Is ‘Kanha’ a timely film with a social message ?

We are all aware that the music release of Avadhoot Gupte directed film ‘Kanha‘ was held in a big way, in a top south Mumbai hotel, where all renowned personalities from Bollywood and political circle were present. Pratap Sarnaik, who has proved himself as a reputed builder and Politician, is the producer of this film and it was at his request many dignitaries, including the chief minister of Maharashtra were present. This film presented by Zee Studios, is now all set to release on 26th August 2016, coinciding with Janmashtami.
Lead starcast of the film ‘Kanha‘ includes Gashmeer Mahajani, Vaibhav Tatwawdi and Gauri Nalawade. The story of this film is set on the backdrop of popular Govinda celebrations in Mumbai. We are all aware about the popularity of this festival; but in the recent past we saw many political parties coming forward to offer big amount to the winner raising the height of the human pyramid. This resulted in accidental deaths of Govindas participating in this Dahi handi breaking sport. As a result of this, the court had to intervene and restrict the height of human chain Pyramid. But, it remains to be seen, whether the film challenges the court and Police order on the height of the pyramid or sends across a timely message to all the organisers and participants.
Audience to decide conclusion of the Marathi Play ‘Bandh Mukta’

Jagadamb Creations, Makers of Marathi play ‘Bandh Mukta‘ are trying a new experiment; i.e. to allow audience to decide the concluding part of their play. The inaugural show of this play was presented as Premiere show, recently, which also happened for the first time in Theatre world. ‘Bandh Mukta‘ deals with a sensitive subject of ‘Mercy Killing’, as there is already debate going on in India, on this subject.
This play written by Vivek Apte and directed by Anil Bandivadekar , also presents important characters like a surgeon, his psychologist wife, an advocate and a leader of human rights activist, who debate on this issue. The play stars Dr. Amol Kolhe, who is also producer of this play, Ketaki Thatte, Rajiv Shankar Bane, Shantanu Moghe, Vivek Apte and others. Rahul Ranade has provided background music of this film, while Dr. Ajit Deval is co producer.
Many prominent personalities from different fields were present for the inaugural show of this play.
Why can’t we have inspiring films on freedom fighters in Marathi ?
Few years ago, IT Guru Narayana Murthy during a biggest entertainment seminar in Mumbai invited the attention of all big film makers, as to why no Indian film maker could produce a film on India’s greatest freedom fighters, when an English film maker could make a film on Mahatma Gandhi and win Oscar award. Soon thereafter, we saw the release of film ‘The Forgotten Hero’ made by Shyam Benegal on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. But, not many people were even aware of it. There was a film made on Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, but even that film could not see many theatres, as it was funded by well wishers .
In our Marathi film industry, we do have creative film makers and we also have the audience, who appreciate films on such subjects. Otherwise, films on Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Vasudev Balwant Phadke would not have invited the attention of Marathi audience. All that we need to do is to produce such films in Marathi, with proper technical support and good script with proper research, as Richard Attenborough did for ‘Gandhi’.
On this independence day, only one thought that comes to our mind, that at least one such film should be released on this day in a year, which should inspire the youngsters in Maharashtra. It is not necessary that the film should be a biopic of a freedom fighter; but a subject with a good presentation on patriotism. There is a village in Satara District of Maharashtra, which is named Apshinge Military Village. This village has kept alive its rich & unique tradition of offering at least one member from each family, to serve the Indian armed forces. Can we not make a film on this subject ? If there could be a successful Hindi film ‘Border’ , why can’t there be such type of film in Marathi ?
‘Toh Aani Mee’ based on the subject of surrogacy to release on 19th Aug

Five years ago, Film maker Samruddhi Porey through her very first film had dealt with the subject of growing surrogacy practices in India. So, this subject is not new to Marathi cinema. But, every film maker has different ideas to present this subject. Now, director Mukesh Malik, with the help of Sunil Harishchandra has scripted this subject in his own way, to make a Marathi film ‘Toh Aani Mee‘. The film is now all set to release coming Friday, i.e. 19th August 2016.
Made under the banner of Yash Creations, the film ‘Toh Aani Mee‘ is produced by Ankush Vitthal Sutar and stars Subodh Bhave, Girija Joshi, Shweta Shinde, Prasad Oak, Prasad Pandit, Jyoti Mhalse, Madhav Vaze, Rama Joshi, Smita Patkar, child artiste Deep Sutar and Smita Gondkar in guest appearance. Camera work by Anil Chandel & Shubhra Dutta, Music by Aslam Keyi are other credits. The makers of this film have stated that besides passing a social message through this film, they have also ensured to entertain the audience, through the film’s humor filled screenplay.
After Swwapnil Joshi & Ankush Chaudhari, now Sonalee also launches clothing brand

