Om Chhangani Films, Frames Production Company and Nitin Vaidya Production’s Prawaas (Marathi; meaning ‘Journey’) is the story of an ailing man’s journey.
Abhijat Inamdar (Ashok Saraf) lives with his wife, Lata (Padmini Kolhapure). Their only son, Dilip (Shashank Udapurkar), lives abroad. Both the kidneys of Abhijat are almost non-functional because of which he has to undergo dialysis every week.
Abhijat has been fond of acting. He has dreamt of becoming a film actor. Abhijat is keen that people should remember him ever after his death. To this end, he converts his car into an ambulance for the needy. Because of this noble thought, Abhijat is able to fulfill his dream of acting in a film.
One day, Abhijat learns that Lata loves to travel and that it was her ardent desire to see the world. He plans a trip to Kulu Manali with Lata despite his doctor advising him against travelling because of his deteriorating condition. Son Dilip joins them in Kulu Manali as it is their wedding anniversary. But even while the celebrations are going on, Abhijat breathes his last.
Shashank Udapurkar’s story is average and lacks novelty. One has seen stories of this kind in earlier films too. His screenplay is routine and although it has a couple of emotional moments, they are not enough. The drama, therefore, fails to be a tear-jerking one which it ought to have been. Also, the screenplay gets monotonous after a point of time as it revolves around two old people. Romance and comedy are missing — and the lack of love and laughter restricts the appeal of the drama. Shashank Udapurkar’s dialogues are fair.
Ashok Saraf does an excellent job as Abhijat Inamdar. Padmini Kolhapure lives the role of Lata and delivers a superb performance. Shashank Udapurkar gets limited scope and is quite good as Dilip. Vikram Gokhale lends able support as the doctor. Rajat Kapur is alright. Shreyas Talpade makes a fine mark in a special appearance as himself. Anup Jalota and the others are adequate.
Shashank Udapurkar’s direction is good. Salim-Sulaiman’s music is so-so. Guru Thakur’s lyrics are okay. Reshma Khan’s choreography is average. Amar Mohile’s background score is alright. Suresh J. Deshmane’s cinematography is of a good standard. Art direction (Mahesh Salgaonkar) is appropriate. Sanjay Sankla’s editing could’ve been sharper.
On the whole, Prawaas is a journey of an old man, which not many youngsters may like to see. As such, it will not be able to score at the box-office.
Released on 14-2-’20 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity: fair. Opening: dull.