Review : ‘Gadad Andhar’ : scores with technical brilliance and horror!
Marathi cinema which is known for it’s rich content has also seen progression in technical aspects. Recently released Gadad Andhar is proof enough. #GadadAndhar has been shot underwater and it’s story too follows different path. Devoid of any gimmicks the movie relies on presentation of events with brilliant technology at hand. #PradnyeshRameshKadam is debuting as a director with Gadad Andhar and has kept things simple but effective. Producers Capt Avadesh Singh having a marine background has helped him nail authentic underwater scenes. The horror and super natural element used in the film create enough chills.
Four friends Rajiv (Jay Dudhane), Chinmayee (Neha Mahajan), Maya (Shubhangi Tambale) and Parag (Aakash Kumbhar) are professional scuba divers and travel to Rajiv’s river side native place where he has an ancestral mansion. While exploring deep waters Neha goes missing. After a while when she surfaces she says that some unknown power pulled her where she witnessed a sunk ship which had a huge box. When she touched it she got a shock and she returned to the base without her knowledge. Initially all others do not believe her but the lure of treasure box takes all of them to that mysterious place. They bring the box to the house and after opening it they find a skeleton loaded with ornaments. This action leads to many scary things and they summon a Tantrik Baba (Chetan Mule) which is the crux of the story.
The story is weaved with underwater happenings happens to infuse interest. The screenplay too is cleverly scripted. Though the supernatural elements aren’t very scary the overall impact is satisfactory. The first half sees a smorgasbord of underwater scenes which you miss in the second part. Cinematography is brilliant, both underwater and land. The superb lighting helps the effectiveness of the scenes. Good (or bad maybe) thing is that there’s no romantic entanglement of the characters. Still the plot loses grip in the second half. Neha Mahajan looks beautiful and has done superbly in two shaded character and she is the backbone of the film. Shubhangi Tambale too is very good but at times she is a bit theatrical. Jay Dudhane has a great physique and it’s time now that he hones his acting chops. Chetan Mule too is good.
Gadad Andhar scores with technical brilliance and horror too.
***1/2