Marathi film ‘Copy’ is being shot in a village to give a realistic look
Now days, new Marathi film makers are preferring to shoot their films at real locations. And, this is helping to take Marathi cinema to the world level. Forthcoming Marathi film ‘Copy‘ produced by Ganesh Ramchandra Patil and directed by Hemant Dhabade & Dayasagar Wankhede is presently being shot in Kasu village in Pen, which is close to Mumbai but is a typical village. Having completed the first schedule of shooting, the makers are now busy completing the second schedule.
However, the story of this film is set on the backdrop of corrupt practices existing in education system, at such places. According to the makers of this film, the village shown in the film, represents all such schools spread across India at village level. Popular comedian Anshuman Vichare is playing the role of a bearded teacher with high moral standards in this film, for a change. Another character actor (‘Lakshya‘ Serial fame) Jagannath Nivangune, who has been typecast as a police officer, also gets an opportunity to play the role of a school teacher.
Besides Anshuman Vichare and Jagannath Nivangune, the other co artistes of this film are, Kamlesh Sawant, Milind Shinde, Vipul Salunkhe, Anil Nagarkar, Rahul Belapurkar, Ashutosh Wadkar, Poonam Rane, Saurabh Surtar, Pravin Kapde, Ravi Virkar, Shraddha Sawant and others. Camera by Santeneo Trazio and music by Rohan-Rohan are the other credits of the film.
Shahrukh Khan gives clap for Vikram Phadnis Marathi film ‘Hrudayantar’
Renowned Bollywood dress designer Vikram Phadnis is now turning into a Producer. Recently, in association with Purvesh Sarnaik, he launched his own Marathi film ‘Hrudayantar‘ in presence of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, who as a chief guest, gave the clap during the launch of this film. The film stars Subodh Bhave, Mukta Barve and Sonali Anand Khare in lead roles.
Besides Shahrukh Khan the other celebrities present during this event were, director Duo Abbas Mastan, Vipul Shah, Sanjay Gupta, Sohail Khan, Athiya Shetty, Ritesh Sidhwani, Sanjay Kapoor, Baba Siddique, Kiyara Advani, Neel Nitin Mukesh, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, & Anu Diwan.
Speaking on the occasion, Shahrukh Khan wished a grand success for this first production of Vikram Phadnis and added that he was capable of producing even a Hindi film.
Vikram Phadnis while speaking about this film said that being a Maharashtrian , he felt that it was more convenient for him to produce a Marathi film first. “Luckily, I had a good script, which was most suited to artistes like Subodh Bhave and Mukta Barve“.
Big ‘B’ launches Ganesh Acharya’s Marathi film ‘Bhikari’
His mere presence during the launch of a film, inspires the artistes and crew members. Amitabh Bachchan still tops the popularity chart in the film industry. On Wednesday evening he was chief guest during the launch of forthcoming Marathi film ‘Bhikari’ to be directed by well known Bollywood choreographer Ganesh Acharya. Produced by Sharad Shelar, the film stars Marathi super star Swwapnil Joshi and Rucha Inamdar, who is making her debut in Marathi. This film is a remake of a popular Tamil film ‘Pichaikkaran’, which has also dubbed in Telugu.
Mr. Amitabh Bachchan who is always punctual ,arrived at the scheduled time, showing the way to Marathi film industry, to start such functions in time. Tiger Shroff, who was also one of the guests of honour, was also invited to the dais to join the ceremony, in which Mr. Bachchan gave the muhurat clap. All those dignitaries present on the dais made short speeches wishing the makers a grand success. Popular Marathi actress Pooja Sawant anchored the show.
Also present for the function were other important artistes of this film, Sayaji Shinde, Manoj Joshi, Milind Shinde, Guru Thakur, Kirti Adarkar, Sunil Pal & Pradeep kabra. Among those who attended this function to wish the makers of this film were film makers Ajay Phansekar, Milind Kavde and others. Ganesh Acharya who is making his debut as a director in Marathi through this film, was seen in a new look, losing about 30 to 40 kgs of extra weight on his body.
Rohini Hattangadi returns to Colors Marathi after 3 years
Popular veteran actress Rohini Hattangadi always gave preference to Marathi TV serials, despite her assignments with Bollywood films. Trough her award winning performances, she has not only won awards in Bollywood, but also Richard Attenborough’s international film ‘Gandhi‘. But, how can we forget her mega serial ‘Char Divas Sasuche‘, which had created record run on Colors Marathi channel. Through this serial she had reached the hearts of many Maharashtrian households.
