Tejaswini & her mother Jyoti bag awards together
Actress Tejaswini Pandit and her actress mother Jyoti Chandekar together have bagged the Zee gaurav awards, for best actress and best supporting actress respectively, for the same film ‘Ticha Umbartha‘, directed by Pradeep Ghonsikar. The film produced by veteran action director turned producer Ravi Dewan, had already bagged five nominations at this award function. And, they have won these two awards. However, in the film Jyoti Chandekar plays Tejaswini’s mother in law.
The film had already received good appreciation at recently concluded Pune International film festival and had won two awards at Sangli International .Film Festival. The film also stars Chinmay Mandlekar along with Suyash Tilak, Harsha Khandeparkar, Tulika Nikam, Bharat cinematography by Yogesh Jani and music by Shreyas-Preet are the other credits of the film.
‘Ticha Umbaratha’ making rounds at Film Festivals
Many Marathi films are receiving good response at film festivals. In fact, it has become a trend to first do the rounds of numerous National and International film festivals, get recognition and then release the film commercially. While doing so, these film makers use the laurels and awards received, during the promotions of their film.
While still unreleased ‘Court‘ is busy with film festivals, one more Marathi film ‘Ticha Umbaratha’ is also doing the rounds, at film festivals. This film has been produced under the banner RDX Cinema by bollywood action director Ravi Dewan and directed by Pradeep Ghonsikar. It was honoured with Best Cinema Today award at PIFF (Pune International Film Festival) and has also won couple of awards, including the best actress award (Tejaswini Pandit) at Sangli International Film Festival. It has also bagged five nominations at one of the TV channels’ awards.
‘Ticha Umbaratha’ is about trials and tribulations of an urban middle class house-wife, who is forced to cross her limits at one point of time in life; and how she fights it without compromising on her values. The story is by Jayant Pawar and bollywood’s renowned cinematographer Yogesh Jani is behind the camera. The cast includes Chinmay Mandlekar, Tejaswini Pandit, Jyoti Chandekar, Suyash Tilak among others. As this film is busy with film festivals, the release date has still not been finalised.
Except for Good music, ‘Ek Taraa’ disappoints
 Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 130 min Studio/presenter: Raiees Lashkaria Productions Producer: Raiees Lashkaria Productions Director: Avadhoot Gupte Writer: Avadhoot Gupte, Sachin Darekar Lyrics: Guru Thakur, Avadhoot Gupte Music: Avadhoot Gupte Cinematographer (DOP): Amalendu Chauhdari Cast: Santosh Juvekar, Mangesh Desai, Urmila Nimbalkar, Sagar Karande, Tejaswini Pandit, Abhedya Gupte Movie Review by: Jitendra R More |
Known for his films on social issues like, Politicians exploiting their party workers, the politics behind community festivals and inspiring Marathi youth to start business in other states; Avadhoot Gupte hasn’t offered much , through his latest film ‘Ek Taraa’. As a story writer, lyricist, singer and above all, the director of this film, Avadhoot dosen’t seem to have paid attention on restricting the length of the film. The only plus point of the film is its music, which offers variety.
Alandi seems to be the new destination for the lead characters of our Marathi films. So, in ‘Ek Taara’ we find another ‘Mauli’, who is not a protagonist, but a singer. The story of ‘Ek Taraa’ revolves around this local singer Dnyaneshwar Lokhande , who is popularly known as ‘Mauli'( Santosh Juvekar). Mauli sings devotional songs in his village, to carry forward the legacy of his father ( Mangesh Desai).
The film begins with an All India Music contest, with Mauli as one of the finalists. From there, the film goes into flashback, where we see Mauli preparing himself to take part in a reality singing contest in Mumbai. During the final round, we find his fiancée Chatura( Urmila Nimbalkar) and close friend Vithu( Sagar Karande) also joining him, to boost his morale. Undoubtedly, Mauli wins this contest and carries home a big booty .
Mauli marries Chatura and comes back to Mumbai. He signs a big contract with a channel, through a foreign returned E.P. of that channel Urja( Tejaswini Pandit). The business tactics of this channel are exposed in the film. Mauli also slips and falls into the trap of ‘wine and woman’. He frequently insults his wife and close friend and dares to share the bed with Urja in his own house. Both Chatura and Vithu after facing humiliation, return to their village.
