Ajay Thakur announces his Marathi film ‘Raavas’
Well known Creative head and Editing expert of Bollywood films, Ajay Thakur, known for his work in films ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ and ‘Guzarish’; recently announced his Marathi film ‘Raavas’. This will also be a female oriented comedy film, set on the backdrop of fishermen community and a mermaid.
The film will be directed by Milind Kawade and will go on the floors in January 2016. The story of the film is written by Ajay Thakur himself and will be produced by Vandana Thakur, under the banner of Spice Stdio and entertainment. According to Ajay, it has taken a long time for him, to finalize the story of this film and now, very soon he will also announce the cast of the film. There are already rumours that Ketaki Mategaonkar may play the mermaid in this film. But, there is no official announcement about the same.
Actor Sudhir Dalvi returns with his Sai Baba image
Well Known saint Sai Baba of Shirdi is worshipped by many devotees all over India. But, hardly anyone living today, has seen him, as Baba said good bye to this world in 1918. Therefore, Baba is identified only through his photographs and his idols at different places, including Shirdi, in Maharashtra. However, there is one actor, who is a perfect match for the saint. And, he is Sudhir Dalvi. He is a popular Film and TV actor; but he first came into limelight with Manoj Kumar’s hit film of 1977 , ‘Shirdi Ke Sai Baba’ in which he played the title role of the popular saint.
Sudhir Dalvi later found character roles in many Hindi and Marathi films, numbering more than 60. But, in Hindi, he was often used to play a Baba or fakir. Do you remember that famous hit song ‘Aadmi Musafir hai, Aata hai Jataa hai…”? This was from the film ‘Apnapan’, which picturised on him and another Marathi actress Nivedita Joshi Saraf, who was then a child star. Sudhir Dalvi was later repeated in the same role of Sai Baba, by film maker Deepak Balraj in his 2001 film ‘Shirdi Sai Baba’, which was also a multi starrer film. This film was later dubbed in Marathi, as there were other popular Marathi artistes in this film, besides Sudhir Dalvi.
Sudhir Dalvi was last seen in 2011 Marathi film ‘Karuya Udyachi Baat’ by Kshitij Zarapkar. In the meanwhile, he performed in few Hindi serials. But, now he is making his comeback to both Hindi and Marathi films and that too with his Sai Baba image. His hindi film ‘Mere Sai Ram’, is releasing shortly and his Marathi film ‘Lord of Shingnapur’ is also releasing soon. In both the films, he is playing the role of Saibaba, though both the films, talk more about his devotees, rather than focusing more on his character. But, one thing is sure that if any film maker has to show Sai Baba in their films, they cannot think of anyone else, than Mr. Sudhir Dalvi.
New Film ‘Samarpan’ launched with new lead pair
Some Marathi film makers believe in opting for newcomers, for lead roles in their films. Director Balasaheb Gore is one of them. Incidentally, he has been appointed as member of IMPPA. The film is being made under the banner of Prasiddhi Film productions & presented by Abhang productions.
Recently, muhurat of this film was performed at the hands of M.P. Mr. Rahul Shewale. Present on the occasion were director of the film, veteran actress Priya Berde and other team members. The names of the two new young artistes are Vitthal Mandavkar & Shraddha Hande. Mahesh Jadhav & Priya Berde will be seen in a special roles in this film. The other artistes of the film are being finalized soon, after which the shooting of this film will begin.
Story, screenplay and dialogues of this film, are by Natha Sangolkar , music is by Sandeep Dange, while DOP will be Shyam Chakravarty.
Popular actress Usha Nadkarni in and as ‘London Chya Aajibai’
Well known actor Ashok Saraf and his chartered accountant brother Subhash Saraf, are all set to revive their Uncle’s Drama Group Kalamandir. As part of this plan, they have decided to launch their play ‘Londonchya Aajibai’, in London itself. Grandma Banarse is a famous character inspired from writer Sarojini Vaidya’s book ‘Kahani London Chya Aajibainchi’. Rajiv Joshi has converted her story into this drama. It is a story of a domestic servant from Choundi village in Vidarbha, who goes to London for household work; but, later starts her own catering business.
The big news is that popular versatile actress Usha Nadkarni has been selected to play this central character in this play. Produced by Smita Saraf, the play will be directed by Santosh Verulkar. The other important character of Meera will be played by Vedangi Kulkarni. Maharashtra Mandal London, have come forward to stage the shows in London. The inaugural shows of this play will therefore be staged in London and Britain, between 31st October to 8th November 2015.
Now, ‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai-2′ gets ready with Band Bajaa and Baraati…
Much talked about Marathi film ‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai-2′, starring Swapnil Joshi and Mukta Barve, is gearing up for its Diwali release. Only few days ago, the makers of this film, launched their fist song, in presence of the students of a Mumbai college. And, this time, to launch the another song..‘Band Bajaa Varaat Ghoda’ .they had actually erected the set of actual wedding, at an auditorium in Mumbai.
To bless the couple, i.e. lead pair Swapnil and Mukta, their screen parents were present. So, for the first time Prashant Damle, Savita Prabhune, Vijay Kenkre and Mangal kenkre were present for this film’s promotion. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Sajnay Chhabriya of Everest Entertainment, Mr. Amit Bhanushali of Mirah Entertainment and director of the film Satish Rajwade.
So, during coming Diwali, we will see a big competition between this film and Zee Studios film ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali’. But, ‘Katyar kaljaat Ghusali’ has already scored on account of its first look. Now, it is for the audience to decide their preference at the ticket window. Because, for the success of Marathi films, it is the actual headcount in the cinema halls, that counts.
