Competition not with Bollywood, but among themselves
Bollywood’s much publicized film ‘Tees Maar Khan’ is being released on Friday 24th December 2010 and on the same day four Marathi films will be simultaneously released posing a big threat to Bollywood, especially in Maharashtra; during the Christmas vacation. But, the trade pundits say that it is not a competition with Bollywood, but it is a competition among the Marathi films. “If it was only one film like ‘On Duty 24Taas‘, then things would have been different, but with four-five films together, the audience is likely to divide among Marathi film lovers,” says an expert.
It is for the first time, after so many years that four Marathi films are being released on the same day and they are not ordinary films, but multi-starrer films with big names associated with them. While Kedar Shinde’s ‘On Duty 24 Taas’ is ahead of all in promotion, the next to invite the attention is ‘Chal Dharpakad‘ with Nirmiti & Co; which does not miss a single opportunity of campaign at public places, where the actresses play exhibition Kabbaddi matches.
A lot has been heard about actor Vikram Gokhale’s debut as a director through ‘Aaghaat’, a sensational film based on the medical profession and ethics. This film too has been involved in TV campaign through talk shows. Finally, Rohan Shivalkar’s film ‘Hungama’ which is supposed to be a comedy film, has not depended much on publicity campaign. It looks like that the makers of ‘Hungama’ are looking forward to ‘word of mouth’ publicity, after the film’s release. Come Friday and the fate of all these films will be decided.
‘Aadishakti’ soon on Mi Marathi
Mi Marathi channel has always been in the forefront when it comes to offering serials on the philosophical and spiritual thinking. After successful launch of ‘Krupasindhu’ and ‘Bramhandnayak’ which have attracted a good number of viewers, Mi Marathi is coming up with another serial on this subject.
‘Aadishakti’ which has been shot at different pilgrim centres will enable the viewers to get the satisfaction of being at that place, while watching this serial at home; as claimed by the producers of this channel. ‘Aadishakti’ will be telecast every Friday and Saturday at 9 pm.
“I am grateful to my friends” – Bharath Jadhav
Bharat Jadhav’s own production company ‘Aarambh Imagines’ has launched its first production ‘One Two ka Four’ on Mi Marathi channel last month, but, its official launching for the press was delayed, due to non availability of Marathi superstar. Incidentally, he was also busy with the revival of ‘Sahi Re Sahi’ his super hit comedy play.
On Saturday 21st August, Bharat had invited the press at Hotel Rangsharada, Mumbai, to brief them about his entry with home production. Naming his wife Sarita as the Producer, Bharat said that he launched this company using his son’s name Aarambh. “For a long time, I was very keen to start my Home production and with this comedy serial ‘One Two ka Four’, I found the right platform at Mi Marathi. I am thankful to them for giving me this opportunity but at the same time I am also thankful to my dear friends like Avadhoot Gupte, who has composed the music of this serial’s
Kranti Redkar, Bharat Jadhav, One two ka four
title track, Sanjay Jadhav, who has shot this music video, Jitendra Joshi, who has penned the lyrics and Umesh Jadhav, who has choreographed it. All these people haven’t charged a single paisa from me. And, above all, how can I forget my co-artistes? They just agreed to play the roles in this serial, without asking how much they would be paid . But, I am not going to let them down. They will all be paid soon,” said Bharat, while delivering his speech.
Speaking on the occasion, Kranti Redkar (his co-star), Director Dnyanesh Bhalekar ( Comedy Express fame), Actors- Sanjay Khapre, Vijay Gokhale, Kamlakar Satpute & Jairaj Nair, were all praise for Bharat for having got an opportunity to work with him. They also praised his good nature and his simplicity, even after becoming a big star. Kedar Shinde, the director of ‘Sahi Re Sahi’ and a good friend of Bharat also spoke on the occasion. Actor Ankush Choudhary, who is also a good friend of Bharat was also present for the function. Bharat’s family comprising of his wife-Sarita, son-Aarambh and daughter-Surabhi however preferred to sit quietly in one corner of the hall. It was only Kranti Redkar, who joined them after the interaction with press was over.
