Ultra and Reva Electronic’s Ek Daav Bhootacha (Marathi; UA) is a horror comedy.
Madan (Siddharth Jadhav) has the ability to see and talk to ghosts. He is in love with Madhumati (Mayuri Deshmukh) but does not have the courage to express it to her. A ghost of Shashikant (Makrand Anaspure) offers to help Madan win Madhumati’s love but for that, he wants Madan to help him fulfill his last wish — of seeking justice for his unnatural death. Madan agrees and has to, therefore, navigate love, ghostly conspiracies, quest for justice and more.
Sandeep Manohar Naware has written a story which engages the viewers in the initial part, but becomes a bit boring thereafter. The portion of Madan helping Shashikant get justice seems less interesting. It is not even funny enough. Sandeep Naware and Dr. Sudhir Nikam’s screenplay is so-so as it is unable to hold the audience’s attention all through the drama. There are several dull moments, which reduce the entertainment quotient markedly. Dr. Sudhir Nikam’s dialogues are so-so.
Siddharth Jadhav does a fine job as Madan. Makrand Anaspure is good in the role of Shashikant’s ghost. Mayuri Deshmukh is fairly nice as Madhumati. Nagesh Bhosale lends able support as Nagraj. Ashwini Kulkarni is alright as Kamini. Aashay Kulkarni has his moments as Suraj. Nandini Vaidya, Harshad Naybal, Prashant Jadhav, Sujata Pathak, Varsha Dandale and the rest provide routine support.
Sandeep Manohar Naware’s direction is average. Gaurav Chati’s music is decent. Lyrics (by Vikrant Hirnaik) are alright. Song picturisations (Praveen Bariya, Sagar Pagare and Minoru Gade) are nothing to dance about. Mukul Kashikar’s background music is okay. Camerawork (by Gaurav Ponkshe) is fair. Bittu Singh’s action and stunt scenes are quite good. Sushil Nigade’s art direction passes muster. Pranav Patel and Manu Asati’s editing leaves something to be desired.
On the whole, Ek Daav Bhootacha will go quite unnoticed because there’s nothing much in it for the audience.
Released on 4-10-’24 at Glamour (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by Ultra Media & Entertainment. Publicity & opening: poor.