“I was fortunate to work with beautiful Varshaji” – Rahul Mahajan
Television Celebrity Rahul Mahajan is playing an important role of close friend of the hero, in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Lord of Shinganapur’, which is produced and directed by Raj Rathod. Tall and smart that he is, Rahul was present during music release of this film, on Saturday evening, in Mumbai. Seated next to him was Marathi’s gorgeous actress Varsha Usgaonkar, who is also part of this film.
When the artistes and music team members were called on the dais, they were felicitated one by one, by the Trustee of Shani Shinganapur temple, who had travelled all the way, for this occasion. When it was the turn of Rahul Mahajan to speak few words, he showered all the praise on actress Varsha Usgaonkar. “Varsha is the prettiest actress I have seen in the entire Indian film industry. I have been watching her, for the past several years on screen and she still looks beautiful and charming. More than the likes of Rekha and other actresses in Bollywood. And hence, I consider myself fortunate, for having got an opportunity to work with her.” he said. And, that was the biggest compliment Varsha received that evening.
Also present on the occasion were producer director Raj Rathod, Music director Farhan Shaikh, cinematographer Prashant Jadhav, lead hero of the film Ashutosh Kulkarni & popular singer Sukhvinder Singh, on whom a 6 minute song has been picturised in the film. The lead actress of the film Vaibhavi Shandilya and Milind Gunaji, who is playing an important role in the film, were absent.
Ambitious Ishwari Deshpande to make her debut in Marathi films
At a time when Bollywood actresses like Urmila Matondkar, Vidya Balan. Hrishita Bhatt, and few others have entered Marathi films, throwing a challenge to existing Marathi actresses; there are also few glamorous and ambitious actresses all set to make their debut. And, one of them is Ishwari Deshpande. Very glamorous, that she is, Ishwari is presently studying law at Sinhgad College, Pune. Her ambition is to become top actress in Marathi. She is a great admirer of actresses Madhuri, Deepika ,Priyanka & late Smita Patil.
Though Ishwari’s debut film ‘Premache Side Effects’ is directed by Sunil Chauthmal she is looking forward to work with reputed film makers like Ravi jadhav, Sanjay Jadhav, Umesh Kulkarni & Sujay Dahake. Ishwari has been casted opposite two new faces Pritmik and Dramaholic in this film; while the other prominent artistes of this film are Deepak Shirke, Ravi Kale, Kishori Ambiye & Supriya Pathak. Music by Dev Ashish and cinematography by Ravi Chandran are other credits of this film. The film is produced by Jayashree Deshpande.
‘Dambha’ will be Mr. World Sangram Chougule’s debut Marathi film
Last year he won the 2014 Mr. World Bodybuilding award and this year, he is all set to make his acting debut through forthcoming Marathi film ‘Dambha’, which is being written and directed by Prasad Appa Tarkar. So, finally Marathi cinema has found a perfect bodybuilder, as the new action hero.
According to the makers, this will be an action packed film and Sangram Chougule finds a suitable role as the lead hero of this film. The actual shooting of this film will begin next month. On the poster of this film, Sangram takes the look of Hollywood actor Dwayne Douglas Jhonson. The action director of this film will be Peter Hein, while DOP will be Shailesh Awasthhi
Shankar Ehsaan Loy to offer biggest Diwali Gift to Marathi film audience
Music directors Shankar Ehsan Loy have already made it big in Bollywood. But, the celebrity trio is all set to offer biggest Diwali Gift to Marathi film audience. Shankar Ehsan Loy are making their grand debut in Marathi films through classical music based Marathi film ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali’,which is inspired by the popular old Marathi play, with the same name. Incidentally, Shankar Mahadevan is also playing an important role of a classical singer, in this period film.
Recently, music CD of this film was released, in presence of the team members of this film, including Sachin Pilgaonkar, who is playing a parallel role of another singer, opposite Shankar Mahadevan, actor- director Subodh Bhave and producers of the film Sunil Phadtare, Nitin Kini & Nikhil Sane. On this occasion, besides unveiling the promo of this film, video of three songs were also played. And, they displayed not only the rich heritage of Indian classical music; but also gave an indication of the majesty of the film.
Besides Shankar Mahadevan, Subodh Bhave and Sachin Pilgaonkar, the film also stars other talented artistes like Amruta Khanvilkar, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Pushkar Shrotri & Sakshi Tanvar, who is also making her debut in Marathi, through this film. There are 21 classical songs in Katyar Kaljat Ghusli’, which also include few original songs from the Marathi drama.
Swapnil Joshi has an occasion to celebrate his birthday
For a long time there was no news about Swapnil Joshi’s film ‘Friends’. One doesn’t know, whether this film is also a remake of any south film. Because, now days even in Marathi, it has become a practice of making south film remakes. But, one thing is sure that this is the debut film of South film director R.Madhesh. The film stars Sachit Patil along with Swapnil Joshi for the first time. ‘Friends’ starcast also includes actress Gauri Nalawade in lead actress role.
Recently, Swapnil Joshi had an occasion to celebrate his birthday differently, as Poster of this film was launched by him on this day, in the company of the film’s team. Produced by Sanjay Kelapure, Manish Chanda, Prem Vyas, under the banner of Blue Eye Arts, the film will be releasing in January 2016. Kartik Nishandar & Arjun Barhan are also associate producers of this film.