‘PHAKAAT’ (MARATHI) REVIEW | 2 June, 2023

Ganraj Studios and Vakratunda Entertainments’ Phakaat (Marathi; UA) is the story of two good-for-nothing guys who win a lottery of sorts.

Raju (Suyog Gorhe) and Saleem (Hemant Dhome) are unemployed friends and addicted to alcohol. One day, they stumble upon highly confidential information about the Indian Army’s plans. Looking to making a fast buck, the two decide to sell the sensitive information. But things go out of control when they meet a militant, Hafizbhai (Kabir Duhan Singh), who wants the secret information. What happens thereafter? How do the two friends get out of the sticky situation?

Shreyash P. Jadhav has written a story which appears implausible at several points. The screenplay, penned by Aniket Wakchaure and Rajesh Kolan, is not half as engaging as it ought to have been. Resultantly, the drama fails to involve the viewers or engage them completely. Aniket Wakchaure’s dialogues are ordinary.

Suyog Gorhe is average as Raju. Hemant Dhome is ordinary as Saleem. Anuja Sathe is okay in the role of Salma. Rasika Sunil provides average support as Lily. Avinash Narkar lends fair support as Major Abbas Naik. Kabir Duhan Singh has his moments as Hafizbhai. Nitish Chavan (as Major) and Kiran Gaikwad are passable.

Shreyash P. Jadhav’s direction is ordinary. Music and lyrics (both by Harshavardhan Wavre, Karan Wavre and Aditya Patekar) are functional. Sujit Kumar’s choreography is routine. Background music (by Abhinay Jagtap and Amar Mohile) is so-so. Maneesh Bhatt’s camerawork is alright. Sandeep Inamke’s art direction passes muster. Ashish Mhatre’s editing could’ve been tighter.

On the whole, Phakaat is a flop show.

Released on 2-6-’23 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru August Entertainment. Publicity & opening: weak.