When MMW spoke to Aarambh, to know what he had imagined about this production, ( since his name was given to it) the 4th standard kid was taken by surprise and just preferred to smile. Kranti Redkar, while speaking about her forthcoming films, said that her ‘Laadi Laadli’ was due for release around Ganapati festival time. Neelam Shirke was conspicuously absent and the host announced that she was busy elsewhere and couldn’t make it for the function. The happiest person on the occasion was Vijay Gokhale, who plays Bharat’s boss in the office in this serial. He played a perfect host on Bharat’s behalf, on this occasion.
‘One two ka Four’ which is a total comedy in a typical Bharat style, is being shown on ‘Mi Marathi channel’ every Monday and Tuesday at 10 pm.
Neelam Shirke to host ‘Aflatoon’!
The popular children stand up comedy reality show ‘Aflatoon’ on E TV Marathi, will have a new show host in the form of popular actor Neelam Shirke. She will host the show in the company of Sunil Pal and Prashant Damle, who are the hosts from the beginning of the show.
After conducting auditions all over Maharashtra, eight children have been selected for the final rounds. Neelam has a good know- how about comedy and is expected to add more zing to this comedy based show, on Marathi television. ‘Aflatoon’ is telecast on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9.30 pm on E TV Marathi.
Filmmaker Ajay Sarpotdar passes away
Chairman of Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal, Ajay Sarpotdar died in a city hospital in Pune , after a prolonged illness. He was 51.
Sarpotdar himself a filmmaker, had produced many documentaries and was also associated with film distribution. He had also directed a film titled ‘Painjan’.
As the chairman of the apex body of Marathi film makers, he had facilitated substantial financial assistance at government level for the movie producers. Marathi Movie world shall always remember him as a good friend . Paying sincere tributes to the departed soul.
New game show on Etv Marathi
A new game show ‘Wow’ starts on Etv Marathi from 10 May 2010. The show is hosted by Aadesh Bandekar and will be telecast every Monday and Tuesday at 9.30 pm. The participants will be selected from the SMS’s received. Every Monday will be a celebrity special. In this unique quiz show, participants will be allotted a sum of Rs.5,00,000 and questions asked in the first three rounds will be based on Marathi films and the rest of the two rounds will be based on games that will test the presence of mind of the participants. Every wrong answer will reduce the amount from the fund allotted.
The participant who saves the largest amount of money will be declared the winner and will be awarded the prize of Rs.5,00,000. Some of the celebrities who will be on the show are Pandharinath Kambli, Madhura Velankar and others. The show will be directed by Sripad Kshirsagar.
Big ‘B’ comes closer to Marathi audience
After producing a marathi film ‘Vihir’ which won international acclaim, Big’B’ Amitabh Bachchan has come more closer to Marathi audience, with his physical presence on Sunday at the concluding ceremony of the much talked about Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Pune. The Pune Sahitya Sammelan had already become a big news for the media, as the chief minister of Maharashtra, who had earlier accepted the invitation, as per the yearly procedure to be part of the concluding function, preferred to stay away from the function. He was supposed to share the dais with the Bollywood superstar, who was also invited by the hosts as a special guest.
But, the decision of Maharashtra CM to deliberately keep himself away from the function only to please his party chief in Delhi, as reported by the entire media, only helped the Bollywood superstar to come closer to the hearts of Marathi people. Before reciting the poems of his father’s collection- ‘Madhushala’, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan gave a big surprise by reading out Suresh Bhatt’s poem which he liked the most while browsing on the internet.” I came across this beautiful poetry of Suresh Bhatt on youtube.com, which has been composed so skillfully by music director kaushal Inamdar. If you find time, please view it on youtube, he appealed to the audience, who were patiently listening and watching his every word and action.
Mr. Bachchan went on further to read out few lines from Ram Ganesh Gadkari’s popular poem “Mangal Desha Pavitra desha Maharashtra Desha” in his graceful voice, only to be applauded by the audience with spontaneity. “ These are beautifully crafted words. I am glad that about 40 years of my life I have spent here on this land of Maharashtra and whatever I am today, is only because of this holy land known for well known saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram and Samarth Ramdas Swamy. I very much feel homely whenever in Pune and I am glad to tell you that the decision of marrying Jayaji was taken by me in Pune,” he said proudly.
