Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Marathi film ‘Laal Ishq’ gets ready for release
Known for his grand award winning films in Bollywood, Film maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is now getting ready to release his debut Marathi film ‘Lal Ishq‘ with a suitable tagline Gupit Aahe Saakshila… Starring Marathi’s popular actor Swwapnil Joshi and Bollywood actress Anjana Sukhani, this film will release on 27th May 2016. The other important artistes in the film are Jaywant Wadkar, Priya Berde and Kamlesh Sawant . Written by Shirish Latkar, the film is directed by Swapna Waghmare.
So, with the introduction of model turned actress Anjana Sukhani into Marathi, Mr. Bhansali perhaps wants to add that extra glamour to Marathi films. Moreover, he also has Shabina Khan, Bollywood’s well-known costume designer, as co producer of this film. So, you can imagine that special designer look to this film. But, it remains to be seen, whether Anjana will be speaking her dialogues in Marathi. Being a love story, there is a possibility that she will be shown a non-Maharashtrian, as per the new trend in Marathi films, to accommodate Bollywood actresses. Well, soon we will get to know more details of this film.
‘1234’ First look unveiled in absence of leading lady Priya Marathe
When a big promotional event in the form of unveiling of first look of the film is held in presence of media persons, it is necessary for the lead pair of the film, to be present on such important occasion. On Monday afternoon, when director Milind Kavade and producers Kalpesh Patel & Shailesh Pawar unveiled the first look of their forthcoming Marathi film ‘1234‘, the absence of lead actress Priya Marathe was certainly felt. Priya, who made her film debut through recently released film ‘Vighnaharta Mahaganapati‘ was however present for the film’s premiere, only few days ago.
In her absence, lead actor of the film Bhushan Pradhan, music director Amitraj and director Milind Kavade spoke about their experiences with this film. Director Milind Kavade said that “this film being a suspense thriller, the audience will come to know about its meaning, as the film will progress through its interesting story and screenplay“. Actor Bhushan Pradhan has also expressed his satisfaction, the way the film has tackled important issues, besides entertainment.
The film has only one song, ‘Sunya Sunya Othaanche Bol….’ rendered by Kunal Ganjawala and Anandi Joshi and picturised on Bhushan and Priya on the music of Amitraj. Cinematography by Santaneo Terezeo and costume designing by Vaishali Deshmukh are the other credits of this film, which is due for release shortly.
Marathi film ‘TTMM’ launched with song recording
Known for offering variety of subjects, Marathi films have now started offering unique titles, using abbreviations. Producer Sanndesh Mhatre and director Girish Mohite are now offering a film ‘TTMM‘. Recently, the muhurat of this film, took place, with a song recording of a ‘Romantic’ song, on the music of music directors Avinash Vishwajeet.
Maker of popular TV serial ‘Hya Gojirvanya Gharaat‘ Girish Mohite’s last film was a short film ‘Bail’ in the film ‘Bioscope‘ and before that he had directed the film ‘Guru Pournima‘ starring Upendra Limaye and Sai Tamhankar. ‘TTMM‘ promises the reflection of today’s society and stars Subodh Bhave in the lead role along with his co star Deepti Devi, who is returning to Marathi films after 10 years. But, this time, she is playing the lead actress. Veteran actor Atul Parchure is playing an important role in this film, which will be shot in Pune.
‘Pinjra’ creates a buzz with its new look
V.Shantaram’s hit Super film ‘Pinjra‘ has already created a buzz among young Marathi film lovers, as they will get an opportunity to watch this film on big screen and that too with a new look, with the support of latest technology. But, it is not yet clear, in how many theatres in Maharashtra, the film will be released on 18th March 2016. Only theatre confirmed is Plaza Cinema, Mumbai, where the film was released in 1972 and celebrated Jubilee.