Now, after a gap of three years Rohini Hattangadi will be returning to Colors channel through forthcoming Marathi serial ‘Sakhya Re‘. Through this serial another young TV star Suyash Tilak will also be returning to small screen along with newcomer Dnyanada Ramtirthkar. In this serial Rohini Hattangadi plays a well suited powerful character of Maa Saheb from a princely family. We are hopeful that the home viewers will welcome their favourite actress in this new role.
One more wedding in Marathi film industry : Gaurav Ghatnekar weds Shruti Marathe
It seems that Mrunmayee Deshpande has made a beginning to indicate that it’s time for wedding season. Now, following Mrunmayee, another popular TV and film actress Shruti Marathe also tied her knot with her ‘Tujhi Majhi Love Story‘ co star Gaurav Ghatnekar. Ever since both of them worked in this film, we have been hearing about their good friendship. And, the same has now grown into life partnership with their wedding.
Incidentally, there are few more weddings on the cards. But, we are not sure about their probable dates. Shruti Marathe and Gaurav Ghatnekar marriage reminds us about all those marriages in the past among the Marathi artistes. The beginning was perhaps made by Ramesh Deo- Seema, followed by Laxmikant-Ruhi, Ashok Saraf – Nivedita Saraf, Sachin- Supriya, Sanjay Mone- Sukanya Kulkarni , Avinash – Aiswarya Narkar, Lokesh Gupte and Chaitrali, Umesh Kamat- Priya Bapat, Hemant Dhome-Kshiti Jog and Saurabh Gokhale- Anuja and others.
Shilpa Navalkar wants a debate on AIDS awareness
Shilpa Navalkar is not only a popular script writer and actress , but she is also spreading awareness of important social issues in the society. Being the daughter of Late Pramod Navalkar , former Cultural Minister of Maharashtra, she has been blessed for her commitment to the society. Shilpa Navalkar has now taken the lead to spread more awareness about AIDS among the people. “Unfortunately people are fearing to discuss about AIDS, as they relate this disorder only with sex. Today, in schools they have included the subject of sex education, but still the knowledge about AIDS is not reaching the youngsters. And therefore, the actual reasons for spreading AIDS is not reaching to target population. There is an urgent need to have debate on this issue,” feels Shilpa, while taking about this subject.
We have been watching some dramas, TV serials and films talking about this issue, but that’s not reaching the masses. Speaking on the occasion of World AIDS awareness day, veteran actor Ashok Shinde also feels that one should go beyond the medium of TV and cinema to explain how people get affected by AIDS. Actress Namrata Gaikwad says that every citizen of this country should be explained how to take precautions by regular testing of blood and to remove the misunderstandings about this ailment. Actor Suvrat Joshi feels that it is very necessary for the person affected with AIDS to properly communicate with the doctor and at the same time should find morale support from his friends and family members.
With this initiative taken up by these few members from Marathi entertainment industry, let us hope that more artiste will come forward to create more awareness among people in Maharashtra about this ailment and precautions to be taken to avoid this ailment.
Mrunmayee Deshpande weds Swapnil Rao
Popular Marathi Stage, television and film actress Mrunmayee Deshpande have a biggest surprise to her fans, when she herself disclosed her wedding with businessman Swapnil Rao today. There were rumors floating about Mrunamyee’s marriage, but not many were aware as to who would be the lucky boy? But, now it is confirmed that Mrunmayee married Swapnil Rao in Pune, in a colourful ceremony, comprising of ‘haldi’, ‘mehendi’ application, besides dance performed by the couple.
With her notable performances, Mrunmayee had already won the hearts of home viewers from Maharashtra through TV serials like ‘Kunku’ and ‘Agnihotra’. At the same time, she also invited attention of film lovers through her wonderful performances in films like ‘‘Mokala Shwaas‘ & ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali‘. She had also co-produced a film ‘Anuraag‘, in which she also played lead role, besides being assistant director. Now, it remains to be seen, whether she will continue with her acting career, or switch over to direction? MMW congratulates Mrunmayee on this happiest moment in her life.
Bhushan Pradhan waiting for a big hit ..
Bhushan Pradhan who entered Marathi film industry five years ago, is waiting for a big hit film. So far, the slim and fit handsome actor has worked in about 15 Marathi films and has already has his big fan following. But, as a solo hero Bhushan Pradhan hasn’t received much success through films like ‘Time Bara Vait‘ and ‘Dhinchak Enterprise‘, released last year . However, some of his films like ‘Time Pass‘, ‘Time Pass 2‘, ‘Coffee Aani Barach Kahi‘ in which he was seen in supporting roles, turned out to be hit films.
