Garud Films’ Dhumas (Marathi; UA; meaning ‘Suffocation’) is the story of good versus evil.
Dadasaheb Thakur (Bharat Ganeshpure) is a politician in Khidrapur village. He runs factories and educational institutions and is, therefore, very influential in the zilla. Balasaheb (Uttamrao Jankar) is an honest person who supports the poor and downtrodden. He joins forces with Indra (Gopichand Padalkar) and forms a party to contest elections and defeat Dadasaheb Thakur.
Dadasaheb has a son, Tej Singh (Vishal Nikam). Tej feigns love for Pradnya (Krutika Gaikwad), impregnates her and then ditches her. Meanwhile, elections are held, and Indra is elected the chief minister after his party defeats Dadasaheb’s party. In fact, Dadasaheb’s party supports Balasaheb and Indra’s party.
Meanwhile, Pradnya, who had sworn revenge and who is now pregnant with her rapist’s child, kills rapist Tej Singh one day. Obviously, she is jailed. She delivers her child in the prison. Her childhood friend, Deva (Rohan Patil), looks after Pradnya’s child. Deva has secretly loved Pradnya right from childhood.
Soon, there’s political turmoil. Dadasaheb’s party withdraws its support to the ruling party, because of which the government is dislodged. However, the general public comes out in full support of Indra and his government. Here, Balasaheb ensures that Pradnya’s case is heard by the fast-track court. Pradnya is acquitted.
Avinash Kale’s story is dull and there’s precious little entertainment it offers. Dr. Sudhir Nikam’s screenplay is predictable and often gets boring because of the clichés. Consequently, the audience passively watches the drama unfold, without really getting involved. Dr. Sudhir Nikam’s dialogues are routine.
Krutika Gaikwad is fair as Pradnya. Rohan Patil is ordinary in the role of Deva. Gopichand Padalkar’s performance, as Indra, is alright. Uttamrao Jankar lends reasonable support as Balasaheb. Bharat Ganeshpure acts with conviction in the role of Dadasaheb Thakur. Vishal Nikam is okay as Tej Singh. Sakshi Choudhari (as Priya), Anil Nagarkar (as Bhima) and Kamlakar Satpute (as Kisan) provide ordinary support.
Shivaji Doltade’s direction is weak. P. Shankaram’s music and background score are commonplace. Avinash Kale’s lyrics are routine. Star Nagi and Rohan Kandera’s choreography is nothing to shout about. M.B. Allikatti’s camerawork is average. Ultimate Shiva’s action and stunts are not half as exciting as they should’ve been. Mahesh Kore’s art direction is ordinary. Editing (Chetan Sagade and K.R. Lingaraju) is loose.
On the whole, Dhumas is a poor show all the way.
Released on 5-4-’19 at Bharatmata (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Rajat Enterprises. Publicity & opening: poor.