The promotion of the film is also going on well, with the stars of this film giving interviews to the media, expressing their reaction and experience while working in this film. Dr.Lagoo, who otherwise avoids attending functions, has also addressed a press conference in a Pune hotel, much to the surprise of many media persons. In fact, Dr.Lagoo’s personal views about this film and in particular about the film maker like V.Shantaram, will certainly help in this film’s promotion. No other Marathi films are releasing on coming Friday, which is also good for this film. One thing is sure that Marathi film lovers, would certainly love to watch this film in theatres, once again, that too with a new look.
Directed by V. Shantaram, the film’s lead stars were Dr. Shriram Lagoo, Sandhya and Neelu Phule. Set on the backdrop of Tamasha folk musical theatre of Maharashtra, the film is about a a respected school teacher, played by Dr. Lagoo, who wants to reform a village and also a Tamasha performer, played by Sandhya; but, ends up falling in love with her.
The film is known for its wonderful music of Ram Kadam and brilliant dance numbers picturised on the lead actress Sandhya, known for her dancing skills. It was also the debut film of then noted theatre actor, Dr. Shriram Lagoo. The film also introduced colour to Marathi cinema. In 1973, it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi .
‘Bioscope’,’Dagadi Chawl’ & ‘Vakratunda Mahakaay’ receive ‘Ma Ta’ Sanmaan nominations
The ‘Maharashtra Times( Ma.Ta.) Sanmaan‘ nominations for the year 2015 for the Marathi films have been announced. Film ‘Bioscope‘ has received 12 nominations in different categories, with ‘Dagadi Chawl‘ following them with 9 and ‘Vakratunda Mahakaay‘ with 7 nominations. All these three films have received nomination for the Best film of year 2015. Interestingly, the nominations for the best director, have also gone to Viju Mane, who directed one of the films ‘Ek Hota Kaau’ in ‘Bioscope‘ with Punarvasu Naik( ‘Vakratunda Mahakaay’ ), Chandrakant Kanse( ‘Dagadi Chawl‘) also in the race.
The nominations for best actress are, Veena Jamkar(Mitra- ‘Bioscope‘), Sonali Kulkarni ( ‘Aga Bai Arechha 2‘) & Amruta Sant (‘Panhala‘), while the nominations for the best actor are, Kushal Badrike( Ek Hota Kaau- ‘Bioscope‘), Ankush Choudhari( ‘Dagadi Chawl‘) & Gashmeer Mahajani( ‘Deool Band‘).
In the television section, the nominations for the Best serial are, ‘Tu Majha Sangati’,’Chitrakathi‘ & ‘Saraswati‘. In the Marathi commercial drama section, the nominations for the Best Marathi drama are, ‘Selfie‘,’Don Special‘ and ‘Ha Shekhar Khosla Kon Aahe‘, while in the Experimental Drama sections, the nominations are for , ‘Mann Ki Baat‘,’Chocolate Cha Bangala‘ & ‘Manaswini Murder case‘
Gajendra Ahire’s film ‘The Silence’ receives good response at international festivals
Gajendra Ahire’s much awaited film ‘The Silence’ has already won Best Indian film award at Bangaluru International film festival. The film was also screened at Brazil & MAMI international film festival and has received invitation for screening at other international festivals too. The main attraction of the film actress Anjali Patil, whom we saw in Prakash Jha’s film ‘Chakravyuh’ and few other south Indian films. Veteran Bollywood Raghubir Yadav also plays the important lead role in this film.
The first look of this film has already been released and has been receiving good response on social networking sites. Excellent cinematography by Krishna Soren and beautiful rural locations are clearly noticed in this first look. The film also stars Nagraj Manjule, Kadambari Kadam with Mugdha Chaphekar & Vedashree Mahajan being introduced through this film. Music is offered by Indian Ocean. Besides directing this film, Gajendra Ahire has also written the screenplay and dialogues. The film is based on a true story.
