Salbardi (2026) Review: A Gripping Tale of Mystery and Justice From the Heartland

Marathi cinema has steadily carved out a reputation for bold, socially rooted storytelling — and Salbardi arrives as another compelling entry in that tradition. Directed by Ramesh Sahebrao Choudhary and produced under the Nebula Films banner, this rural mystery thriller dares to look beneath the surface of a tight-knit village community and confront the ugliness that power, superstition, and silence can breed. At its centre is Pooja Sawant, one of Marathi cinema’s most dependable stars, delivering a performance that anchors the film’s darkest moments with quiet conviction. Released on April 17, 2026, Salbardi is the kind of film that lingers long after the credits roll — a slow-burning, atmospherically rich thriller with a beating social conscience.

Salbardi is a mystery thriller that plunges viewers into the dark underbelly of a village haunted by child murders, superstition, and power. With Pooja Sawant delivering a commanding performance as the determined police inspector Manorama, the film weaves together suspense, social commentary, and shocking revelations into a compelling watch. A must-see for fans of rural crime dramas.

Certificate: A Production: Nebula Films Release Date: April 17, 2026Director: Ramesh Sahebrao Choudhary

Cast:

Set in the quiet village of Salbardi, the film opens with a series of disturbing child murders that send the entire community into a spiral of fear, suspicion, and dread. Police Inspector Manorama (Pooja Sawant) is assigned the case and throws herself into the investigation with sharp instincts and unwavering resolve. As she digs deeper, the case unravels a dangerous web of power games, deep-rooted superstitions, and shocking revelations that expose the true face of the village’s influential elite. The climax brings multiple perpetrators and accomplices to justice — but the story doesn’t end there. What unfolds after the arrests makes for the film’s most thought-provoking stretch.

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Pooja Sawant is the beating heart of Salbardi. She inhabits the role of Inspector Manorama with effortless authority and quiet intensity, making every scene she leads feel grounded and believable. Her performance is a masterclass in restrained yet powerful screen presence.

Shashank Shende brings gravitas to Sarpanch Ganpat Patil, while Bharat Ganeshpure as MLA Zunzarrao Mohite and Madhav Abhyankar as Guardian Minister Padmaraj Shelar add credible menace to the political power play at the heart of the story. Omkar Bhojne, Rohit Kokate, and Anil Nagarkar round out the cast capably, each holding their own in a narrative packed with characters. Special appearances by Sonalee Kulkarni and Gashmeer Mahajani in song sequences add star wattage and folk authenticity to the proceedings.

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Padmanabh Gaikwad’s music blends seamlessly with the rustic village backdrop, and the Lavani and Gondhali song sequences — picturised with great visual flair by Aashish Patil and Phulwa Khamkar — are easily among the film’s most enjoyable highlights. Guru Thakur and Mukund Bhalerao’s lyrics carry cultural depth and sing-along appeal. Amar Mohile’s background score is a standout, ratcheting up tension at all the right moments and giving the thriller its atmospheric edge. Siddhesh Santosh More’s cinematography captures the rustic, brooding landscape of Salbardi beautifully, lending the film a strong visual identity. Pradip Gurav’s production design grounds the story in authentic rural Maharashtra.

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Strengths

Weaknesses

Salbardi is a layered, socially aware Marathi thriller that rises above genre conventions on the strength of Pooja Sawant’s riveting performance and Amar Mohile’s mood-setting background score. Director Ramesh Sahebrao Choudhary crafts a story that is as much about the rot beneath the surface of village society as it is about the mystery itself. The film rewards patient viewers with a satisfying resolution and a powerful message about justice, superstition, and institutional corruption. A worthy addition to the growing canon of quality Marathi cinema.

Salbardi carries an A (Adults Only) certificate, meaning it is suitable for viewers aged 18 and above.

No. Given its A certificate and subject matter involving child murders, violence, and dark themes, Salbardi is not suitable for children or family viewing.

Salbardi is a work of fiction produced by Nebula Films.

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