What Is the Story About?
Srikant (Pratik Gandhi), a stand-up comedian and Netra (Sharmin Segal), an air hostess, have been in a live-in relationship for the past few years. But, things get escalated when Pratik starts to be careless concerning her far too often.
As if the messy relationship was not enough, the couple has a ghost amidst them whose last wish needs to be fulfilled. What Makhan Singh wants and why they all travel to Mathura form the crux of the movie’s plot.
Performances?
Pratik Gandhi is likeable as usual and goes about his role breezily. He plays a practical but loving guy who is struggling to express his real emotions. The frustration related to the relationship and fear due to the ghost (initially) and embracing him are naturally done.
Sharmin Segal is alright as the long-time live-in partner who is gradually moving towards love and marriage. The anger is relatable and connects. However, the weak writing turns a problem soon, and she gets relegated to the backscreen mostly.
Analysis
Hardik Gajjar directs Atithi Bhooto Bhava. It is a romantic tale with elements of fantasy and reincarnation thrown it.
The problem with Atithi Bhooto Bhava is evident at the start itself. We know where the movie is headed and how it will end. Even the characterizations have the same effect. The fights and the drama is all ‘been-there-done-that’ variety within the setup.
What then holds the attention is the casting and screenplay. The lead pair do their job adequately, and the presence of a senior actor adds to the fun. The group chemistry makes them endearing. But, it is, unfortunately, in parts.
The writing, which is very essential here, falls flat most of the time. The depth is missing despite the actors trying their best. The focus on the style is more than the drama. It could also have been better, especially when mixed with the songs, but even that isn’t happening due to the ordinary visuals.
Finally, after a lot of predictability and silly fun, we reach the climax. The drama works to a little extent here, even if it is overdone to milk emotions. The underneath emotions and realisation and undercurrent message leave a feel-good feeling towards the end.
In the end, Atithi Bhooto Bhava is an utterly predictable romantic drama with a fantasy twist. The cast tries to hold attention, but there is simply not enough meat. Give it a try if you like the genre and the bar is set too low.
Other Artists?
Apart from the main leads, Jackie Shroff and Divinaa Thackur play other vital roles. The former especially is almost a parallel lead after a point. While Jackie Shroff is earnest and sincere in his portrayal, there is no doubt that he goes a bit overboard at times. But, when it matters, he delivers the emotions subtly. Divinaa plays a bubbly character that is on the regular side. However, she manages to look natural and at ease which is a win.
The rest of the actors have bits and pieces of roles which aren’t impactful. It helps in filling the screens at that particular moment.
Music and Other Departments?
Atithi Bhooto Bhava has a short run time, but there are still a few songs packed in it with Prasad S’s melodies and peppy tunes. While a couple of them do give an unnecessary feeling and add to the length, the other two are pretty fine. The picturisation and melody do the trick. The background score is a mixed bag, though. There are parts which come across as too melodramatic due to the BGM.
Madhu Vannier’s cinematography is mostly ordinary. A low-budget feel comes right away, thanks to the visuals. Satya Sharma’s editing is okay. Nothing is fancy here, and he sticks to the point. The writing could have been better considering the old-world classic romance angle. It has some decent bits, but the lack of depth is felt.
Highlights?
Casting
Music (Songs)
Undercurrent Feel Good Factor
Drawbacks?
Writing
BGM (At Places)
Predictable Story
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, Very Few Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Atithi Bhooto Bhava Review by Binged Bureau
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