Review : Alibaba Ani Chalishitale Chor : A curious case of a Kiss!

#Marathimovies are usually known for solid scripts. Even the marathi plays follow that trend and quite a few Marathi plays are adapted into films, Marathi and Hindi. About a decade back a play ‘#AlibabaAniChalishitaleChor’ was staged successfully and now this #VivekBele written play is adapted into a Marathi movie with the same name. The movie addresses the mid-life crises of middle aged couples and the emotional changes they go through during the period. It is usually observed that when a person is nearing or have passed forties, seeks emotional support from someone other than his or her partner. The script has taken into account the changing scenario in the society, especially urban, and keeps the viewers guessing about the ‘mystery’ of a Kiss and a Slap.

The story of ‘Alibaba Ani Chalishitale Chor’ revolves around three couples and a bachelor and all of them are friends. Parag (Subodh Bhave) is an executive in a company and his wife Aditi (Shruti Marathe) is a fashion designer who runs a boutique. Sumitra (Mukta Barve) is a housewife and her husband is a Radiologist (Atul Parchure). Varun (Anand Ingle) is a physics professor as his wife Shalaka (Madhura Velankar Satam) is a chemistry teacher. Abhishek (Umesh Kamat) is an artist and is unmarried. All of them go to Doctor’s farmhouse for a party but an ‘incident’ forces them to return to respective homes. While partying the lights go off and everyone hear two sounds, one of a kiss and followed by another one of a slap. It is understood that somebody from their group has forcibly kissed somebody and that somebody has slapped the kisser. But who is the question. The story revolves around the permutations and combinations around the incident.

The adaptation from a play to movie is done with ease. The screenplay is woven beautifully and each character is given equal screen time. But the director relies mainly on conversations and interactions. The visuals around it would have made the movie more interesting. The dialogues are excellent and the humour is interspersed which keeps the viewers engaged. Also the ‘suspense’ around the kiss and the slap is built successfully without giving away anything till the climax. The production values are high but a lot of indoor shoot could have avoided. Music is tantalising and the title song ‘Sala Character’ stands out and sets the mood of the movie. The movie ‘Alibaba Ani Chalishitale Chor’ boasts of excellent team of actors and all of them have delivered ‘mature’ performances. Subodh Bhave, Mukta Barve, Madhura Velankar Satam, Anand Ingle, Atul Parchure, Umesh Kamat and Shruti Marathe pack a punch in their portrayals and elevates the film’s visibility.

‘Alibaba Ani Chalishitale Chor’ is highly entertaining movie and definitely a one time watch.

Rating : ***1/2