‘Classmates’ premiered in style on Colors channel
Super hit film of the year, ‘Classmates’ was premiered on Colors channel, last Sunday. And, the manner in which it was presented, inserting the talk show amongst the team members, during the break, made it more interesting. It was nice to listen to the experience of all the artistes, during the making of this film. More than that, the telecast of this film was also enjoyable, considering its suspense filled screenplay and wonderful performances of the artistes. They all, really made a very good team.
It looks like that Colors channel is also getting ready to present the premieres of few more new films. The next one being another hit film ‘Balkadu’. But, we only hope that they don’t repeat these films every month, calling it second premiere or 3rd premiere and so on. By the way, the new mythological serial ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’ on this channel is yet to pick up; as there are many new faces. So, let us wait for few more episodes. But, little Ganesh and Parvati are doing well.
However, things are really not going well with their other serial ‘Kamla’ and entertainment show ‘Aali lahar kela Kahar’. Instead, the other serial like ‘Asa Saasar Surekh Bai’ and ‘Comedy chi Bullet train’ provide better entertainment. But, it’s high time, they replace their other serials with new subjects.
Now, talking about ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’ on Zee Marathi, after the big drama taking place in Janhavi’s house, now the focus is on Pintya’s newly wed wife Sunita. And, Komal Khamkar, who is playing this role, is making her presence felt, with a confident looking performance. Komal, who otherwise speaks good Marathi, has cleverly learned this village style accent, especially for this role. She is a very good dancer too and we hope to see her perform it, in this serial too.
Marathi music channels do help to popularize the songs of all forthcoming Marathi films. At the same time, they also help the new artistes. One best example, is that of Film ‘Urfi’. The songs of this film promoted on music channels, has helped the newcomer Mitali Mayekar. More and more people, especially youngsters, who have become her fans, are visiting nearby theatres, to watch her performance in the film ‘Urfi’ released last Friday.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
It’s high time that we have common TV serial awards in Marathi
Till now, we find that only a particular channel hosts TV serial awards, restricted to serials aired on its channel. But, why can’t we have such awards open to Marathi serials, aired on other channels too ? If this happens, it will be a good competition to watch. When we can have awards instituted by different Groups and sponsors for Marathi films and Marathi stage, why there is injustice to Marathi serials, which has been offering talented artistes ? Few years ago, an event management company, which hosts TV serial awards in Hindi, had come forward with the proposal of hosting awards for Marathi serials too; but, that proposal remained on papers only, for want of sponsors.
Now days, we observe that popular TV artistes are in big demand for Marathi film and stage award functions held abroad, for performing dances or for anchoring shows. So, why can’t these Organisers also include awards for Marathi TV serial artistes and their makers? If these awards are added to the existing awards, they will help increase the popularity of these awards.
If such awards are introduced, it will create good completion among different channels and their producers, to offer their best creation. It will also be interesting to see Mrunal Dusanis competing with Dipti Ketkar , Suruchi Adarkar and Santosh Juvekar competing with Suyash Tilak and so on. Today, we find many TV serial makers, taking the viewers for granted. In many serials, we find the popular characters repeating the same dialogues again and again, with the same expressions on their face. To make a serial interesting, it is very necessary to have good communication among the characters, with quality and effective dialogues. There was a time, when we noticed good dialogues in past serials like ‘Damini’, ‘Vadalvaat’’, ‘Avantika’, ‘Agnihotra’, ‘Ya Sukhanno Ya’ & ‘Asambhav’. Why can’t we have such quality dialogues in the present day serials ?
To offer a good Marathi serial, there has to be a complete script ready, with dialogues. A popular TV serial director once said that he preferred to make a serial, which would be over within six months. But, today, we find many serials dragging on for more than a year. Sometimes, two years or even three years, with some of the artistes and even the director being replaced. And, that’s not fair.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
Varad Chavan is new addition to ‘Runji’
After completing 300 episodes, TV serial ‘Runji‘ on Star Pravah channel, seems to be going for a change. Now, the makers of this serial have found Varad Chavan to play an important role. And, this tall talented youngster, known for some of his negative roles in the past, has made his presence felt, on his entry into this otherwise lifeless serial. No wonder, they have also shot a Dandiya dance sequence on Bollywood actress Aliya Bhatt , on the occasion of Navaratri festival. Aliya has performed along with two actresses in the serial. And, this episode will be telecast soon. Needless to mention that it must be promotion for Aliya’s next film.
