Narbachi Wadi

I wish great little films like this got wider appreciation; in a Western context these kind of films would have a niche core audience that could provide ample financial returns for the backers. Marathi cinema suffers from a mix of very good films ('Natrang', 'Balgandharva' etc.) and unfortunately the extremely mediocre efforts; whether films like this ultimately prove financially viable is unclear - which probably explains why only a handful of them get made every year. While the story line and marketing machine of 'Narbachi Wadi' can't match the two films mentioned above, I would probably class this as the best Marathi release of last year. The plot is uncomplicated but it makes no difference because this is all about the people and situation. Don't expect twists and turns; this is a satirical light comedy that is very well acted and wholly satisfying to watch. It didn't and won't set the world on fire but it's an example of where a good script and strong performances can make a film. I won't repeat the plot of the story (that can be found on this page anyway), but I would recommend this film to anyone tired of all the glitzy, cheesy and/or violent dearth of releases coming out of Bollywood today.

This wonderful movie made my day....Dilip Prbhavalkar..Trivaar Vandan!!!!

The movie is awesome and a top class product. Strange that it did not get its due appreciation which it should have got. Nowadays anyway meaningful cinema is not too common. Anyway, coming to the movie Narba (Dilip Prabhavalkar) has pulled an amazing performance in the movie with the script and screenplay being done justice. Roles of Khot are executed well by the actor as well and must be given due appreciation. The movie has ample of funny moments bundled with little bit of suspense and was a very enjoyable experience.Not writing much about the movie story line as it is to be watched without reading any reviews. I have watched this movie about 4 times now and loved it overall.

Gentle in every frame with a script that's laced with humour and set against the exotic landscape of Konkan, Narbachi Wadi is a film that effortlessly draws you into the peaceful and simple life that Narba (Dilip Prabhavalkar) leads. As he looks after his plantation with care, its monetary value lures the village landlord Rangarao Khot (Manoj Joshi). W hile his attempt to get the Wadi fails, 20 years later his son Malhar (Joshi again) tries again, not through force like his father, but through tact. He tells an aging Narba that it is only after Narba dies that the Wadi will be taken over by the Khots. Till then to keep him happy, Malhar gives Narba money every month as 'help'. As Malhar waits for Narba to die, weeks, months and years pass - and Narba shows no signs of failing health. How Malhar deals with this and the funny and piquant situations that arise from this is what the film's about.

The plot is threadbare, and Aditya Ajay Sarpotdar has woven a tight script that has just the right blend of emotions and humour to make the film sensitive and thoroughly enjoyable. Dilip Prabhavalkar in the lead role not only looks the kind, aging ajoba (grandfather), but he endears you with his performance. It's a grandfather who's the lead star and he carries the film not just ably but with panache, with fantastic support from Manoj Joshi, Nikhil Ratnaparkhi, Kishori Shahane, Atul Parchure and Vikas Kadam. While the humour will make you smile all through the film, the greed versus contentment thought that runs through the entire film, leaves you with a message without getting preachy - one of the many reasons, why everyone including kids should be watching Narbachi Wadi.

If you enjoy entertainments that proudly trace their roots to the theater that evolved from communities gathering to laugh and forget daily life for as long as the evening lasts, you will enjoy this. There's plenty of buffoonery, no one is perfectly good-looking or perfectly good, and even the "bad" guys have their charms. Meanwhile, there is plenty to make you smile. I loved the soundtrack - exotic for me, an American, and plenty thrilling for that reason. A movie that takes you someplace, depositing you back home relaxed and reassured.