Incidentally, Bhushan Pradhan has been lucky to find variety of roles . But, all that he needs is some luck. Bhushan’s film ‘Bhootkaal‘ was released this Friday, which is a suspense filled thriller, according to the makers of this film. Bhushan plays a young ambitious collegian Akshay in this film, who is against superstition. Hemangi Kavi is his co star in this film and the film is directed by debutante Anil Waghmare. Now, it remains to be seen, whether this film proves to be lucky for Bhushan.
Prakash Bhende to auction his precious paintings to raise money for his serial ‘Balasaheb’
We have already heard about some passionate film makers mortgaging their land or house or even selling their properties, to meet the production cost of their films. Today, there are such zealous film makers in Marathi film industry too. A mega TV serial sometimes costs more than the budget of a Marathi film. And if there is a serial being made on a legend like late Balasaheb Thackeray, it has to be a big budget production. Veteran Film maker Prakash Bhende, who was close to Mr. Thackeray, is now producing a mega TV serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ which will go on the floors soon.
For any big budget serial, Finance is a big issue ; but Mr. Prakash Bhende is not worried. Instead of depending on financers, at this stage, he wants to fulfill his desire, by raising finance on his own. This 70+ artist, whose rare and unique paintings have received good response at many art galleries in India and in London, have always been admired by top industrialists and celebrities. Besides managing his art work, Mr. Bhende has also produced and directed many Marathi films in the past, along with his wife Uma Bhende, a former award winning actress, under his home production. Now, he wants to make a comeback after 15 years, but this time it will be on small screen.
Mr. Prakash Bhende has already written the script of the serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ and is ready with the audio version of the three episodes. “I am sure, the admirers of Balasaheb Thackeray scattered all over the world, will come forward to purchase these ‘close to my heart’ possessions, to enable me to start shooting for my dream project,” said Mr. Bhende while speaking to MarathiMovieWorld , in an exclusive interview. When asked, which TV channel would telecast his serial, Mr. Bhende confidently said, ” So far, I have not decided on the channel, but I am sure, whichever channel decides to take up this project, will increase its TRP’s.”
Speaking about his close relationship with the departed leader, Mr. Bhende spoke about his helping nature and terrific sense of humour. “Balasaheb has not only helped me to sort out my problems while making films, but has also helped late film maker Dada Kondke with his morale support. He has helped many in Bollywood, who faced problems with their films. His word was always final and his huge followers always respected it. Through this serial, I want to project Balasaheb’s straight forward attitude while taking stand on important issues. But, I will be focusing more on the period of 90s, when there were ups and downs in his life. I will also be mentioning about his ancestors, to show their roots in Maharashtra. I have already received permission from Mr. Uddhav Thackeray , who has been kind enough to give me approval letter, to make this serial. All that I am looking forward is support from real admirers of Balasaheb and also my well wishers to purchase these paintings, to enable me to proceed further with my dream project.”
Mr. Prakash Bhende’s dream will surely come true, as many art lovers are expected to respond to his appeal soon. In the meanwhile, interested buyers are requested visit his ‘Art Window Gallery‘ housed at 18 B, shop no. 2, Ground floor, Kitte Bhandari Hall,Gokhale Road(N), Near Sena Bhavan, Shivaji Park, Dadar, with his prior appointment. Mr. Bhende can be contacted @ 9699804151 or 9322736066 . The cost of each painting is minimum of Rs. 30,000/- to a maximum , what a real admirer would quote. Most of his paintings on different subjects are drawn with acrylic on canvas, while others are with oil on canvas. Those interested can also view his paintings on his official website prakashbhende.com.
Prakash Kunte’s new film’s shooting begins at Hampi
Known as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi, located in Karnataka, has its own historical importance. Popular Marathi film director Prakash Kunte ( ‘Coffee aani Barach Kahi‘ and ‘& Jara Hatke‘ fame) has selected this place, to begin shooting of his next untitled Marathi film. Produced by Yogesh Nivrutti Bhalero for Swaroop Samarth Entertainment, the film’s story has some relevance with this historical place in Karnataka.
The story of this film revolves around an emotional journey of a young girl. The film stars four talented artistes like Sonalee Kulkarni, Prajakta Mali, Priyadarshan Jadhav and Lalit Prabhakar. Amlendu Choudhari is the cinematographer of this film. Speaking about his new film, director Prakash Kunte has expressed his confidence that Marathi audience would appreciate his film, for its new subject.