Released this week in Maharashtra, Chitrakathee Creations and Ultra Media & Entertainment’s Case No. 99 (Marathi; UA) is the story of an insurance payout and an investigation thereafter. After Shubham purportedly dies in a train accident, Aditi successfully claims an insurance payout. However, when a sharp CID officer comes into the picture to investigate, the drama transforms into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game. What follows is a tension-ridden clash of wits culminating in an unexpected twist.
Yogesh Soman has written a story which does not hold the audience’s attention for too long. Digpal Lanjekar’s screenplay is so routine that instead of entertaining the viewers, it makes them silent spectators who passively watch the unfolding drama without really getting involved or even feeling for the characters. Rather than enjoying the proceedings, the audience end up just about tolerating the drama. Yogesh Soman’s dialogues are good at places.
Mrunmayee Deshpande performs ably as Aditi. Ajay Purkar is good in the role of CBI officer Ramesh Sawant. Chinmay Mandlekar is effective in the role of Shubham. Others lend the desired support.
Saee Ajay Purkar and Ajay Purkar’s direction is ordinary. Awdhoot Gandhi’s music is so-so. Digpal Lanjekar’s lyrics are quite nice. Kedar Divekar’s background music should’ve been more impactful. Priyanka Mayekar’s camerawork is of a fine standard. Prashant Naik’s action and stunt scenes afford some thrill. Prateek Redij’s art direction is okay. Sagar Vishwanath Shinde’s editing ought to have been sharper.
On the whole, Case No. 99 is a dull fare.