So, tell me, dear reader, what's the one thing worse than a flop hotel venture? How about one plagued by a string of bizarre, fatal accidents, each body discreetly interred in the family's ancestral land? That's the darkly comic predicament of the Phulambrikar family in Ekda Yeun Tar Bagha, a film that's as much about burying corpses as it is about burying financial worries.
This Marathi gem, directed by debutant Prasad Khandekar, takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of three brothers, their wives, and a meddling aunt, all crammed under one roof in a charmingly-chaotic village household. Their dream of a tourist boom fuels their decision to convert their ancestral home into the "Ekda Yeun Tar Bagha" hotel. But instead of guests, they greet a series of unfortunate patrons who check in... never to check out.
What follows is a macabre dance between hospitality and homicide. Each death is a slapstick symphony of mishaps, from faulty ceiling fans to misplaced mangoes. The family becomes adept at the art of discreet burials, their backyard transforming into a morbid flowerbed. The laughs come fast and furious, punctuated by moments of genuine, unsettling tension.
Khandekar deftly juggles humor and suspense, keeping the plot unpredictable and the audience guessing. The film is a love letter to Marathi humor, with witty dialogues and quirky characters that feel ripped straight from everyday life. Girish Kulkarni as the eldest brother, Shravan, is a comedic powerhouse, his exasperation with the unfolding chaos a constant source of amusement. Prasad Khandekar himself slips into the role of the middle brother, Falgun, adding another layer of charm to the dysfunctional ensemble. Tejaswini Pandit's Rohini is the ever-optimistic wife. Namrata Sambherao is equally brilliant. Onkar Bhojane as the youngest brother, Kartik, whose deadpan humor and morbid curiosity provide some of the film's funniest moments. The supporting cast, including Bhau Kadam, Paddy Kamble, Vanita Kharat, and the ever-reliable Sayaji Shinde, deliver pitch-perfect performances, adding layers of depth and humor to their characters.
But Ekda Yeun Tar Bagha is more than just laughs and gore. It's a story about family, desperation, and the lengths we'll go to for a shot at success. The film grapples with themes of ambition, greed, and the consequences of our actions, all within the framework of a darkly comic whodunit.
However, the film isn't without its flaws. The humor, while brilliant, relies heavily on slapstick, which might not resonate with everyone. The plot, while engaging, occasionally veers into the realm of the absurd, leaving some questions unanswered. Additionally, the film's reliance on a single comedic tone can feel repetitive at times.
Despite these shortcomings, Ekda Yeun Tar Bagha remains a refreshing and original entry in the Marathi film landscape. Its blend of dark humor, suspense, and poignant family dynamics makes for a memorable cinematic experience.
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
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