Writing: Sanjivani Jadhav

Direction: Sanjivani Jadhav

Cast: Sanjivani Jadhav, Mangesh Kasekar, Manjusha Morgaonkar, Madhu Shinde, Mayur Pawar, Swapnil Sane, Sonal Bhanushali, Vishal Dhawle

Production: Sanjivani Jadhav

Sets: Pradip Rangankar

Rating: * *

Plot: Janai Malwankarin’s (Sanjivani Jadhav) husband hasn’t returned home after the train blasts that rocked Mumbai years back. However, she is sure her husband is alive and will return. She also continues to live as a married lady. People around her do everything to make her believe that her husband is no more but Malwankarin doesn’t budge. So, will her husband return?

Review: Lost-and-found sagas can be entertaining if there are interesting dramatic moments to keep the audience glued. A bunch of unusual and crazy characters act as an added advantage. Although Sanjivani Jadhav’s Aavashicha Gho deals with the above concept and also has crazy antics of supporting characters, it falls short due to a weak script.

The play scores in the initial moments when Malwankarin’s belief is pitted against other characters. This provides good entertainment due to the constant humour. However, after a point of time, you realize there are a good number of scenes which have nothing much to do with the main plot. Plus, the majority of humour and gags that follow fall flat.

The important scenes where Mama tries to prove to Malwankarin that her husband is dead aren’t too appealing and appear lengthy. The twist in the climax does come as a surprise but the explanation provided is far from convincing.

Fortunately, the performance area turns out to be a plus point. Sanjivani Jadhav carries the proceedings well on her shoulders. She is likable in emotional as well as comic scenes. Mangesh Kasekar shows confidence playing Sanjivani’s son-in-law. Manjusha Morgaonkar’s act as Kasekar’s wife is commendable. Madhu Shinde shows maturity in his act. He had the difficult task of impersonating unusual characters.

The surprise package turns out to be Mayur Pawar. His antics provide a good dose of laughter. The rest of the actors Swapnil Sane, Sonal Bhanushali and Vishal Dhawle offer good support.

Overall, Aavashicho Gho is high in performance and direction but low when it comes to writing.