Over the years, we have seen many celebrities from Bollywood and popular cricketers launching various brands in the market. Last year we saw our Marathi actor Swwapnil Joshi promoted by Kartik Nishandar & Arjun Singh Baran of GSEAMS. Later, we also saw Marathi style icon Ankush Chaudhary launching a particular brand. And now, we saw actress Sonalee Kulkarni invited by GSEAMS to launch Max Autumn Winter collections at Max Stores, Viviyana Mall, Thane.
On this occasion, Sonalee also walked on the ramp with the collections of her choice, after launching the Lookbook containing the dresses of her choice. Sonalee seemed very excited, for selecting her as style icon by Max Collections. She thanked them, besides thanking GSEAMS .”I am glad that I have been selected to launch a brand, which is my favourite,” she said, while speaking on the occasion. Even otherwise, in Marathi Film industry, Sonalee is very popular among young girls, who are inspired by her dress designs.
‘I am not Slumdog I am Indian’ will project positive side of our country

Young Marathi actor Yuugg, has turned director with the forthcoming Marathi film ‘I am not Slumdog I am Indian‘ .Yuugg has not only directed this film, but has also written the story of this film, besides engaging popular singer Javed Ali to sing a song in this film, which has been dedicated to the city of Mumbai. Recently, this song was recorded at Yashraj Studios.The song has been penned by Yuugg himself. Music has been composed by Team Faith Five.
Javed Ali himself has been very much impressed by this song. Speaking about this song after recording, he said, “I am glad that I had an opportunity to sing such a wonderful song with meaningful lyrics. Mumbai is my ‘Karmabhoomi’ and hence I liked the message of keeping Mumbai clean, through this song.”
Rajan Dogra, who is the producer said that he always wanted to experiment new things through his film. Director Yuugg feels that foreigners coming to India only notice poverty in this country. Through ‘I am not Slumdog I am Indian‘ film, we have tried to show the positive side of our country. Yuugg also plays the lead role in this film, in the company of other artistes like Usha Nadkarni, Uday Sabnis, Rajan Rane, Sheetal Kulkarni and others. Sudesh Devan is the cinematographer of this film.
Shilpa Navalkar’s Marathi play ‘Selfie’ now in English

Actress Shilpa Navalkar , who had turned a playwright with her Marathi play ‘Selfie‘ , has proved successful as a writer, as her play has presented 100 shows. But, the good news for her, is that the rights of this play have been purchased by Paritosh Painter, for its remake in Hindi and English. The English version of this play will be staged soon, which will be directed by Tanaaz Irani and will star Tanaaz Irani, Dimple Shah, Shweta Gulati, Priya Malik & Kiswar Merchant. Joy Singh Gupta has translated this play into English, but the subject of this play having an universal appeal, it can work in any language. The original Marathi play directed by Ajit Bhure, had staged this play in USA for almost one month. Now, the play ‘Selfie‘ will be nearing the mark of 125 shows.
Reacting to this good news, writer Shilpa Navalkar has expressed her happiness, over staging of her play in English. “I feel, all the people should watch this play” she said. It ,may be recalled that another Marathi writer Bharat Dabholkar has also been successful in English with his plays like ‘Bottoms Up‘, ‘Carry On Heaven‘ & ‘Blame It On Yashraj‘ . We only hope that Shilpa also follows his footsteps.
‘माझी माय मुंब्रादेवी’ रसिकांच्या भेटीला