In the post interval session, we see the film trailing , with Mauli falling into the trap of underworld. The director has not justified the behavior of two important characters of Mauli and Urja. How can a person with proper upbringing, change all of a sudden, to sleep with another woman, by asking his wife to sleep in a guest room ? How can he join the underworld group ? Also, how can a well educated big executive stoop so low, as noticed through some of her acts ? The concluding scenes in the film, are done hurriedly , i.e. to conclude with Mauli’s reunion with his family, after few years and his little son Omkar (Abhedya Gupte ) also acquiring singing talent. At the end of the film, we even see a complete devotional song picturised on him.
Santosh Juvekar has done a good job playing different shades, through his character. He finds good support coming from his co star Tejaswini, but, their chemistry doesn’t work well, as throughout the film, the audience develop a soft corner towards Chatura, who finds a better role this time in Marathi, after her debut through a cameo ‘Dum Dum Diga ..’. few years ago. Popular small screen comedian Sagar karande, finds a good role, to express his emotions well. Others in the cast, like Producer Raees Lashkaria as the channel head, Sunil Tawde as village Sarpanch, Amol Gupte as underworld Don and few others are just fine. Amalendu Chaudhari’s cinematography and Avadhoot Gupte’s music are the only plus points of this film, besides good performances by the artistes.
Ek Tara (एक तारा )
Genres: Drama
Rating: ★★★
Censor: U/A
Duration: 130 min.
Studio/presenter: Raiees Lashkaria Productions
Producer(s): Raiees Lashkaria Productions
Co producer: Sadik Lashkariya, Vishal Ghag
Executive Producer: Vishal Dhag
Director: Avadhoot Gupte
Writer: Avadhoot Gupte, Sachin Darekar
ScreenPlay: Sachin Darekar
Dialogues: Sachin Darekar
Official Facebook Page I Twitter
Cast & Crew
Co producer: Sadik Lashkariya, Vishal Ghag
Executive Producer: Vishal Ghag
Director: Avadhoot Gupte
Assistant Director: na
Writer: Avadhoot Gupte, Sachin Darekar
ScreenPlay: Sachin Darekar
Dialogues: Sachin Darekar
Lyrics: Guru Thakur, Avadhoot Gupte
Music: Avadhoot Gupte
Playback Singer: Avadhoot Gupte, Mugdha Karhade, Suresh Wadkar, Dyaneshwar Meshram, Videet Patankar
Cinematographer (DOP): Amalendu Chauhdari
Editor: Faisal Mahadik, Emran mahadik
Starcast: Santosh Juvekar, Mangesh Desai, Urmila Nimbalkar, Sagar Karande, Tejaswini Pandit, Abhedya Gupte
Costumes: Ashwini Kocharekar
Makeup: na
Sound : na
Background Score: na
Choreographer: na
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: Abhijit Borker
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
Synopsis
‘Ek Tara’ : na
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News / Article / Interview
Movie Still(s)
na
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Review
Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (मी सिंधुताई सपकाळ)
Genres: Biopic, Drama
Rating: **** (4/5)
Censor: U/A
Duration: 120 mins
Producer: Bindiya Khanolkar
Exe-Producer: Asita Narvekar
Director: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan
Writer: Base on the Book ” Mee Vanvasi” by Sindutai Sapkal
ScreenPlay: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Sanjay Pawar
Dialogues: Sanjay Pawar
Cast & Crew
Exe-Producer: Asita Narvekar
Director: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan
Writer: Base on the Book ” Mee Vanvasi” by Sindutai Sapkal
ScreenPlay: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Sanjay Pawar
Dialogues: Sanjay Pawar
Music: Ashok Patki
Cinematography: K Raj kuamr
Cast: Tejaswini Pandit, Upendra Limaye, Jyoti Chandekar, Neena Kulkarni,
Suhas Palshikar, Charushila Sable, Ganesh Yadav, Jaywant Wadkar,
Pranjal shetye
Synopsis
Videos
News / Article / Interviews
7 Marathi films find place at prestigious Film festivals
Big ‘B’ launches music of ‘Mee Sindhutai Sapkal’
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Review
Remarkable Biopic on Sindhutai Sapkal
The film clearly hits out at the exploitation of women in the male dominant society, especially in the rural sector. It is for the first time that Mother and daughter combination of Jyoti Chandekar and Tejaswini Pandit have played the role of older and younger Sindhutai and it gave an impression that both of them had totally devoted themselves to this character… read full review
