How ‘Fussclass Dhabade’ director Hemant Dhome hopes to woo Marathi viewers: ‘Funny and relatable’

Marathi filmmaker Hemant Dhome came into his own just after Covid. His 2021 release Jhimma, about seven women who travel to England as part of a tour group, pulled pandemic-weary families out of their homes and into cinemas.

Jhimma underlined Dhome’s talent for comedy and handling a diverse cast as he tucked themes of sisterhood, independence and self-realisation into a feel-good story.

Dhome has since directed Sunny (2022) and Jhimma 2 (2023). His latest film Fussclass Dhabade will be out in cinemas on January 24. The film explores the relationship between the three Dhabade siblings who come together for the youngest brother’s wedding.

Kshitee Jog (who is married to Dhome in real life) plays the eldest sister, Siddharth Chandekar is the middle brother, and Amey Wagh is the one whose nuptials run into unforeseen complications.

The story of a comically dysfunctional family is not exactly new, Dhome acknowledged in an interview with Scroll. “I have focused on relatable characters because even after much effort, how many new stories can there be,” the 39-year-old filmmaker said. “It’s the presentation and the characters that can bring newness. The film is funny and emotional, relatable and real. It’s the story of every home.”

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