महाराष्ट्राला संगीत आणि संगीतप्रेमींची फार मोठी परंपरा आहे. इथला रसिकराजा जितक्या आनंदाने सिने-नाटय गीतं डोक्यावर घेतो तितक्याच भक्तीभावाने देवी-देवतांच्या भजनातही रमतो. आता भक्तीरसाने भरलेलं ‘माझी माय मुंब्रादेवी‘ हे गीत रसिकांच्या भेटीला येत आहे. श्री चंद्रछाया प्रॉडक्शनची निर्मिती असलेल्या ‘माझी माय मुंब्रादेवी‘ या गाण्यामध्ये मुंब्रादेवीची महती वर्णन करण्यात आली आहे. ‘या कोळीवाडयाची शान…‘ फेम संगीतकार-गायक प्रविण कुंवर यांनी या गाण्याला संगीत दिलं असून समीर चंद्रकांत देसाई यांनी गीत लेखन केलं आहे. वैशाली सामंत आणि प्रविण कुंवर यांच्या सुमधुर आवाजात हे गाणं ध्वनीमुद्रित करण्यात आलं आहे. राजेंद्र पवार आणि प्रवीणा समीर देसाई यांनी या गाण्याचे व्हिडीओ दिग्दर्शन केलं आहे.
‘माझी माय मुंब्रादेवी‘ या गाण्यामध्ये मुंब्रादेवीची कथा आणि महती ऐकायला मिळणार आहे. वैशाली सामंतच्या सुमधूर आवाजात मुंब्रादेवीचं गीत ऐकताना भक्तांंचा आनंद द्विगुणीत होईल याबाबत शंका नाही.मुंब्रादेवी हे अनेक भक्तांचं श्रद्धास्थान आहे. या गाण्यामुळे मुंब्रादेवीची महती सर्वदूर पोहोचण्यास मदत होईल अशी भावना दिग्दर्शकांनी व्यक्त केली.
‘रुस्तम’च्या प्रमोशनसाठी अक्षय कुमार ‘चला हवा येऊ द्या’ मध्ये

बॉलिवुडचा खिलाडी अक्षय कुमार आपल्या आगामी ‘रूस्तम‘ चित्रपटाच्या प्रमोशनसाठी झी मराठीवरील ‘चला हवा येऊ द्या‘ या कार्यक्रमात सहभागी होणार आहे . आज दि. ८ आणि उद्या ९ ऑगस्टला रात्री ९.३० वा. हे दोन्ही भाग प्रसारित होणार आहेत..
अक्षयच्या उपस्थितीतही ‘चला हवा येऊ द्या‘ मधील कलाकारांनी अक्षय कुमारच्या सुप्रसिद्ध ‘हेरा फेरी‘ चित्रपटाची आपली वेगळी आवृत्ती सादर केली ज्याला अक्षयनेही भरभरून दाद दिली. याचसोबत अक्षयच्या गाजलेल्या गाण्यांवर ‘चला हवा येऊ द्या‘ च्या कलाकारांनी ठेका धरला. या सर्व कलाकारंचे हे धम्माल परफॉर्मन्स बघून मग अक्षयनेही त्यांना साथ देत ‘झिंगाट‘ च्या ठेक्यावर डान्स करत एकच धम्माल उडवून दिल्याची आपल्याला पाहायला मिळणार आहे .
Pratap Sarnaik makes it big with Grand music launch of ‘Kanha’

In Maharashtra’s Politics Pratap Sarnaik is a known name, being the most popular MLA from Thane. But, on Thursday late evening, it was a big day for him, as many celebrities and his friends in Political field had turned up in large number at Mumbai’s Trident Hotel, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, joining the event of grand music release of Pratap Sarnaik’s own production ‘Kanha’. This Marathi film is set on the backdrop of Mahararshtra’s biggest festival Gokulashtami. And, the film is all set to release on 26th August 2016, coinciding with the festival.
Besides getting the music CD released at the hands of chief minister, Mr. Pratap Sarnaik also took the opportunity to announce his Vihang Construction Group’s association with Godrej Properties, at Thane, in presence of Mr. Adi Godrej, who was personally present at this function. Many dignitaries from political circle like Mr. Praful Patel, Mr. Amar Singh, Mr. Eknath Shinde, Mr. Ramdas Kadam and others along with some IAS & IPS officers of Maharashtra were also present. Among the other dignitaries present were Niranjan Hiranandani, Dilip Vengsarkar, film maker Subhash Ghai, actors Jitendra, Sanjay Khan, Akbar Khan, Javed Jaffrey, Mrunal Kulkarni, Nishikant Kamat, Pallavi Joshi, Pooja Sawant apart from lead artistes of the film Vaibhav Tatwawdi, Gashmeer Mahajani, Gauri Nalavade, Kiran Karmarkar and director Avadhoot Gupte.
Interestingly, they were all invited on the dais, during the music release of the film, at the hands of CM and his wife. ‘Chala Hava Yeu Dya‘ fame Dr. Nilesh Sable and Bhau Kadam entertained the audience with their gimmicks, while Samira Gujar anchored the event, which turned out to be a memorable event. Produced by Pratap Sarnaik, co produced by Joe Rajan, the film ‘Kanha‘ is presented by Zee Studios. Music is by Avadhoot Gupte, while the DOP is Rahul Jadhav.
