Dashavatar Movie Review: Tradition Meets Cinema with Emotional Depth

Dashavatar (2025), directed by Subodh Khanolkar and starring veteran actor Dilip Prabhavalkar, is a Marathi film that bridges the gap between folk tradition and modern cinema. Rooted in the Dashavatari theatre of Konkan, the film is both a heartfelt tribute to this cultural art form and a cinematic spectacle that blends mythology with contemporary issues. Released on 12 September 2025, the film has quickly become one of the most talked-about Marathi releases of the year.

The Story of Dashavatar (2025)

At the centre of the story is Babuli Mestri (Dilip Prabhavalkar), a legendary Dashavatari performer who has been entertaining his village with portrayals of Lord Vishnu’s avatars for decades. For the villagers, Babuli is synonymous with Dashavatar itself, and his presence on stage commands deep respect. But age and failing eyesight begin to weigh on him.

Despite repeated pleas from his doctor and his son Madhav (Siddharth Menon), Babuli refuses to retire. He promises to step down only when Madhav secures a job. Once Madhav does, Babuli announces his final performance during the Mahashivratri festival. On the same day, Madhav plans to propose to his girlfriend Vandana (Priyadarshini Indalkar), hoping to mark the festival with both celebration and closure.

However, destiny has other plans. During his last act, Babuli seems to transform into the fierce Rudra avatar, blurring the line between performance and reality. What begins as a traditional play soon evolves into a tale of sacrifice, faith, revenge, and the fight to preserve both personal dignity and the environment.

Performances that Elevate the Film

• Dilip Prabhavalkar delivers a powerhouse performance as Babuli. At 81, his physical energy may have limitations, but his screen presence, expressions and voice modulation bring life to every scene. He makes Babuli’s struggles, stubbornness and devotion both believable and moving.

• Siddharth Menon as Madhav is a strong support system, portraying the concerned son torn between duty and respect.

• Priyadarshini Indalkar plays Vandana with sincerity, balancing innocence and emotional strength.

• Mahesh Manjrekar as Inspector Michael D’Cousta has limited screen time but leaves a mark. Viewers may feel his character could have been explored further.

• Ravi Kale, Vijay Kenkre, Abhinay Berde, and Bharat Jadhav add depth to the ensemble, ensuring no role feels wasted.

Direction, Cinematography and Music

Director Subodh Khanolkar deserves credit for attempting something ambitious: blending the folk structure of a Dashavatari play with a feature film narrative. He divides the story into two acts — the purva-ranga, which introduces the characters and the cultural setting, and the uttar-ranga, where myth meets reality and the story’s crux unfolds.

• Cinematography by Devendra Golatkar is a treat for the eyes, capturing the scenic beauty of Konkan in all its vibrancy. From lush green landscapes to dramatic stage sequences, every frame is visually rich.

• Music by AV Prafullachandra enhances the storytelling with a mix of folk and cinematic sounds, keeping the traditional roots intact while adding a modern touch.

• Editing by Faizal Mahadik is effective in parts, but the film suffers due to an extended runtime and overuse of slow-motion shots, which dilute the impact.

• The use of VFX in key sequences, especially Babuli’s Rudra avatar, gives the film a mystical edge without overshadowing its folk theatre authenticity.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Outstanding central performance by Dilip Prabhavalkar

• Strong supporting cast with memorable moments

• Authentic depiction of Dashavatari folk theatre traditions

• Stunning visuals of Konkan and vibrant production design

• Powerful emotional themes of love, sacrifice, faith and environmental awareness

Weaknesses:

• The first half stretched with repetitive slow-motion shots

• Second half loses grip after a promising start

• Predictable climax despite strong messaging

• Mahesh Manjrekar’s role is underutilised

Box Office Success

Dashavatar (2025) has not only won hearts but also made history at the box office.

• Opening Day Collection: ₹65 lakh

• Opening Weekend (3 Days): ₹5.22 crore – the biggest ever opening weekend for a Marathi film in 2025

• 6 Days Collection: Around ₹8 crore

This strong performance proves that audiences are open to films that celebrate tradition while delivering cinematic grandeur.

Critical Reception

• The Times of India (Mihir Bhanage): Rated 3/5 – Called it a “visual spectacle” that captures Konkan’s beauty and praised Prabhavalkar, but criticised pacing and predictability.

• Lokmat: Mixed review – applauded authenticity but noted uneven tone and melodrama.

• eSakal: Positive – praised Khanolkar’s direction, VFX, music and first-half engagement, though highlighted narrative dip later.

• Pudhari (Anupama Gunde): Praised environmental messaging and cultural relevance, calling it emotionally impactful.

Overall, critics agree it’s a culturally rich film that delivers performances and visuals worth experiencing on the big screen.

Final Verdict

Dashavatar (2025) may not be flawless, but it is a rare gem in Marathi cinema that balances folk heritage with modern storytelling. With its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, strong performances and relevant environmental message, the film deserves to be watched in theatres.

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