Priya Marathe to appear on big screen with ‘Vighnaharta Mahaganapati’
Popular television actress Priya Marathe was ready with her two films, ‘1234’ directed by Milind Kavade and Rajesh Chavan’s film ‘Vighnaharta Mahaganapati’ in the last quarter of last year itself. But, their release was postponed for some reason or the other. Now, her first film ‘Vighanaharta Mahaganapati’ is all set to release on 19th February 2016. The film is about the faith many people in Maharashtra have in Lord Ganapati. The film is set on the backdrop of ‘Khavle Mahaganapati’, whose oldest temple is located in a village called Taramumbari in Devgad district of Maharashtra. The place known for delicious mangoes, is also famous for this 314 year old temple, which finds its entry in Limca Book of Records.
In this film Priya has a prominent role and the other artistes of this film are Tej Rane, Alka Kubal, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Vijay Chavan, Sharad Ponkshe, Ashalata Wabgaonkar, Jayant Savarkar & others. This film is produced by Suryakant Khavle and has an interesting story written by director Rajesh Chavan himself, which is linked to the faith in this 314 year old idol of Mahaganapati at Devgad. Sameer Athalye is the cinematographer of this film and the music has been composed by Chaitanya Adkar.
‘Partu’ and ‘Halal’ to be screened in Competition section of PIFF
We are all aware that the most prestigious Pune International Film Festival is presently going on in Pune. Earlier, we had heard about screening of Marathi films like ‘Kaul’, ‘Highway’, ‘Ranga Patanga’, ‘Natasamraat’ and ‘Ringan’ to be screened in the competitive section of Marathi films. But, now we understand that two more Marathi films, namely ‘Partu’ directed by Nitin Adsul and ‘Halaal’ directed by national award winning director Shivaji Lotan Patil is also being screened in this competition section of PIFF.
Many films from different countries are also being screened in the international film’s section, besides some special sections. In ‘Marathi Cinema Today’ section, films like ‘Ganvesh‘, ‘The Silence’, ‘Bho Bho’, ‘Anuraag’ & ‘Aakrandan’ will also be screened. The festival will go on till 21st January 2016. From this year onwards, PIFF Bazar will be a new section, to enable films to market their films.
‘Astu’ to be released in a proper way, with ‘Co-funding’
We have seen the progress of Marathi films, inviting the attention of the audience from different parts of the world. But, there are many such Marathi films, which have won prestigious awards, including national awards; which could not reach the local audience in Maharashtra. The reason being simple. The producers of these films could not find distributors to release their films in theatres. One such film is ‘Astu’.
‘Astu’ could be released last year only in one cinema hall in Pune, for this reason. This film is directed by reputed directors like Sumitra Bhawe and Sunil Sukathankar and is produced by Sheela Rao ( Gaurika films) and Dr. Mohan Agashe. Besides producing this film, Dr.Mohan Agashe has also played a lead role in this film, along with other artistes like Amruta Subhash , Devika Daftardar, Milind Soman , Irawati Harshe & Nachiket Purnapatre. The film has presented the story of a retired officer, who is a patient of alzheimers.
Now, good news for those who are interested in watching this film in theatres, is that the film will be released, by using the co-funding method. This concept has been successful for other regional films, especially in the south. Rajat Kapoor’s Hindi film ‘Bheja Fry’ was released with this method. According to Producer Sheela Rao , Mr Satish Kataria form ‘Catapult’ has taken this initiative. Through this process funds will be collected from common people , for producing or releasing the film and is also called ‘crowd funding’. But, for releasing the film, the most appropriate word would be ‘Co-funding’. And, ‘Astu’ will be the first Marathi film, to be released in this manner.
Makarand Deshpande & Ashok Samarth together in ‘Bardo’
After his successful film ‘Dagadi Chawl’ Makarand Deshpande will now be seen in another Marathi film ‘Bardo’ along with another strong actor of Marathi cinema Ashok Samarth. On Friday evening muhurat of this film was performed, with a song recording, in presence music directors of the film Rohan & Rohan and entire cast of the film, at Ajivasan Studious, Mumbai. Known for his spontaneous jokes, Makarand entertained the invitees, speaking good about the director Bhimrao Mude and the new subject attempted by the film. He, however did not reveal the meaning of the title of the film and suggested it, to keep a secret, till the film’s release.
