Review: Salbardi: Exploring the Thin Line Between Faith and Superstition!

In parts of Maharashtra, issues like superstition and black magic still persist despite growing awareness. In some disturbing cases, rumors linked to occult practices have even led to the abduction of children, creating panic in rural and semi-urban areas. Such incidents highlight how misinformation can escalate into serious crimes. A similar issue is explored in the newly released film Salbardi.

Set in a small village named Salbardi, the story revolves around a series of child abductions. To tackle this crisis, a sharp and determined officer, Manorama (Pooja Sawant), is posted there. She is a single mother, and her son shares a warm bond with her maid’s son. While investigating the case, she receives little cooperation from the village leaders, played by Shashank Shende, Anshuman Vichare, and Omkar Bhojane. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to uncover the truth behind the missing children.

There is indeed a thin line between faith and superstition, and writer-director Ramesh Choudhary presents a compelling subject. While the first half of the film is engaging and fast-paced, the second half tends to slow down and feels less cohesive at times. The suspense is maintained effectively, though its revelation could have been handled in a more structured manner.
The cinematography stands out, complemented well by a strong background score that enhances the narrative. Pooja Sawant delivers a convincing performance, portraying a range of emotions with ease. Supporting actors including Shashank Shende, Omkar Bhojane, Anshuman Vichare, Rohit Kokate, Bharat Ganeshpure, and Kamalakar Satpute provide solid backing to the story.

Salbardi is a sincere attempt at exploring the delicate balance between faith and superstition.

Rating: ***

By Keerti Kadam