Saavat

Saavat is an intriguing 2019 Indian Marathi language film directed by Saurabh Sinha. It features a talented cast including Smita Tambe, Shitanshu Sharad, and Milind Shirole, whose wonderful performances contribute to the sense of realism that permeates throughout the film. This mysterious and thought-provoking crime drama is built around the supernatural elements of age-old beliefs and the logical reasoning of the contemporary world.

The film is an extraordinary mix of mystery and suspense, taking the audience on a thrilling journey that examines the intertwine of reality, superstition, and fear, whilst exploring the simultaneous existence of the modern consciousness alongside traditional beliefs.

"Smita Tambe" takes the lead role as detective Aaliya, the courageous and determined woman who holds many layers as a character. We see Tambe in a challenging role, who delivers a powerful performance, displaying the version of a strong, independent woman yet shattered from her past. She shows a courage that grabs the attention as she decides to stand against all odds in her pursuit of justice.

Sharad and Shirole, both, exhibit notable performances, playing their parts with dexterity, mastering the art of blending into the fabric of the story. Their portrayal of their characters color the narrative with interesting hues.

Despite set in the backdrop of rural India, the film insightfully blends elements of urban sophistication, adding another layer to the story. The title, Saavat, which refers to a curse in Marathi language, is metaphorically used, playing a crucial role in the storyline while throwing a question over blind-beliefs.

Directed by Saurabh Sinha, he manages to blend the eerie yet gripping details of a crime thriller with the realism of a deeply layered sociocultural narrative. He intelligently uses the camera to portray the depth and intensity of the story, fully exploiting the beautiful landscapes and capturing the essence of rural life and culture. Sinha also tactfully incorporates a non-linear narrative structure, revealing parallel storylines that run concurrently, keeping the audience on a taut edge as the mystery unfolds.

The screenplay by Saurabh Bhave and Saurabh Sinha holds your attention with the intricate details. Their writing ensures a depiction of society's uneducated beliefs while highlighting the struggle and triumph of an individual. Their mastery over the storytelling is evident in how they set about divulging the mysteries of the narrative with every progressing scene that weaves a neat blend of suspense, revelation, and intrigue, while managing to maintain a tight grip on the plot.

Saavat's music by Shrirang Urhekar and Nitin Krishna Rao adds a distinct color to the film which blends perfectly with the storytelling and mood of the scenes. The background score proves as another character of the film, enhancing the suspense and mystery. The editing by Jayant Jathar is seamless and plays an essential role in maintaining the pace and suspense of the story.

But, the most prominent feature of Saavat is its treatment of the theme of superstition and its impact on society. The film dissects these beliefs without mocking them and presents a new perspective to the age-old accounts of curses and bad luck. While wrestling with the dilemma of what to believe, Saavat attempts to unravel the truth behind such ideas, providing a thought-provoking and eye-opening narrative that is sure to stay with its viewers long after they've left the theater.

Saavat is thought-provoking cinema that combines mystery, suspense, social issues, and human emotions to create a tapestry that is sure to captivate viewers. It explores the realms of the known and the unknown, the ancient and the modern, and uncovers the truth at the heart of superstition. It is a must-watch for those who enjoy complex narratives, suspenseful storytelling, and a fresh, original perspective on traditional cultural beliefs. It's not just a film; it's a step towards thoughtful cinema that will urge you into introspection while leaving you at the edge of your seat, gripped till the very end.