Bewaras - A Mysterious Marathi Novel Reviewed By Dr. Pravin Dumbre

Bewaras is a captivating mystery novel penned by the distinguished author Uttam Sadakal. Hailing from the picturesque village of Madh in the verdant Junnar taluka of Pune district, Sadakal's roots are deeply embedded in the lush, nature-rich rural landscape. Just beyond his village lies a small pass, leading to the quaint hamlet of Karanjale, where he imparts knowledge as a primary school teacher. His prodigious literary contributions, set against the backdrop of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the scenic Malshej Ghat, and the serene Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, are nothing short of awe-inspiring. It is in this enchanting environment that Sadakal's childhood and professional life have flourished.

The novel opens with a vivid portrayal of Mumbai, a city that, as the saying goes, "never lets anyone go hungry, no matter the crowd," provided one is willing to put in the effort. Amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling industries, Mumbai's slums remain an undeniable reality. The narrative masterfully describes a shanty town flanked by a railway track and a filthy drain, capturing the gritty essence of urban life. The sound of a train—dhad dhad… dhadaak—sets the stage, immersing readers in the novel’s unfolding drama.

At the heart of the story is Babu Singer, a frail, fair-skinned man dressed in a simple Nehru pyjama, living in a modest 8x8-foot shack on the edge of the slum, near the railway and the drain, with his elderly mother. His surname, Singer, is more aspirational than accurate; his true calling is singing devotional songs accompanied by a single-stringed instrument, a hobby that doubles as his livelihood. Though poor in wealth, Babu is blessed with a melodious voice, which he uses to earn a living by singing bhajans on local trains. The coins tossed his way by appreciative passengers sustain him and his mother, ensuring two meals a day.

One early morning, while attending to his daily rituals, Babu hears the cries of a child near a railway bridge. Drawn by curiosity, he discovers not one but two infants abandoned in the bushes: a fair-skinned boy wrapped in tattered rags and a fair, well-dressed girl. Moved by compassion and unable to leave them to an uncertain fate, Babu takes both children home. When questioned by his mother, he counters with a poignant query: how could he abandon these helpless souls? A neighbouring couple, grieving the loss of their own child, offers to care for the girl, alleviating the burden on Babu and his mother, who take responsibility for the boy.

Thus begins the journey of Anand and Radhika, the two orphans raised in neighbouring shacks within the slum. Their childhood, school years, youth, and blossoming love unfold in this unlikely setting. Their lives, like the parallel wheels of a film director’s car, navigate numerous challenges. However, a devastating flood triggered by Mumbai’s torrential rains sweeps away their shacks and their guardians, separating Anand and Radhika and plunging their lives into disarray. The narrative takes a labyrinthine turn, with mysterious events leaving readers questioning their fates.

In the intervening period, the owner of Shreya Industries claims paternity over Radhika, ushering her into a life of comfort. Anand, meanwhile, is cast adrift, expelled from the slum by local thugs. He falls into a life of petty crime, addiction, and homelessness, vividly depicted through the author’s evocative descriptions of railway stations, liquor dens, and makeshift shelters. Tragedy strikes again when Anand’s three criminal companions perish in a train accident, leaving him utterly alone.

The latter half of the novel shifts to the idyllic Malshej Ghat, a region of misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and verdant landscapes, often used as a backdrop for Marathi and Hindi film shoots. Here, a sinister plot unfolds: a trusted confidant of Shreya Industries’ owner hires assassins to eliminate three individuals to seize control of the company. Orchestrated like a puppeteer pulling strings from behind the scenes, the plan unravels when one of the targets dies accidentally, leaving the scheme incomplete. The story returns to Mumbai, weaving a complex tapestry of intrigue, with the identity of the mastermind behind the murder plot remaining elusive until the climax. Whether Anand and Radhika reunite forms the crux of Bewaras’s gripping conclusion, making it a must-read.

Uttam Sadakal, a prolific poet and writer, has been contributing to various newspapers since his school days in the eighth and ninth grades. With over 125 published books, he has made an indelible mark in both education and literature while teaching in a rural primary school. His relentless writing—supplying content for 40 to 45 Diwali special editions annually—underscores his dedication. His influence extends to his students, some of whom, inspired by his mentorship, have become young poets. On 15 April 2025, a poetry anthology titled Nature’s School, authored by these budding poets, was published, an event I had the privilege of attending.

Bewaras is a literary tour de force, its metaphors, embellishments, and linguistic finesse showcasing Sadakal’s intellectual prowess. Once picked up, readers will likely devour its 192 pages in two days. Reminiscent of the legendary mystery novelist Baburao Arnalakar, the novel’s impeccable character development, plot structure, and stylistic brilliance make it ripe for a cinematic adaptation. Reading it feels like standing behind a seasoned film director, watching a masterpiece unfold.

Published by K.N. Wagh’s Suparna Prakashan, with an exquisite cover designed by Shrikrishna Dhore, this is Sadakal’s third novel. Honoured with numerous state and national awards, Sadakal’s legacy is monumental. I wish for his name to grace the Guinness Book of World Records. Bewaras is a novel to be read and reread, a testament to his literary genius.

Dr. Pravin Dumbre, Litterateur

Otur (Pune)

9766550643