The Ganpati sequence in Vaastav is built around the devotional track Shendur Lal Chadhayo, the Ganesh aarti sung by Ravindra Sathe. The sequence features Raghu (Sanjay Dutt) and his family in a devotional setting. The aarti creates a striking contrast with the increasingly dangerous world Raghu has entered as he becomes entangled in Mumbai’s criminal underworld.
In Farhan Akhtar’s adaptation of Don (2006), the Ganpati visarjan scene is one of the most crucial points of the narrative. The scene unfolds right after a high-intensity chase between Don (Shah Rukh Khan) and the police. Severely injured, Don slips into a coma and at this juncture, we are introduced to his lookalike, Vijay, through the song Mourya Re. The scene captures the festive spirit as well as marks Vijay’s entry into the plot and sets the stage for the double-identity twist.
My Friend Ganesha (2007)
While Ganpati celebrations served as a backdrop in the films mentioned above and were mostly used as a cover for crime, My Friend Ganesha (2007) brought the festival into the realm of children’s cinema. It revolved around a boy, played by Ahsaas Channa, who found a friend in Ganesha. An animated version of Lord Ganesha followed him and helped him resolve all his problems. The Rajiv S Ruia directorial blended devotion and fantasy.
Agneepath (2012)
