dilip Prabhawalkar, at 82, is simply phenomenal — he anchors the film with subtlety and grace, making Babuli one of his most memorable characters. Siddharth Menon is equally effective, bringing sincerity and warmth to Madhav. Abhinay Berde delivers a performance that demands attention and hints at an exciting future for him as an actor. Bharat Jadhav, in a negative role, is a revelation and brings unexpected gravitas to the screen. The supporting cast — including Priyadarshini Indalkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Sunil Tawade — collectively form one of the finest ensemble casts Marathi cinema has seen in recent times.
Production design is meticulous, recreating the Konkan milieu and the Dashavatar tradition with authenticity. The music and background score by A V Prafullachandra deserve a special mention — they elevate the emotional beats without overpowering the narrative. The songs are beautifully composed and well-placed, with Ajay Gogawale’s “Rangpooja” staying with you long after you leave the theater.
While the film could have benefitted from sharper editing and a slightly more gripping screenplay to enhance its thriller elements, Dashavatar ultimately succeeds as a heartfelt, culturally rooted drama. It’s not Kantara — nor does it try to be — but it is a film with its heart in the right place.
Verdict:
For its touching portrayal of a father-son bond, its reverence for Konkan’s folklore, and powerful performances, Dashavatar earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
