Dhumal Production and Out Of The Box Films’ Ek Number Super (Marathi; UA) is a murder mystery. Seven friends — Babya, Rahi, Mahesh, Meena, Rakesh, Anamika and Atul — go on a picnic. Babya loves Rahi. Mahesh and Meena are in love with each other. Rakesh and Anamika are also lovers. Atul is single. While on their way, they get the news that the ex-girlfriend of one of Babya has been murdered. Once they reach their destination, Mahesh, Meena, Rakesh and Anamika are killed.
It turns out that the serial killer is averse to lovers because he has had a traumatic childhood. Who is the murderer and what trauma did he have to go through?
Milind Zumber Kavde’s story is very ordinary and it doesn’t make much sense. His screenplay is routine and often predictable. The audience fails to understand why the serial killer does not kill Babya before anyone else because his ire should first and foremost be directed at Babya. What compensate for the weak drama are double-meaning dialogues, which will be loved by the masses.
Prathamesh Parab does well as Babya. Ayali Ghiya is ordinary as Rahi. Sumit Bhokse is okay as Mahesh. Pranali Dhaware is so-so as Meena. Harish Thorat is alright as Rakesh. Akshata Padgaonkar does an average job as Anamika. Hrishikesh Dhamapurkar impresses in the role of Atul. Ganesh Yadav makes his mark in a brief role as Babya’s father. Nisha Parulekar lends routine support as Babya’s mother. Milind Shinde is ordinary as writer Vishwanath. Abhilasha Patil, Sunil Magare and Akash Kohli provide routine support.
Milind Zumber Kavde’s direction is fair. Varun Likhate’s music comprises two hit songs. Jai Atre’s lyrics are interesting. Rahul Sanjeer’s choreography is eye-pleasing. Abhinay Jagtap’s background music is quite impactful. Hazarath Shaikh’s camerawork is decent. Mallesh Master’s action and stunt scenes are okay. Pranav Patel’s editing is quite sharp.
On the whole, despite double-meaning dialogues and two hit songs, Ek Number Super will not make a mark at the box-office because of its weak script.
Released on 1-4-’22 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Pickle Entertainment. Publicity: okay. Opening: dull.