‘Baji’ is a well presented film; but, too lengthy
Director Nikhil Mahajan who made his debut as a director through a detective Marathi film ‘Pune 52′, now offers an action & mystery filled film ‘Baji’. The film is also a grand comeback for Shreyas Talpade into Marathi films after 8 years. But, as far as the screenplay of the film is concerned, it seems to be inspired by few Bollywood films like ‘Kaho na pyaar hai’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Ajooba’, ‘Shahenshah’ and ‘Krrish’. Writer- Director Nikhil Mahajan has paid more attention on making this film a technically superior film in Marathi.
The story of this film is set on the backdrop of a small village Shrirangpur in Maharashtra, which is supposed to be created by a king in 11th century. So, it’s all about the ‘hidden treasure’ in the village and a Superhero ‘Baji’, protecting the same from going into the hands of wrong people. Baji also comes to the rescue of villagers, whenever anybody is in trouble. There is a mystery behind this character of ‘Baji’, as he hasn’t appeared in the village for a long time. And that’s how the film begins, raising curiosity of the audience.
Dipu ( Shreyas Talpade) , who runs a grocery shop, keeps hearing the bravery acts of ‘Baji’ from his girlfriend Gouri ( Amruta Khanvilkar), who has been saved from a mishap by Baji. She is the only person from the village, who believes that Baji would return. Another young man from village, Martand ( Jitendra Joshi), turns greedy and tries to secretly search the hidden treasure. When Dipu comes to know about his plans, he opposes him; but, in the process, he is himself beaten up by Martand.
At the stroke of interval, we notice a twist in the screenplay. Post interval, we see a simple looking Dipu turning a brave man, thus coming to the rescue of villagers, who are used as slaves, by Martand to trace the hidden treasure in the village. So, it’s a straight fight between Martand v/s Dipu. But, Dipu’s mother( Ila Bhate) knows some secrets. The screenplay proceeds with action filled suspense, to see the end of wicked Martand, after a thrilling climax, shot on a running goods train.
In ‘Baji’ it is Shreyas & Shreyas all the way. With his variety of acting skills, he is impressive, from beginning till end. Amruta Khanvilkar has supported him well, as his leading lady in the film. In the entire film, she appears without make up, perhaps to meet the requirement of her village girl image. Jitendra Joshi as Martand, commits all heinous acts, in the post interval session. But, his character is shown cruel only through violence filled acts. There isn’t much scope for acting for him. In comparison, his portrayal of villain in recently released ‘Premasathi Coming Soon’ was much better.
The first half an hour of the film fails to take off with the story. A lot of time has been wasted in showing the friendship and intimacy among Shreyas, Amruta and child artiste Pushkar Lonarkar ( ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ fame).But, once the film’s story takes off, it keeps the audience engaged, till the end. The new concept of showing the shadow fight has been used well, in one of the action scenes. The climax has been shot well, but for that the credit goes to action director Stunt Silva and the excellent camera work by Vasu Rane. There is one stunt scene performed by Shreyas to rescue a puppy dog from the roof top. He keeps calling him with the name of a top hero of Marathi film. And, this certainly was in a bad taste.
The sound design and background music is appealing enough, to create suitable ambience during important scenes. The fiery dialogues are appropriate; but, they haven’t been used well, to show the conflict between Dipu and Martand. However, the two folk songs are picturised well, with good music composition by Atif Afzal. In special appearance, Shruti Marathe does well, with her sizzling dance performance, in one of the songs. Nagraj Manjule is surprisingly endearing in the role of a Police officer. Good support comes from Priyadarshan Jadhav, Pushakar Lonarkar, Sandesh Kulkarni , Ila Bhate and others.
Produced by a big group of producers, comprising of Arun Rangachari, Vivek Rangachari , Amit Ahirrao, Suhrud Godbole, Deepti Talpade, Hrishikesh Kulkarni, & Nikhil Mahajan, ‘Baji’ is a well presented film, but is too extensive, in its 170 mins length. However, one can still enjoy this film, without any preconceived notion.
“I have not yet achieved, what I want” – Shreyas Talpade
After offering ‘Sanai Choughade’ his first Marathi production, Shreyas Talpade is getting ready to launch his second Marathi production ‘Poshter Boyz’. Recently, the news also spread about his signing Marathi’s first Superhero film ‘Baji’. Looking at his keen interest to promote Marathi films, besides being busy in Bollywood, Marathi Movie World spoke to Shreyas Talpade, to find out the details of his future plans. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: After ‘Sanai Choughade’, it has taken five years for you, to launch your second Marathi film. Why, so much time?
A: This gap was not deliberate. While producing our first film, we really enjoyed every moment and decided to produce more films. Actually, we were in search of a good story. In the meanwhile, I was also busy with my assignments with Hindi films. One day, Sameer met me for some other work. While talking, he mentioned about a script which was with him. I asked him to narrate the same and liked it. Thereafter, we worked on screenplay and dialogues and got ready with the final script. Then we spent some time deciding on the artistes and blocking their dates. I am very passionate about my work, be it acting or managing my production. I would like to involve myself, in every department to see as to who is taking care of camera, costumes, editing etc. After all, I am a student of film making.
Q: What is ‘Poshter Boyz’ all about ?
A: It’s a story of three characters, who come from three different backgrounds and age group. One of them is Dilip Prabhawalkar , who is playing an old man. Then, Hrishikesh Joshi is a middle aged character and the third one is Aniket Vishwasrao. Basically, all three of them are not connected to each other; but, they get into trouble in one varied situation; and how they fight together with the system , is all that this film has tried to tell.
