Sarla One Crore (2023)

Written and Directed by Nitin Supekar, ‘Sarla Ek Koti’ is a meek attempt at displaying the vicious male gaze and its ramifications. The film is technically sleek but falters in the overall performances and a dragged screenplay. The film starts off with Bhikaji played by Omkar Bhojne, soundly sleeping in his courtyard as the whole village gathers around the house for a big announcement. The rusty landlord played by Yashpal Sarnat has come to claim the beautiful wife of Bhikaji, Sarla played by Isha Keskar, whom he won the day before while gambling with Bhikaji. Now arises the question whether thekedar’s decision to take her away is morally right or not. The thekedar then puts forward a deal asking Bhika to raise a hefty amount of 1 lakh rupees in 10 days in return for Sarla. Then starts Bhikaji’s journey of raising the amount and saving his wife. The first half of the film is filled with songs which break the chain of a smooth sailing story. The slow pace and too many arcs don’t really glue you to the screen. The second half picks up the pace but even then the meandering plot fails to stick to the point. The characters are written with such a weak emotional base that there is zero connection with their backstories. If actors with better comic timings were cast, the jokes would have landed brilliantly. The background music is on point. Omkar Bhojne and Isha Keskar’s chemistry is the only positive saving grace. Overall Sarla Ek Koti is an over the top attempt to display the vicious male gaze. A better screenplay and a slightly gripping story could have turned the tables for the film. Not recommended for watching with family and kids. Just wait for the OTT release.