Besides Makarand Deshpande & Ashok Samarth, the film stars Anjali Patil, Girish Pardeshi, Shweta Pendse, Sandesh Jadhav, Rupesh Bane, Suyash Shirke & Gautam Joglekar. The story of this film is written by Shweta Pendse & Bhimrao Mude. Speaking on the occasion, the director said that his film will be on a totally different subject of science, which was never before attempted in Marathi. And, actor Makarand called it an artistic sports based film.
Release of 5 films on a day, is good or bad for Marathi Cinema?
We had heard about Marathi films making progress, with more and more filmmakers coming forward to make Marathi films. Last year, the number of Marathi films released had crossed the hundred mark. Which means that on an average, there were two Marathi films released every Friday. And, this year, it indicates that the figure will touch 150 mark. In the first month of this year, after watching 3 films released till now, we are expecting at least a dozen of films more, to be released by end of this month. Now, this is good or bad for the progress of Marathi films, the audience will have to decide.
Coming Friday, there are with as many as 5 Marathi films to be released on the same day. They are, ‘Chiranjeev’, ‘Shasan’, ‘702 Dixits’, ‘Chahato Mi Tula’ & ‘Friends’. Now, isn’t that a new record ? Because, all these 5 films are either having popular stars or are big banners. ‘Chiranjeev’ which is directed by Ramesh More has Bharat Jadhav, Alka Kubal Athlye and other well known artistes and banks on its script. Gajendra Ahire’s film ‘Shasan’ also stars Bharat Jadhav along with other big stars and is a multi starrer political thriller.
There is a teenage love story made by Vishal Puwar with newcomers along with Shruti Marathe , Prasad oak and others and is presented by Bollywood producer Bharat Shah. Then, there is a mystery filled Marathi film ‘702 Dixits’, which has also raised expectations, as the first look of this film is well presented. Moreover, the film has Gauri Nigudkar , a popular face from Hindi TV serials and ‘Classmates’ fame Pallavi Patil along with talented Vijay Andalkar in the lead. This film is directed by Shankh Rajadhyaksha.
And, finally, much talked about ‘Friends’ is also releasing on coming Friday, with popular south Indian film maker R.Madhesh making his debut in Marathi. With Swapnil Joshi, Sachit Patil & Gauri Nalawade together in the lead, there are big hopes from this film too. But, the big question still remains, how these films are going to share the screens among themselves? With ‘Natasamrat’ still going strong and drawing more crowds, with ‘word of mouth’ publicity, there is little hope from cinema halls, removing this film. Someone’s gain, is the loss to others. Isn’t it ? But, let’s wait for the audience reaction, this weekend.
Nana Patekar steals the show, during ‘Natsamrat’ success party
Right from the door keeper at the gate to reception manager of the hotel, everyone wanted to please him. All the young artistes were keen on taking a photograph along with him. And, the invitees, were keen on listening to his speech, during the event to celebrate the success of his film ‘Natasamrat’. So much was the popularity of Nana Patekar, noticed on Sunday evening. Dressed up in simple white Pyjama and kurta, he stole the show, during the event.
Indeed, Nana had worked very hard to present the character of retired stage actor Appa Belvalkar created by well known playwright V.V.Shirwadkar, through his play ‘Natasamrat’. It was a lifetime role for the versatile actor and he lived up to the expectations of the director and the Marathi film audience, with his terrific performance. The film has broken all the records of previous Marathi films, as far the collections at ticket windows are concerned. In the first week itself, the film had gathered Rs.16 Crores and by the end of 10th day, they had crossed Rs.22 Crores, which speaks about the grand success attained by this film.
Both Nana Patekar and director Mahesh Manjrekar spoke on the occasion, when beautiful Mrunmayee Deshpande, made them talk about their experience, during the making of this film. The film had attained success, because many Non Marathi film lovers also saw this film and appreciated the subject and performances of the artistes. The entire team of ‘Natasamrat’ had assembled to celebrate the occasion, when they cut the cake, to share their happiness with well wishers and friends, who had come to greet them. Many dignitaries from Marathi film industry were present at this event.
Sujay Dahake gets strong support of Eros to release his film ’Phuntroo’
When director Sujay Dahake released his debut film ‘Shala’, he had the support of Mahesh Manjrekar, to release his film. His second film ‘Ajoba’ starring Urmila Matondkar was presented by L.V.Shinde & Group. ‘Shala’ did well; but, ‘Ajoba’ failed to receive much response. Now, for his third film ‘Phuntroo’ which is first science fiction in Marathi, he is lucky to find Eros International to present his film, which is produced by Krishika Lulla. Recently, the first look poster of this film, was released through social media network.
