Dashavtar – Film Review

Cast: Dilip Prabhavalkar, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Siddharth Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Abhinay Berde, Guru Thakur, Aarti Wadagbalkar, Vijay Kenkre, Satish Joshi, Ravi Kale, Sunil Tawde

“Dashavtar” is not just a film—it is a cultural mirror that reflects the timeless power of folk art, the sacrifices of artists, and the struggles of faith and reality clashing in the modern world.

At its core, the film tells the story of a seasoned performer who dedicates his life to Dashavatara—the traditional dramatic representation of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. While the story embraces suspense, drama, and personal conflict, it also carries the fragrance of Konkan’s soil, taking us straight into the heart of the region’s cultural roots.

Performances that Anchor the Film

The soul of the film lies in Dilip Prabhavalkar’s portrayal of Babuli Mestri. Few actors of his generation can embody tradition, fragility, and strength all in one role. Watching him don heavy costumes, perform demanding physical acts, and still exude subtle emotional depth at his age is simply remarkable. His performance is not just acting—it is a testament to dedication and artistry. He elevates Babuli into a figure who is at once personal and universal, representing every artist who sacrifices comfort for their art.

Siddharth Menon, playing Madhav Mestri, matches Prabhavalkar with quiet intensity. His performance is both restrained and layered, bringing generational conflict and emotional depth into the story.

Priyadarshini Indalkar as Vandana Soman is one of the film’s pleasant surprises. Known to audiences through comedy, she steps into a serious, vital role and shines with grace and conviction. Watching her hold her own in this powerful ensemble is proof of her range as an actor.

The supporting cast—Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Abhinay Berde, Guru Thakur, Aarti

Wadagbalkar, Vijay Kenkre, Satish Joshi, Ravi Kale, and Sunil Tawde—each contribute with strong screen presence, ensuring that no role feels wasted. Together, they bring authenticity and rhythm to the narrative.

Storytelling and Screenplay

The screenplay is well-crafted, balancing the grandeur of folk tradition with human emotions and relatable struggles. The twists and turns in the narrative keep viewers invested, while the pacing allows both drama and suspense to unfold naturally.

Dialogues, simple yet effective, are rooted in cultural authenticity, carrying weight without over-dramatisation. There are moments of sheer poignancy where words cut deeper than actions, and the writers deserve credit for making the script culturally rich without alienating contemporary audiences.

Cultural Depth and Visual Grandeur

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its connection to Konkan’s cultural heritage. Every frame carries the texture of the region—the costumes, the settings, the folk traditions, the music. Instead of being a mere backdrop, Konkan becomes a living, breathing character in the film. For audiences unfamiliar with Dashavatara, the film serves as an engaging introduction to a centuries-old art form; for those who know it, it feels like a homecoming.

The visual treatment—especially the way traditional performances are shot—adds cinematic grandeur. The colours, lighting, and choreography of these sequences bring folk art to life on the big screen, making it both entertaining and educational.

Themes That Resonate

At its heart, “Dashavtar” is about sacrifice and survival. It explores how an artist’s devotion to his craft often comes at the cost of personal comfort and stability. It is also about faith—faith in art, faith in culture, faith in one’s path, even when reality seems harsh.

The film doesn’t shy away from showing the struggles of tradition in modern times—how art must adapt, how performers must compromise, and how cultural heritage is both a gift and a burden. In doing so, it opens a dialogue about the future of folk arts in today’s rapidly changing world.

Final Verdict

“Dashavtar” is a heartfelt tribute to folk performers, anchored by a once-in-a-generation performance from Dilip Prabhavalkar. With strong support from Siddharth Menon, Priyadarshini Indalkar, and the rest of the ensemble, the film manages to be both entertaining and deeply moving.

It offers suspense, drama, cultural pride, and emotional catharsis—leaving audiences with a sense of respect for the traditions that shaped us.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A must-watch for lovers of Marathi cinema, folk art, and stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.