Candle March
Socially aware individuals should join ‘Candle March’
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Rating: ★★★
Studio / Presenter: Chanakya Creations, K4 Enterprises Producers: Anjali Thatte-Gawde, Nilesh Gawde Director: Sachin Deo Writer: Sachin Darekar Director of Photography: Raja Satankar Music Director: Amitraaj Cast: Manva Naik, Smita Tambe, Tejaswini Pandit, Sayali Sahastrabuddhe, Nilesh Diwekar, Ashish Kulkarni, Ashish Patode, Chandrakant Lokare Movie Review by: Keerti Kadam |
In everyone’s life there’s a woman, in the form of a mother, sister, friend, wife. But, sadly enough even in 21st century she becomes a victim of abuse, not only in India but worldwide. Every woman has been gifted by god with a special sense, to distinguish the intention of look and touch of the opposite sex, e.g. touch of love, blessing, affection, and also lust. ‘Candle March’, presented by Chanakya Creations, in association with K4 Enterprises and produced by Anjali & Nilesh Gawde, has handled the subject of sexual exploitation, rape in an effective way.
Sachin Darekar’s story is about the incidents of rapes happening around us. He has used real life incidents like Jalgaon Sex scandal, Delhi gangrape, Shakti mills rape case, in the story to create an impact. Shabana (Smita Tambe) is a woman leading her life in a shanty, with her children and an irritable husband (Nilesh Diwekar), whose passion is booze and beating his wife at the slightest provocation. Vidhya (Manasi Naik) is a journalist working for a TV channel, who faces sexual exploitation at every step in her career from her immediate boss. Anurata (Tejaswini Pandit), a professor of Marathi literature in a college, who accidentally happens to save a gang raped victim. She is a scarred victim in Jalgaon sex scandal. Sakhi (Sayali Sahasrabuddhe) a young collegian, who is a rape victim of an acid attack. The story unfolds through these four protagonists, fighting their individual battles of sexual abuse and all four stories get intermingled in an effective way, for a collective fight against sexual harassment and unrest.
Director, Sachin Deo raises hopes right from the first frame of the movie (a dark black screen and baritone voice of Nana Patekar) and manages to hold on to keep the viewers interested in his sincere storytelling. Though the subject is ‘dark’, serious, he, without indulging in titillation, presents the subject without any gimmicks. Very beautifully he has managed to blend the scenes by ending of one scene turning beginning of the next, with splice. In this woman dominated film of four female performers, the Screenplay is so compact that eaTejaswini Pandit, Actressch scene says something and moves on without lingering even for seconds. Dialogues, which are immensely realistic, is the heart of this movie, speaking volumes in a few words. Music (Amitraaj) and Lyrics (Mandar Cholkar) are the soul of this movie and songs do almost 15-20 scenes worth talking in a hard hitting way, except for a romantic number. Background music is an icing on cake, as it lifts the film to another level. Fabulous use of ‘Aalaaps’ depicting pain, passion, plight, torment, sorrow & a variety of emotions, add value to the scenes.
Manava Naik does justice to her role. Sayali Sahasrabuddhe gets better in second half. Smita Tambe impresses with her instinctive expressive face. Superb underplay and tremendous mental strength on a frail frame characterisation is a big plus from Tejaswini Pandit. In a crowded female cast two actors, who leave their mark impressively, are Nilesh Diwekar and Rajendra Shisatkar (as Inspector). Editing, make-up, costume departments too make their presence felt. And Nana Patekar’s opening lines are a treat to experience.
Tejaswini Pandit weds Bhushan Bopche
Popular Marathi Film, TV and stage actress Tejaswini Pandit tied her nuptial knot with Bhushan Bopche from Gondia. Bhushan is the son of industrialist Rameshwar Roopchand Bopche. The marriage ceremony took place in Gondia on Sunday 16th December 2012, as per reliable sources.