Even otherwise, Colors channel is trying to make it big, through their forthcoming Bharat Jadhav reality show, which is being advertised heavily. This show will go on air soon, during prime time. Bharat being a big name in Marathi entertainment industry, the show is likely to pose competition to programmes on other channels. By the way, on Colors Marathi channel, we saw a film of Makarand Anaspure ‘Asa Mee Tasa Mee’, which had a 70s traditional Hindi film style story. The other artistes of this film were Rahul Mehendale, Shweta Mehendale & Shruti Marathe in a negative role. Surprisingly, Shruti’s voice didn’t seem to be her own voice. Was it dubbed by anyone else?
Last week, Maiboli channel presented some good Marathi films . They were, Ajinkya Deo’s ‘Jetaa‘, Subodh Bhave’s ‘Ranbhool‘ . There was also a good Marathi drama ‘Hasat Khelat’ starring Ashok Saraf, Nivedita, Puushkar Shrotri, & Smita Tambe, shown on 14th October.
During the week, the awards for the Zee Marathi serials have been announced in a function. And, we understand that ‘Ka Re Durava’ has bagged nine awards in different categories, including ‘Best Serial’ award. And, Ketkar kaka and kaki bagging best Father and Mother’s awards. The best actor and actress awards have been won by Khandoba , Mhalsa and Banu respectively. ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ was declared as best family and so on. The telecast of this awards function will be on 1st November 2015.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
Are subjects of Marathi serials appealing Hindi viewers?
Till now, we had only heard that the Saas- bahu themes of Hindi TV serials were influencing Marathi serial writers. But now, we are noticing that remakes of Marathi serials are made on Hindi television. There is also news that few Marathi serials will be dubbed in Hindi, thus giving exposure to Marathi artistes on Hindi television. This is certainly a good news for Marathi artistes. At least, they will get noticed at national level and receive good offers from Hindi film producers. Even otherwise, Marathi serials are attracting good viewership, among the regional channels. With the rise in viewership, they are also likely to collect good revenue, through commercial ads.
Based on the story of Zee Marathi’s ‘Honar Suun Mee Hya Gharchi’, Zee TV have introduced their Hindi serial ‘Satarangee Sasural’. And now, watching the popularity of this serial, it is understood that they are planning to dub their two Marathi serials ‘Eka Lagnachi Teesari Goshta’ and ‘Julun Yeti Reshimgathi’, which are family dramas. Now, it remains to be seen, how our Marathi artistes will be accepted by Hindi viewers? If it works, it will certainly benefit our Marathi artistes, to reach every household, across the country.
By the way, the news about the separation of Shree and Janhavi in real life, was highlighted on Marathi news channels during the week; with Shashank ketkar filing for divorce, from his wife Tejashree. But, in the serial, we are noticing the possibility of their reunion, with the wicked plans of Janhavi’s step mother, being exposed. Will this prevent their divorce in real life ? Only time will tell. But, there are many cases of settlement, with mutual understanding. Instead of performing separately in different dramas, their admirers would love to watch them together on Marathi stage. Even otherwise, recently they did anchoring together, for an award show ,in spite of the talks about their ‘break up’ taking rounds.
In the coming week, Marathi programmes at prime time, are likely to face a challenge from IPL T20 matches, which are moving in interesting stage. But when, there hasn’t been much effect of IPL on Marathi films, don’t think that the viewership of Marathi programmes would suffer. It looks like that our Marathi serials are all prepared to face this challenge.
Multiplex issue still debated on news channels
Ever since Mr. Vinod Tawde, Cultural Minister of Maharashtra, made an announcement to ensure prime time shows in all multiplexes in Maharashtra, the issue is still being debated on different Marathi news channels. Last week, on TV 9 Marathi news channel, there was an interesting debate with film maker Dr. Mrinalini Patil taking the lead on behalf of small budget and medium budget film makers. She not only criticized people like Shobha De, who had spoken sarcastically, that Potato Wada would be sold at Multiplex soon. Very cleverly, Mrinalini questioned Shobha De, “When Idlis can be sold in South at Multiplexes, why should someone make a comment on Potato wada?”
