Verdict: Saavat is a low-key brilliant thriller where Smita shines.
The talented actress Smita Tambe has turned producer with the latest Marathi crime thriller Saavat. Directed by Saurabh Sinha, the film stars the actress alongside Sanjivani Jadhav, Shitanshu Sharad, Milind Shirole, and Shwetambari.
What’s Saavat About:
In a small village near Nanded, Maharahstra, ACP Aditi Deshmukh (Smita Tambe), who heads the Cold Cases division in Crime Branch, has just closed a homicide case. A man from the nearby village approaches her regarding a bizarre series of suicides in his village. Seven influential men in the village committed suicides with exactly one eye witness each. The dead have mutilated themselves, according to the witnesses who remember waking up with a hot-iron brand on their bodies. The villagers, along with the widow of the sarpanch, are convinced that these deaths have something to do with witchcraft. It’s decided that young and beautiful twin sisters Aashni and Adhira (both played by Shwetambari) are the witches. Meanwhile, Aditi has no time for these superstitions. Her only goal is to find the truth behind these strange deaths using her sharp mind and team of able officers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzWNMKzrQhE
What Works:
Saavat has many elements that blend well such as suspense, emotions, a women-centric narrative, busting superstitions, oppression of the weak, etc. Smita Tambe’s Aditi is nuanced and impressive. She is strong and intelligent but is fighting her own demons. She is formidable, determined and yet empathetic and human. The character roles have been written and performed well by actors like Shitanshu Sharad, Sanjivani Jadhav, and Milind Shirole. Director Saurabh Sinha makes sure that Saavat’s tight and crisp narrative is maintained throughout the film. The suspense is kept till the end and plays out at a nice and steady pace. The cops in the film rely on science and logic to find the murderer and it’s thrilling to watch them in action. Apart from being a thoroughly enjoyable and well-made thriller, Saavat is a commentary on the persecution of women in any community, rural or urban.
What Could’ve Been Better:
Barring a few avoidable melodramatic moments, Saavat has a tight script and a good climax.
Why You Should Watch:
Saavat is a smart and logical movie with a well-told story and good performances by Smita Tambe and team. It has a satisfying climax and manages to deliver a good social message.