Tejaswini is the daughter of Jyoti Chandekar Pandit who is also well known marathi actress. She has recently won many awards for her performance s in films like ‘Vavtal’ and ‘Mee Sindhutai Sakpal’, She has also performed in films like Gaiir, Ranbhool, Target, Bluffmaster. She is also part of ongoing serial like ‘Kalaaay Tasmay Namah!’ and was also part of serials like ‘Lajja’ and ‘Tujha Ni Majha Ghar Shrimantacha’. At present she is performing in marathi play ‘Vaishali Cottage’. The marriage reception will take place in Pune on 23rd December 2012, in presence of close relatives and friends. .
‘Mukti’ addresses farmers’ issue with a difference
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Rating: na
Banner: Placid Films Presenter: Sachin Shamrao Jankar Producer: Sachin Shamrao Jankar Director: Machhindra More Story: Machhindra More Screenplay- Dialogues: Machhindra More Cinematographer: Raja Phadtare Cast: Nandu Madhav, Tejaswini Pandit, Milind Shinde, Nagesh Bhosale, Satish Salagare, Prashant Neman, Gauri Kamble & Charvi Sangkholkar, Ajay Jadhav. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In the recent past, few films like ‘Gabhricha Paus’ and ‘Pangira’ have already made a statement on farmer’s suicide and have succeeded in making the audience think about the existing situation in Maharashtra. They also blamed the corrupt system and the Government for their Agricultural policies. Now, Machhindra More through his latest directorial film ‘Mukti’ goes beyond the topic of suicides, to not only show how the family of the victim suffers in this so called corrupt state of India; but has shown some hopes to the farmers of this state, who form a sizable population.
‘Mukti’ is a tale of one such farmer Bhanudas (Nandu Madhav) living in a small village of Maharashtra, which is under drought prone area. The MLA of their area promises water from a dam located at a nearby place. But, Bhanudas alias Bhana (as he is popularly called) is not willing to wait. He is more eager to farm on his 12 acre land and tries his best to dig a well to arrange for water. He thinks big and on the advice of experts decides to use the blast method. Borrowing money from local moneylender Bhujang (Nagesh Bhosale )and taking loan from the bank, he goes ahead with his plans, only to fail in his mission. Dejected with the developments, he commits suicide, by jumping into the dry pit.
After her husband’s death, his wife Baijaa (Tejaswini Pandit) faces a tough challenge to look after her two school going children and old father-in law. She is also under pressure from the Moneylender to repay his loan or surrender herself before him. The local village Sarpanch (Milind Shinde) also plays all the tricks to come close to her, under the pretext of getting the compensation for her.
‘Mukti’ shows all those hardships, a helpless widow has to undergo, after her husband’s death. The film’s screenplay keeps on reminding all those male folks, as to how difficult the life would become for their family, in case they commit suicide.
Things change in the village, in just two years time, after Baija leaves the village with her two children, to escape humiliation at the hands of the moneylender and the village headman. Surprisingly, the film shows better image of the MLA, at a time, when we are witnessing the scams of politicians in Maharashtra. But, as they say, not all politicians are corrupt. The film has however blamed the system comprising of Talathi, tahsildar and the people working in such government offices. Without a bribe, you cannot get the work done. Even to get Rs. One lack compensation released, Baija is told to pay a bribe of 75% of the dues to her, declaring the share of all the Government officers including collector. The climax focuses attention on the Budget of Central Government, where the FM announces waiver of loans by farmers and a new policy to abolish the Moneylenders in villages.
The MLA himself, announces the release of water from the dam through a canal for the village, following which, the news about Baijaa and her children begging at a nearby town reaches the retired schoolmaster. But, the film does not end after return of Baijaa and her children to their village. She has to follow the rituals by offering food to the crow to liberate her husband’s soul. And, this time, the crow does come to eat the food offered. The director begins his film, narrating the significance behind this ritual through animated version, which relates to the happening at the end, when the film concludes with a meaningful poem.