Others, who took part in this discussion were Mr. Vidhani, representing Single Screen theatre, Shaina N.C. from BJP and a representative of MNS. Though Shaina N.C. appealed to all Marathi film makers, to approach Mr. Tawde with their complaints; Dr. Mrinalini Patil openly said that she had already formed a Film maker’s forum, to fight injustice on them. “All those small film makers, facing problems, should join this forum, which will fight for their rights, for theatre availability and other issues.” she said. “I have left my career as a doctor, I have also left politics, since I was seriously interested in making films. Now, I want to fight, for the rights of film makers.” she concluded.
While watching the Marathi film ‘Zapatlelya Betavar’, one really wondered, when was this unknown, suspense filled film, starring Sachin Khedekar , Vijay Chavan and others was released? Perhaps in the early 90s, as Sachin Khedekar looks much younger and slim. One thing was certain that it was inspired by 1965 Bollywood film ‘Gumnaam’ If, it was so, then 2013 multi starrer Marathi film ‘Ashyach Eka Betavar’ was inspired by which film? Was it ‘Gumnaam’ or ‘Zapatlelya Betavar’?
As the IPL cricket is going on, there isn’t anything remarkable happening in ongoing Marathi TV serials. Like our Marathi films, the Prime Time seems to be bothering our Marathi TV channels too. But, Star Pravah made a clever move, by introducing their new serial ‘Arey Vedya Manaa’ in 7pm slot. Besides the regular serials, even the promotion of forthcoming films on television channels, has also been affected.
Has ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ captured new viewers?
Film maker Sanjay Jadhav knows very well, how to capture new audience. After ‘Duniyadari’, though his experiment failed in ‘Pyar wali Lover story’ he has found small screen to present his latest serial ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’. Very ideally he selected the time 10.30 at night, which is well suited to today’s young generation. Already having one Christian girl Anna in the group of six friends living together; now, we find a Gujarati character of Kinjal walking into the serial, as a talkative girl friend of bearded Ashutosh. No wonder, instead of IPL Cricket, nowdays, youngsters are only talking about Prarthana Behere in ‘Coffee Aani Barach kahi’ Marathi films and the characters of ‘’Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ serial. Good move, by this serial’s producer Sanjay Jadhav.
Today, time has come, where the serial makers of all the channels need to study the viewer’s psychology, instead of presenting the traditional family socials and banking on the existing viewers. Frankly speaking, depending on the regular viewers, is a risky step. Instead, it is always better to tap the new viewer to Marathi television. One should not forget the competition from Hindi entertainment channels. ‘CID’ did it, by grabbing the Marathi viewers, then ‘Pavitra Rishta’ did the same and now ‘Reporters’ on Sony television at prime time, is also expected to take away regular Marathi TV viewers, if they do not find Marathi serials interesting enough.
But, ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ is doing exactly the opposite way, which is good for Marathi television. Hope, it continues to present interesting happenings in the screenplay, in days to come, if it has to reach popularity heights. Swanandi Tikekar is the best among the new talents. She seems to be a perfect choice for the character of Meenal. Wishing the entire team, all the best.
After that unexpected ‘Double role’ drama played by the hero Harish Dudhade in the serial ‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ on Colors channel; now it’s time for Swarda’s character to give ‘Agnipariksha’, which is new way of extending the story of this serial . By the way, the character played by Aditi Sarangdhar, seems to have disappeared from this serial.
Star Pravah’s ‘Jayostute’ presented all such happenings in the recent past, which has taken away the interest of the audience from this serial. There was no logical thinking used in all those recent developments, in this so called justice based serial. Instead, it seems to be dragging on with the individual issues of every character, rather than offering justice to the deserving people very much in need of it.
Why debate on Marathi films getting prime time at multiplexes ?
The Cultural Minister of Maharashtra State Mr. Vinod Tawde made an official announcement yesterday , stating that all multiplex owners will be asked to allot prime time to Marathi films. And, we saw mixed reactions coming from different people. Though Marathi film industry and especially the Marathi film makers welcomed the move, those, perhaps opposed to this announcement, could not digest it. Our own Marathi news channels highlighted their comments, which were tweeted by them on social networking sites.