Set on the backdrop of an Engineering college, the film also presents a love story revolving around two students. In Phuntroo, Ketaki Mategaonkar plays the lead role, opposite Madan Deodhar, along with Shivani Rangole, Ruturaj Shinde, Shivraj Waichal,Anshuman Joshi and others. Music also plays an important role in ‘Phuntroo’, with three music directors Rishikesh Datar, Jasraj Joshi & Saurabh Bhalerao coming together, to compose the music . Phuntroo is ready for release shortly.
‘Police Line’ to throw light on hardships faced by Policemen
Though our films, we have seen both good and bad sides of Policemen. But, not many films were able to show the hardships faced by them and their family members, in their daily life. Produced by Jijau Creation and presented by Saishree Creation new Marathi film ‘Police Line’ directed by Raju Parsekar will throw light on hardships faced by Policemen. That’s what the first look of this film indicates, which was unveiled recently, in presence of entire team of the film and invitees.
On this occasion, the music of this film was also launched by Dr.P.S.Krishnamurthy, who expressed that remake of this film should also be made in Hindi and south Indian languages. Renowned singer Anup Jalota was also present for the function for some time. The songs from this film are written by Koutuk Shirodkar and Nitin Tendulkar on the music of Pravin Kunvar and Abhishek Shinde. One of the songs rendered by singer Bharti madhvi has been picturised on actress Manasi Naik. Story of this film is written by Deepak Pawar, while cinematography is by Nilesh Dhamale.
‘Police Line’, which is getting ready for release on 29th January 2016, has a very big team of artistes performing different types of roles, some of whom are Policemen themselves, while others are their family members and well wishers. Their names are Jayant Savarkar, Satish Pulekar, Pradeep Patwardhan, Vijay kadam, Pradeep kabre, Pramod Pawar, Jaywant Wadkar, Santosh Juvekar, Nisha Parulekar, Nutan Jayant, Swapnil Rajshekhar, Purnima Ahire kende, Manasi Naik,Pranav Raorane,Sharmila Baviskar, Sayali Sanjeev and others.
New Marathi films lined up announcement for the new year
Come new year 2016 and we find the announcement of new Marathi films on traditional subjects. Some are based on the social family drama , some are based on the faith in God. But, these film makers claim that the subject of their film is different. At present, they have launched their films with song recordings, while some have launched the first look of their film’s poster. But, the star cast of the film , yet to be decided.
Among such films are ‘Soon Asavi Ashi’ produced by Vaishali Kodhe and directed by Shyam Dharmadhikari , launched with recording of all the songs and ‘Vitthala Shappath’ written and directed by Chandrakant Pawar, with launch of first poster. In the case of both these films, the selection of artistes in the film, are not announced. And, this is also one way of promoting the film, as it creates a buzz in the industry , before the next announcements. Perhaps, others may also follow this pattern for this new year.
Are Marathi film makers uncertain about release date of their films?
One can understand about the healthy competition noticed among Marathi films, for the past few months. Yet, nothing has been done so far, about becoming firm on the release dates of their films. Sometimes, we notice 3 to 4 Marathi films being released at a time; but on a particular Fridays, there is no film released. One can understand about the decision of Marathi film makers, not release their film on 18th December 2015, due to release of two big banner Hindi films. But, on 25th of December, no film was released.
‘Mohar‘, which had earlier announced its release on 25th December, later thought of taking on the mighty ‘Natasamraat’ on 1st January 2016 and we saw the consequences of it.
‘Sangharshayatra’ which was scheduled for release on 11th December 2015, to coincide with the birth anniversary of late Gopinath Munde; postponed its release date at the last moment, even after issuing official advertisements about its release. Then we saw ‘Youth’ also postponing its release date from 15th January to 5th February 2016, for the reasons best known to its maker. Perhaps, this being a film on youth, they expected competition from ‘Friends’.
Now, talking about ‘Friends’, the film was supposed to release on 22nd January 2016, along with Sanjay Jadhav’s film ‘Guru’. But, now they have preponed their film’s release to 15th January 2016, along with films like ‘Shasan’ and ‘Chahato Mi Tula’. One can understand the association of Swapnil and Ankush during ‘Duniyadari’ and also Sachit’s friendship with Ankush.So, possibly, they might have had some amicable solution, instead of clashing of their films, against each other.
Among the other Marathi films, which have announced their release dates in January 2016, are ‘Anuraag’- 21st January 2016, ‘Athang’ – 29th January 2016 and Mumbai Time also on 29th January 2016. And, we only hope that they don’t change their dates.