‘Mukti’ is just not the another film on Farmer’s suicide; as it does not only present the dark side but also constantly reminds those farmers, about the repercussions of such drastic steps taken by them. It shows the hope, besides reminding the administration of their lapses. The film does create the required humour into this otherwise serious tragic tale, through the comedy character of Bajaa, played by Ajay Jadhav. Nadu Madhav has played his role with sincerity and so does Tejaswini Pandit, with her fine performance. Having played the character of Sindhutai Sapkal, she looks more confident, playing a village woman in distress. Milind Shinde, Nagesh Bhosale, Satish Salagare, Prashant Neman, Gauri Kamble &Charvi Sangkholkar have done their best in supporting roles. Music does not have much scope in this film, but B.A. Tupe’s music suits well to the village backdrop.
‘Bluffmaster’ influenced by Bollywood
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Rating: na
Director: Kishore Saav Story: Anil Dixit Screenplay: Rajesh Kolan Dialogues: Vijay Patvardhan, Anil Dixit Cinematographer: Sanjay Khanzode Music: Prasad – Advait Art: Swapnil Keny Cast: Ankush Choudhary, Tejaswini Pandit, Poorva Pawar, Kishori Ambiye, Pushkar Shrotri, Vijay Kadam, Mangesh Desai Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In the past, we saw many Marathi films influenced by some Bollywood films. Latest Marathi film ‘Bluffmaster’ has not only copied the name of Bollywood film with the same title, but has also gone on the lines of few David Dhavan’s popular hits. If you have seen Govinda’s films ‘Aunty No. 1′ and ‘Haseena Maan Jayegi’, there is striking resemblance of the characters of Aunty and Uncle in this film to that played by Govinda in a similar circumstances. There is no doubt that Ankush Choudhary has succeeded in portraying these roles; but thanks to Vikram Gaekwad for his creative work on the make up of Ankush Choudhary.
Only last month we saw Ankush playing a Bluffmaster through three different characters in the film ‘Zhakaas’ and now we once again find him playing three different characters by changing over quickly from one role to other. Isn’t that a coincidence ?
The story of this Marathi ‘Bluffmaster’ revolves around Niki (Ankush Choudhary), who is a struggler and is in search of a role to play hero in films. He shares his room with his friend Prakash (Mangesh Desai) who is a script writer and also struggles in his life. Both Niki and Prakash are offered Junior artiste’s roles by Assistant director Deepak ( Pushkar Shrotri) who is aspiring to become an independent director and marry Sanica( Tejaswini Pandit), whom he likes. But, when Niki sees Sanica, he falls in love with her. Deepak does not like it and he seeks the help of Sanica’s aunty (Kishori Ambiye) to foil Niki’s plans. But, Niki with the help of his friend Prakash, plays different roles i.e. of his aunty and Father turn by turn; after he comes in contact with a stranger ,who offers him an assignment.
What happens further, is all that we have witnessed in some Bollywood comedy films. Written by Anil Dixit, the screenplay of the film by Rajesh Kolan is no different than clippings from David’s past films. The director Kishore Saav, seems to have been influenced by this Bollywood film maker.
The title music also goes on the lines of Bollywood’s ‘Bluffmaster’ on ‘Rock and pop’ style, with the inclusion of Poorva Pawar giving company to Ankush Choudhary on the dance floor. Music by Prasad – Advait is not very impressive , but background music by Avinash Vishwajeet is remarkable. Art director Sachin Nevse and cinematographer Sanjay Khanzode have tried their best to make this film more presentable with their respective jobs. But, while watching this film, one has to leave their brains at home, as the logical thinking process is missing in the film.
‘Bluffmaster’, is basically just a time pass film, with situation based comedy. Throughout the film, you find the hero dodging someone or the other and it is only in the climax that you come to know, his actual identity. Had this film been released before ‘Zhakaas’ it would have made a big difference. But, as you see in most of the Marathi films, good performances by the artistes, make such films watch able for the entire family. It is a one man show by Ankush Choudhary who plays all his three characters with conviction. He is more perfect while playing that father’s role. Kishori Ambiye, Pushkar Shrotri, Vijay kadam and Mangesh Desai have supported extremely well. Tejaswini Pandit has less scope, as this film is a male dominated film; but, she does her job very well. Others in the supporting cast are just fine. All in all , ‘Bluffmaster’ is an average entertaining film.