Nitin Vaidya Productions and Mrudgandh Films LLP’s Alibaba Aani Chalishitale Chor (Marathi; UA) is the story of a group of friends. Doctor (Atul Parchure) and his wife, Sumitra (Mukta Barve), invite friends over to their farmhouse for a party. The guests who are at the party are: Parag (Subodh Bhave) and his wife, Aditi (Shruti Marathe); Varun (Anand Ingale) and his wife, Shalaka (Madhura Welankar-Satam); and Abhishek (Umesh Kamat) who is single. The five guests and the two hosts are eating, drinking, dancing and having a great time. Suddenly there is a power failure while all of them are dancing. As soon as the lights go off, there is a sound of one person kissing another, and a tight slap being given to someone. It is assumed by everyone that someone had tried to get too cosy with another person who had then slapped the person trying to get fresh. The party ends abruptly.
The next day, all the seven receive messages on their cell phones about a blog which has been started by him (unknown person). He asks all the seven to write about the kiss and the slap and who, according to them, were the two persons involved in the incident. All the men start assuming that their wife may be one of the two persons, the other being the one she is very friendly to. Likewise, the wives assume that their husband may be involved with the lady he is friendly to. Abhishek shares a great rapport with Parag’s wife, Aditi. They even love one another but they are not in a relationship. Parag is very friendly with Varun’s wife, Shalaka. Likewise, Varun is great friends with Doctor’s wife, Sumitra. All the men and women post their thoughts on the blog for eight days. Of course, no one blames his/her spouse. Who are the actual culprits?
Vivek Bele has written a story (based on a Marathi stage-play of the same name) which is quite interesting and different from the regular stories. His screenplay keeps the audience engrossed and involved in the guessing game along with the characters in the drama. The comedy is entertaining. The climax is unexpected and, therefore, appeals. Vivek Bele’s dialogues are good.
Subodh Bhave is very good in the role of Parag. Atul Parchure does well as Doctor. Anand Ingale (as Varun) entertains a great deal with his comedy. Umesh Kamat performs ably in the role of Abhishek. Mukta Barve leaves a mark as Sumitra. Madhura Welankar-Satam makes her presence amply felt as Shalaka. Shruti Marathe is impressive as Aditi.
Aditya Ingale’s direction is proper. His narration keeps the viewers invested in the drama. Ajit Parab and Agnel Roman’s music is alright. Vaibhav Joshi’s lyrics are okay. Agnel Roman’s background music is impactful. Amol Salunke’s cinematography is good. Gayatri Shinde’s art direction is of a fine standard. Pravin Jahagirdar’s editing is crisp.
On the whole, Alibaba Aani Chalishitale Chor is an entertaining fare.
Released on 29-3-’24 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PVR Inox Pictures. Publicity: fair. Opening: quite good (aided by Good Friday holiday).