In all, the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, which failed to catch-up during the first two days, was filled with capacity packed enthusiastic crowd to listen to the Bollywood icon and he literally won their hearts during the concluding moments. Six resolutions were passed by the authorities that invited the attention of Maharashtra Government about promotion of Marathi language and other issues, but where was the CM to take note of them?
‘Zenda’ finally to be hoisted on 22nd January
After facing that unwarranted Political censorship, Avadhoot Gupte’s ‘Zenda’ will finally be hoisted on 22nd January 2010 in 90 theatres all over Maharashtra. Bowing down to the objections raised by the son of Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister over similarity a character Sada Malwankar had with his father; the film maker decided to make necessary changes by changing the character’s name to Sada Panwalkar and also changed his dialect.
Now, that he has satisfied the aggrieved party, the film is all set to release on this fresh date. However, in the process, the film has suffered a loss of Rs. 50 lakhs. And, that’s really unfair.
The Game played by TV reality shows
As we all know that TV reality shows are there to make a big money for the sponsors. They always play with the sentiments of the people. In the past, in Hindi reality shows, there have been major controversies, with a particular artistes complaining against the host. And, it has come to our notice that the artistes sign a contract with their signature on dotted lines, agreeing to certain terms and conditions. Now, whatever acting in the form of tense moments, rona-dhono that takes place in unrealistic form on the dais is known to all, yet some people watch it for the sake of entertainment. And, just don’t ask as to how the SMS’s add to the advantage of the ultimate winner. We have seen the modus operandi in ‘Lage raho Munnabhai’ film. If you engage a PR firm, your job is done.
Our marathi reality shows have tried to find out new ways to make their show more presentable. So, besides making region-wise teams, when it comes to relegation, they come out with new tricks. Suddenly, you will find that one of the partners has suffered an injury or a partner remaining absent for genuine domestic reasons. Have we not seen this happen in Hindi reality shows ? Then , what new are they offering ? Are we not aware that it is not a live performance ?
The day is not far, when majority of the audience will come to know that they are being fooled. Why can’t the hosts offer something to the audience instead? Why should they send SMS’s costing three to four times at their cost, just to support their favourite candidate? And, finally you find 90% of them disappointed. If any reality show, is going to offer something special to the audience, only then in days to come, such programmes will get good viewer-ship, otherwise, it will just be another flop show on the lines of some of the recent Hindi reality shows.
Chitrapati V.Shantaram Awards Presented
The 17th edition of the V.Shantaram Awards for the best in Indian cinema, were presented at a glittering function at a suburban five-star hotel recently. The event was also a part of the felicitation to actress Sandhya who was a part of many Shantaram classics like ‘Navrang’, ‘Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje’, ‘Jal Bin Machli Nritya Bin Machli’, ‘Pinjara’, etc .
On this occasion, Sandhyaji requested the cine lovers to bless her children .
A special dance medley of Sandhyaji’s classic dance numbers from ‘Navrang’ were performed by choreographer Pony Verma and group, much to the delight of audience.
Mr. Kiran Shantaram said that the V.Shantaram awards were special, as out of 1000 films made in India in 2009, only a select few were nominated by the jury members.
The awards presented were for- Best Film-Kanjeevaram(Malayalam –Director-Priyadarshan), Best Actor-Prakash Raj(Wanted Fame)-Malayalam ‘Kanjeevaram’ –Dir-Priyadarshan, Best FemaleActor-Rani Mukherjee –(Dil Bole Hadippa), Best Supporting Actor-Female- Renuka Shahane( Rita), Best Music -Preetam (Love Aaj Kal), Best Cinem atography –Theeru(Kanjivaram), Best Editing Aarti Bajaj( Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), Best Sound Recording -Anuj Mathur(Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), Special Award in Direction Nandita Das(Firaaq ).
Celebrities who were spotted at the event were- Jeetendra, Randhir Kapoor,Yash and Pami Chopra , Vikas Desai, Basu Chatterjee, Jayshree.T, Imtiaz Ali, Dinesh Vijan, Upendra Limaye, Jagmohan Mundhra, Pandit Jasraj, Durga Jasraj,Sulochana, Ashok and Nivedita Saraf etc. Actor-VJ- Gaurav Kapur hosted the show in his witty comic way, while Rahul Shantaram proposed vote of thanks.