Q: So, the characters have no connection with the film industry?
A: Not at all. When you see the film, you will agree that the title is justified for this story.
Q: Who is the directing of ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: Sameer Patil is taking care of direction. He has already assisted Chandrakant Kulkarni for many plays, serial and films. He is also a good actor himself. I have worked with him in ‘Pimpalpan‘.
Q: Is there any chance to see you in ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: As of now, I haven’t decided , whether I’m doing any guest appearance. Let’s see. During making, If we feel the script demands, then definitely. But, there will be one surprise element in one song of ‘Poshter Boyz’, for sure . May be, if not through visual, then vocal for sure.
Q: You have done many films with superstars from Bollywood. So, are you also inviting anyone of them for guest appearance in ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: Yes, I will definitely try. There are couple of scenes, where we were thinking something like that. If our team feels so, then I will definitely try to invite them for a guest appearance.
Q: When is ‘Poshter Boyz’ going on floors?
A: In January 2014, we will start the shooting and release is planned for July 2014.
Q: Who is the actress in the ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: There is Pooja Sawant, Neha Joshi & Dyanada Chembuerkar. Besides them, you will see Uma Sardeshmukh, Suhas Paranjape..
Q: You are also playing a Super hero in Indian Magic Eye and Dar Motion pictures’ upcoming Marathi film ‘Baji’?
A: Yes, in that film, I am performing lead role. It’s very interesting action story. This might be the first film of its kind in Marathi industry .
Q: You have worked with many top actors in Bollywood, How was your overall experience?
A: It was fantastic! I have learnt a lot from each one of them. Maximum, I have learned from Shaharukh. I have observed him very closely, while working on ‘Om Shanti Om’. He gets totally involved as an actor as well as producer. During production, he thinks very clearly, about the post production and marketing . Therefore, I feel that as a Producer, one should take care of each and every thing. The kind of person I’m today, is all because of my interaction with such hard working people.
Q: Some of our Marathi actors do not have a very good experience of working in Bollywood. What’s your say?
A: So far, I haven’t come across anything like that. If you are looking at that industry, it’s not that 100% are their mistakes, some where we are also wrong in some percent. I think it’s a fair industry; which is always accommodating all . You have to go there and work . Recently, someone asked me, ki ‘Ab Marathi production bhi kar rahe ho, acting bhi kar rahe ho.. to ab hindi kum karonge ya chod denge?’ That time I said, “Are you married ? Aap shadi se pehale mummy ko gift dete the ?” He said ‘yes’. “So have you stopped gifting your mummy after marriage?” He said “No”, Correct!. It’s as simple as that. You know what I mean? Some people thought, after entering into Hindi film industry, Shreyas won’t work in Marathi. It wasn’t like that.. If you observed, after Iqbal, I have done two Marathi films . ‘Aaishappat’ and ‘Bayo’. But after that, whatever scripts came to me, were all similar. I’m willing to do Marathi films, I’m willing to contribute in my way. But, get me something interesting, I’ll do it.
Q: Then, what was so special in ‘Baji’ to invite your attention ?
A: Basically, it’s a super hero theme. High- action adventures, hidden treasures, mistaken identities and all that. So, it’s a huge responsibility with great expectation. But, I am willing to take that chance. If you look at my filmography , on one side, I have done a film like Iqbal, and other side I did a films like ‘Apana Sapna Money Money’ and ‘Welcome to Sajjanpur’ . So, I never get worried about film’s budget and all. Whatever appeals to me, I have done it. Sometimes its works, sometime not.
Q. Have you seen Nikhil’s first film ‘Pune 52′ ?
A: Yes. I saw the film. It’s a parallel cinema and he has done the film very stylishly.
Q: Finally, How do you define a success?
A: It is something subjective to each one. I feel, it also depends, what are your priorities in life. What is it, you want to achieve? Some want to only earn money, some want work satisfaction, while some want both. If you ask me, I have not achieved, what I want. . Because, there is a lot that I want to achieve in this field. As I said, the industry has given me so much. I look at someone like Sachin Tendulkar, Mr. Bachchan, for inspiration. What these people have done, is unbelievable. There cannot be another Sachin Tendulkar or Amitabh Bachchan; something like that.
Shreyas Talpade to play Superhero in new Marathi film ‘Baji’
We have witnessed the craze of a Superhero through English Comic books and Hollywood films. Later, we also noticed, how our Bollywood tried to popularise some of their films on Superheroes, through merchandising and promotion on social networking sites. Now, be prepared to witness our own superstar Shreyas Talpade , playing a Marathi Superhero ‘Baji’ in a forthcoming Marathi film, to be jointly produced by Dar Motion Pictures, Indian Magic Eye and Blue Drop Films.
Shreyas will be making a comeback to Marathi films, through this unusual film, which is likely to inspire Marathi film lovers. Marathi Movie World spoke to Surhud Godbole, of Indian Magic Eye, to know more about this project and the young film maker spoke about their ambitious project. “We have made announcement of this film is about a Superhero, who is not the type of characters you have seen in Bollywood and Hollywood. He will not be presented with those six pecks; but will be different and strong enough to inspire our Marathi audience, from all age groups.” said Surhud.
The story of ‘Baji’ is written by Surhud himself along with Nikhil Mahajan( ‘Pune 52′ fame) of Blue Drop Films. Nikhil will also be directing this film. The dialogues is to be written by Shrirang Godbole. According to Surhud, besides the story of this film and presentation, they will also work hard towards marketing of the film, almost on the lines of Bollywood and Hollywood, using merchandise and other marketing strategies, to promote their film next year. So, just wait for the announcement of other stars of this Film.