Those who opposed, felt that force from the Government was not required on multiplexes, to show Marathi films at prime time. But none of the news reporters questioned such people, as to why the multiplexes were given special concessions ,including tax exemptions by the State Government ? Moreover, there is already a Government order issued in 2010, asking all the multiplexes to compulsorily show a Marathi film, for fixed number of days in a year. But, it was not implemented strictly. Therefore, a debate on this issue was not necessary. In fact, our Marathi news channels should have pointed out, how in Southern India, this rule was strictly implemented in multiplexes, to show local regional films. Surprisingly, our multiplexes are allotting shows to other regional language films. Isn’t that an injustice on Marathi cinema ?
Anyway, on IBN Lokmat channel , we found good suggestions coming from invitees like Abhijit Panse, Aditya Sarpotdar, Gajendra Ahire & Sameer Dixit. But, there was no need to give importance to others, who were against the growth of Marathi cinema. Don’t think, the entire Bollywood is against showing Marathi films at prime time. If it was so, why would some of the Bollywood film makers produce Marathi films ? It clearly indicates that there are good returns from Marathi films, if the film receives proper distribution. Besides making the prime time shows compulsory at multiplexes, in major cities of Maharashtra, there is also an urgent need to start showing Marathi films, at drama theatres or halls in small towns at other district places. And, this issue certainly needs a debate.
It is also high time that our own TV entertainment channels come in support of award winning and quality Marathi films, by acquiring their satellite rights and showing them to home viewers. If you offer something good to the Marathi home viewers, they will develop a taste towards good quality cinema. And, Mayboli & Star Pravah Channels , have already started showing good quality and award winning Marathi films.
On Sunday, Star Pravah showed one such mind blowing film ‘Ek Cup Cha’ starring Kishore Kadam, Sunil Sukhtankar, Mrunmayee Deshpande , Padmanabh Bind, Ashwini Giri and others. It was certainly a film with a strong message on importance of existing RTI act and how a ST Bus conductor taking help of it, to fight injustice on him, by the electricity Board. Thanks to Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar for making such a wonderful film. Unfortunately, this film was not released in Mumbai. But, at least, Mumbaikars and people from other places in Maharashtra could view it, on their TV sets. Thanks to Star Pravah channel once again.
Live telecast or Limited telecast?
Last week, on an invitation from MNS chief Raj Thackeray, many celebrities from Mumbai had responded, by taking part in a debate on proposed ‘Mumbai Development Plan’ by the state government. It was called a non political debate. Almost all Marathi news channels started showing the Live Telecast of the so called meeting, attended by prominent personalities like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Bharat Dabholkar, Dilip Vengsarkar, well known architect and town planner P.K.Das and many other artistes from Marathi entertainment industry.
But, after the introductory speech of Raj Thackeray, Mr. P. K. Das was called upon to brief the participants, on how wrong was the proposed plan. But, surprisingly, the so called live telecast, was suddenly stopped by all these channels. Later, when some of the channels showed the reactions of the celebrities, it became clear that they were in agreement with what Mr. P. K. Das had said. But, what P. K. Das said about the plan, was not known to the viewers. But, through the statements made by some celebrities, it became clear that they had opposed the proposed plan, especially the construction of car shed in city’s green belt in Aarey Colony.
In fact, what Mr. P.K.Das’ presented through visual display on screen and what he had suggested, was disclosed by other news websites later; but, the TV news viewers were deprived of this most important speech of Mr. Das. Instead of showing his speech, the news channels gave preference to the news on AAP party politics, which was not so relevant to people in Mumbai and Maharashtra. And, that was a big disappointment for the Marathi TV viewers.
Sometimes, while watching the advertisements of Hindi TV programmes on some Marathi channels, we fail to understand, why such programme ads are shown on Marathi channels? It is a clear indication that the Hindi entertainment channels are trying to invite more and more new Marathi viewers, to see their programmes too ? If it is so, then our Marathi entertainment channels, will have to offer quality entertainment, so as to retain their viewership .
With the new colorful look taken by an existing Marathi channel, our Grand old Doordarshan’s Sahyadri channel is also preparing to make its presence felt. It is understood that Mr. Mukesh Sharma has till date, successfully managed to introduce many new interesting Marathi entertaining programmes. And, they are receiving good response, to some of these programmes which were introduced during the past few months. But, now the news is that something more interesting will be offered by the national channel, for Marathi viewers. So, do switch on to this channel too, for a change.