Atithi Bhooto Bhava

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*Atithi Bhooto Bhava* is a light-hearted road trip comedy that blends humor, friendship, and life lessons with a supernatural twist. The story revolves around Srikant Shirodkar (Pratik Gandhi), a stand-up comedian navigating a tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, Netra Bannerjee (Sharmin Segal). Their lives take an unexpected turn when they meet a Sikh ghost, Makhan Singh (Jackie Shroff), who believes that Srikant is his reincarnated grandfather. Makhan, who passed away in 1975, had run away to Mumbai after the double blow of losing his grandfather and his girlfriend, who got engaged to someone else. Now, as a ghost, he wishes to visit Mathura for a final glimpse of his beloved, which he believes will give him peace and allow him to move on.

Srikant, along with Netra and his best friend Sucharita (Divinaa Thackur), embarks on a road trip from Mumbai to UP to fulfill Makhan’s last wish. The journey turns into a transformative experience for all three, as they learn valuable life lessons about family, love, and friendship. Srikant and Netra, in particular, grow closer as a couple, with the ghost’s interference ultimately helping them understand each other better.

While *Atithi Bhooto Bhava* isn't groundbreaking in its concept—drawing inspiration from films like *Chamatkar* (1992) and *Phillauri* (2017)—it brings a refreshing, gentle touch to the friendly ghost genre. The humor is light, relying on quirky moments, such as Makhan being thrown out of a car for not wearing a seatbelt. At its core, the film focuses on relationships, with Makhan acting as a spiritual guide, passing on wisdom his grandfather once shared with him to Srikant, who believes he is his reincarnated elder.

The film’s charm largely stems from the performance of Jackie Shroff, who plays the ghost with endearing simplicity and warmth. His light-hearted portrayal keeps the tone of the film light and enjoyable. Pratik Gandhi, who plays Srikant, is a revelation with his nuanced performance, skillfully switching between different accents and ages. His chemistry with Jackie Shroff is a highlight, as Srikant is the only one able to see the ghost. Sharmin Segal convincingly portrays Netra, the girlfriend struggling to adjust to her partner's quirks, while Divinaa Thackur adds depth to the role of the supportive best friend.

The film could have benefitted from more dynamic special effects to enhance the supernatural element, but it doesn’t rely on them too heavily. *Atithi Bhooto Bhava* is not a laugh-out-loud comedy, but it is undeniably heartwarming and has the ability to bring a smile to your face. It's a feel-good film where the characters grow and become better versions of themselves, making it a wholesome watch for those seeking light entertainment with a touch of emotional warmth.