Chinmay Mandlekar takes a new look in ‘Reti’
Last year , we saw him in the film ‘Mahanayak‘ portraying the role of Late Vasantrao Naik the great leader from Maharashtra and very recently, we saw him playing a negative character in the film ‘Ticha Umbartha‘. But now, Chinmay is playing a challenging lead role in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Reti‘, which is all set to release next month. Chinmay himself has tweeted about this film, recently, indicating that he was eagerly waiting for this film’s release.
‘Reti‘ directed by Suhaas Bhosle, throws light on the Sand mafia and highlighting the sacrifice of honest Government officers, who prevent the uncontrollable theft of sand, which no government has been able to stop. Produced by Pramod Gore, the film has tried to expose such people, supporting Sand mafias, in their illegal business. Besides Chinmay Mandlekar, there are many renowned talented artistes, who are part of this film. They are, Kishore Kadam, Shashank Shende, Sanjay Khapre, Gayatri Soham Deshmukh, Bhagyashree rane, Moushumi Tondwalkar,. Vidyadhar Joshi, Suhas Palshikar & Deepak Karanjikar. The film’s music is by Shaan & DOP is Pratap Nair.
‘Anuraag’ director Dr. Darak serves notice to Dharmendra Gohil
Many a times, we find controversies arising between the film maker and artistes of his film, before the film’s release. But, in the case of film ‘Anuraag‘ we now hear that the producer-director of this film Dr.Ambarish Darak, serving notice to his lead actor Dharmendra Gohil, after the film’s release, this Friday. Perhaps, the maker of the film, avoided this issue to coincide with his film’s release.
According to the press statement received from Dr. Darak, he had entered into an agreement with Dharmendra Gohil to give his time for the film’s promotion. But, the actor did not show his presence during any event connected with the film’s promotion. It was only the actress Mrunmayee , who was present on all such occasions. Now, with Dr.Darak serving an official legal notice to the actor, through his lawyer, claiming compensation, has set a new precedent. Because, in the past, no Marathi film maker had dared to take such a step against his artistes, for their non co-operation. Let us wait and see , how the actor reacts to this notice.
‘Vrundavan’ artistes promote their film coinciding with Women’s day
Now days, film makers are just waiting for some occasions to promote their film. And, there was no better occasion than Women’s day celebrations. Even otherwise, Maharashtrian women are very fond of Marathi films and their artistes. Thane being the biggest hub of Maharashtrian culture, the makers of ‘Vrundavan‘ selected an ideal occasion to celebrate Women’s day. So, they finalized on the famous Vrundavan Society in Thane, where they saw a big crowd of Marathi women, joining the artistes and the producers, to play various fun games and even performed dances with the lead artistes comprising of Rakesh Bapat, Vaidehi Parshurami & Pooja Sawant.
So, all of them had a great time together to celebrate the Women’s day, in advance. Also, it was a good promotion of the film. Even otherwise, the team of ‘Vrundavan‘ is touring many parts of the state, to promote their film, very much in advance, as the film is all set to release on Gudhi Padwa day, i.e 8th April 2016. Last week, the team was in Pune and received a good response from Pune students.
V. Shantaram’s film ‘Pinjara’ to be released again with new look
V. Shantaram’s most popular film ‘Pinjra‘ was released in 1972. But, the songs of this film are still popular. Even the performances of lead characters like Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, Sandhya & Nilu Phule are still fresh in our memory. The film has been set on the backdrop of a village, presenting Tamasha folk musical theatre of Maharashtra. The story revolves around a morally righteousness school teacher, played by Dr. Lagoo, who wants to reform a Tamasha performer, played Sandhya, but ends up falling in love with her.
Now, after 44 years, ‘Pinjra‘ will be released again on 18th March 2016, at Plaza Cinema , Mumbai, where it was released earlier. Priyadarshni Films, which had taken the distribution rights from Mr. Kiran Shantaram, had used the latest technology at Prasad Lab to give a new look to original print, besides using Dolby sound effect. It remains to be seen, how the the new generation would respond to this film.