Ek Don Teen Chaar Movie Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: Sameer and Sayali are welcomed by an unexpected pregnancy soon after their marriage. But the surprise comes in a bunch of four as the test reveals it to be quadruplets.
Direction: Varun Narvekar
Writing: Varun Narverkar and Nipun Dharmadhikari
Cast: Nipun Dharmadhikari, Vaidehi Parshurami, Karan Sonawane, Hrishikesh Joshi, Mrinal Kulkarni.
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Parenthood is such a pertinent issue that at least 2-3 films tap into its potential every year. Coincidentally two such movies released today, iykyk. Even though the other one takes an unhinged glamorous approach, Varun Narvekar’s Ek Don Teen Chaar takes a very human and realistic approach. That is what makes Marathi cinema so special.
The film has a non-linear narrative structure so, I shouldn’t explain the plot too much. So I am trying to be as spoiler free as possible. The film starts with turning a simple process like pregnancy test into chaos. From the word go, Sameer (Nipun Dharmadhikari) and Sayali (Vaidehi Parshurami) are introduced as a jolly sweet couple taking unhinged decisions in life without thinking twice.
One such episode knocks their doors when Sayali gets an unexpected pregnancy. To make the matters worse, the pregnancy is a case of 1 in 6 lakhs. Sayali is pregnant with quadruplets. Crazy drama unfolds with the couple coming to terms with the fact. Almost to the point that they order a set of 4 baby dolls who react like babies. Their relationship takes extreme turns with responsibility and self doubt taking center stage. Will they go ahead with this crazy decision or the will they abort is what the film is about.
The film has a non linear narrative with the whole unexpected pregnancy test being taken by Sayali and the clueless response from Samir playing the central plot device. This approach works like a charm in the journey of the couple till the climax. At its very core, the film says ‘some moments define our decisions in the longer run’. This narrative generates this very feeling among the audience at ease!
Varun Narverkar and Nipun Dharmadhikari have co-written the film. The humane choices and the actions of the characters are very well written. The film is really funny in the first half but takes it too far by the end. The emotionally strong choice comes into the film very late leaving very less time for the audience to think beyond the situational comedy.
Nipun is really sweet as Samir and his chemistry with Vaidehi is very refreshing. Karan Sonawane (Focused Indian) plays a surprising cameo infusing a few gags. Mrinal Kulkarni holds herself very well as Sayali’s mother. Hrishikesh Joshi performance is like Papa Bear’s warm hug.
The vibrant production design complimenting the colour coordinated costumes builds a joyful atmosphere for the screen. The songs could have been avoided since they leave less or no impact. The background score too lacks the touch of a catalyst to bring out the emotions. The editor Aniket Kale’s creative choices during the flashbacks are simply magic.
All in all, Ek Don Teen Chaar is a heartwarming tale of parenthood with a unique twist to it. Worth a watch with your family and friends.
