Reviewed by Santosh Bhingarde
“The director has shown in this story that despite how advanced science is today, the habit of superstition is still rooted in villages.”

सालबर्डी
In the shadows of superstition, truth demands its sacrifice.
When young only-sons begin disappearing from the quiet village of Salbardi, fearless Police Inspector Manorama Pradhan confronts superstition and political silence to expose a chilling truth.
In Salbardi, a remote settlement in Maharashtra, fear and superstition grip the community when young boys—each the only child of their parents and under ten years of age—begin disappearing one by one and are found dead. Police Inspector Manorama Pradhan is brought in to crack the baffling case. Despite mounting resistance from superstitious villagers and local political power brokers, Manorama unravels dark secrets tied to rural authority, blind faith, and an ominous family estate. Directed by Ramesh Sahebrao Choudhary with cinematography and editing by Siddhesh More and music by Padmanabh Gaikwad, Salbardi premiered in theatres across Maharashtra on 17 April 2026 before debuting digitally on Amazon Prime Video in May 2026.
Reviewed by Santosh Bhingarde
“The director has shown in this story that despite how advanced science is today, the habit of superstition is still rooted in villages.”
Reviewed by Sujit Shirke
“Salbardi succeeds in creating interest due to the acting of the actors.”
Reviewed by Trade Review
“Detailed theatrical review evaluating mystery plot, Pooja Sawant's central turn as PI Manorama Pradhan, and ensemble performances.”
Nebula Films
Video Palace
Nebula Films
ABP Majha

Central Character
Portrayed by Pooja Sawant
A fearless, sharp-witted police officer determined to protect innocent children and confront entrenched village politics and blind faith.

Producer

Producer
Producer

Police Inspector Manorama Pradhan

Mukunda Thorat (Deputy Sarpanch)

Sarpanch Ganpat Patil
MLA Zunzarrao Mohite
Balu Joshi

Pimpalya
Guardian Minister Padmaraj Shelar
Ganpat Kamble

Bhandari Sheth
Fr. John Chandekar
Kotkar Guruji
Police Inspector Tambe
Police Inspector Lokhande
Kanakraj Taksale
Rushabh
Yesubai
Kanha
Tukaram Sheth
Aabajaan

Special Appearance — Manjula Song

Special Appearance — Jagdambe Song
Nebula Films & Video Palace (Digital)
Platforms: Amazon Prime Video (OTT), Theatrical (Maharashtra)
Territories: India, Worldwide Digital
Vocals: Ajay Gogavale • Music: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Lyrics: Mukund Bhalerao
Vocals: Aanandi Joshi • Music: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Lyrics: Guru Thakur
Vocals: Javed Ali • Music: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Lyrics: Mukund Bhalerao
Vocals: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Music: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Lyrics: Mukund Bhalerao
Vocals: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Music: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Lyrics: Mukund Bhalerao
Vocals: Surabhi Khekale • Music: Padmanabh Gaikwad • Lyrics: Mukund Bhalerao
Following its April 17 theatrical release across Maharashtra, Pooja Sawant's crime thriller Salbardi debuted on Amazon Prime Video in mid-May 2026.
Read Story ->Pune Mirror spotlights the Amazon Prime Video digital premiere of Ramesh Choudhary's rural mystery thriller.
Read Story ->Critic Santosh Bhingarde awards Salbardi 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting Pooja Sawant's performance and the film's critique of deep-rooted rural superstition.
Read Story ->Following the April 17 theatrical launch, director Ramesh Choudhary and Pooja Sawant shared insights with Loksatta on tackling superstition in Salbardi.
Read Story ->Trade publication Film Information reviews Salbardi on opening day (17 April 2026), detailing story, certification ('A'), and cast credits.
Read Story ->Sujit Shirke of Lokmat gives Salbardi 3 out of 5 stars, praising Pooja Sawant, Shashank Shende, Bharat Ganeshpure, and Onkar Bhojane for holding audience interest.
Read Story ->