Girish Kulkarni and Ajay-Atul come together for a new offering
Ajay Atul are known for their brilliant music in films like ‘Jatra‘, ‘Jogwa’, ‘Natarang’, ‘Agneepath’, ‘Singham’, ‘Agneepath’ and the recently release’ PK’. Now, this ace musician duo will soon be seen in a new avatar of producers of new Marathi film’ Jaudya Na Balasaheb’ . Further, National Award winning actor and writer Girish Kulkarni, who enthralled the audience with his roles in films like ‘Deool‘, ‘Valu‘ and ‘Pune 52′ , is all set to make his direction debut, through this film.
With other established names from the industry including Poonam Shende of Saarthi Entertainment and the team of Girish Kulkarni, Umesh Kulkarni and Vinay Ganu also joining as co producers of this film, there are big expectations from this film. Girish Kulkarni, who incidentally is the director of this film, is also the writer and lead actor of the film. Producers Ajay-Atul have also composed the songs for the film .
‘Jaudya Na Balasaheb‘ will be a comedy film and lies much outside the genres of Girish’s earlier ventures. The film also stars veterans like Reema Lagoo, Mohan Joshi as well as Sai Tamhankar, Manava Naik, Bhau Kadam, H N Ramchandran, Vibhawari Deshpande and Shrikant Yadav among others. The lyrics are by by Vaibhav Joshi , while Nitin Vaidya is the executive producer of the film.
The shooting of the film is expected to start in February-March . The press conference of this film saw actors Mohan Joshi, Reema Lagoo, Sai Tamhankar, Bhau Kadam, Manava Naik, H N Ramchandran, Vibhawari Deshpande and Shrikant Yadav in attendance. Also present were Umesh and Girish Kulkanri, Ajay-Atul, Poonam Shende and Vinay Ganu.
‘Balkadu’,’Chandrakor’ & ‘Ghumsat’ to release together
With previous Marathi films like ‘Lokmanya’ and now latest released ‘Classmates‘ already occupying major cinema halls in Maharashtra and doing good business, it remains to be seen, how the cinema theatres are going to accommodate coming Friday releases. Luckily, for the past two weeks, no Hindi films with big stars were released. But, Akshay Kumar’s much talked about film ‘Baby’ is also all set to release on 23rd January 2015, leaving limited screens for ‘Balkadu‘ and ‘Chandrakor‘. Unfortunately, the third Marathi film ‘Ghusmat’ could not find theatres in Mumbai. It is releasing in Pune.
‘Chandrakor’ directed by Rajesh Balkrishna Jadhav is a love story, presenting music, songs and traditional Maharashtrian dances. With no big stars, unfortunately the film has to compete with a much hyped film like ‘Balkadu’, which a tribute to late Balasaheb Thackeray, and is expected to pull the crowds. And, if the magic of Balasaheb with the tagline of the film ‘Mee Parat yetoy’ ( I am coming back), really works, it will surely have effect on the earnings of‘Classmates’ which is picking up at present, drawing good response, especially from youngsters.
But, such internal competition, has always been there among Marathi films, with their growing business. Even otherwise, Marathi films made on the lives of well known people, have always achieved better success. But, you never know, even a film like ‘Chandrakor’ may also draw good crowds. By the way, the third film ‘Ghusmat‘, starring Amol Bhosale in the lead and Produced & directed by Rajesh Nimkar has already been appreciated at various film festivals, prior to its release. So, let us wait and see the results by this week end. Because, nobody has been able to predict the mood of Marathi film audience.
‘Viti Dandu’ wins maximum ‘Screen’ annual awards
Every beginning of the year Bollywood witnesses its first appreciation, in the form of ‘Screen’ awards. This year too, was not different. Only difference was, the kind of films, neo-arty-commercial movies, making the mark by bagging many awards. Since this award function, happens in the capital of Bollywood, Marathi movies also get special attention. And,Fandry, Ek Hazarachi Note, Viti Dandu, Dr. Prakash Baba Amte, Rama Madhav,Tapaal were vying with one another.
So, in this year’s Life OK Screen awards, Viti Dandu was the ultimate winner in four categories, Best Film (Leena Devre, Ajay Devgn), Best Actor (Dilip Prabhavalkar), Best Child Artist (Nishant Bhavsar) & Special Jury Award for Cinematography (Shailesh Awasthi). Incidentally, Viti Dandu was also awarded The Most Awaited Film Award by MarathiMovieWorld.Com. In other awards category, Laxman Utekar was declared Best Director for Tapaal and the Best Actress award was bagged by Usha Naik for Ek Hazarachi Note.
We at MMW, sincerely feel that other popular Bollywood awards organisers should also include Marathi Films category, considering the father of Indian cinema being Dadasaheb Phalke. If ‘Filmfare’ awards are given to South Indian films and now films from Eastern part of India, why can’t they think separate awards for Marathi films? Even otherwise, Marathi films are going worldwide, through various international film festivals, besides winning the prestigious national awards.
First look of ‘Razzakar’ released in presence of artistes
The First look of forthcoming Marathi film ‘Razzakar’ was released in Mumbai in the midst of principle cast and crew. ‘Razzakar‘s story, screenplay, dialogues are by captain of the ship, director Raj Durge.
“I have grown up listening about Razakar group from my grandfather and father, who is a freedom fighter, and has seen and been part of Hyderabad Mukti Sangram (Hyderabad Liberation Movement). This is a true story and when I approached Satish (Producer, Satish Pillangwad) he liked it and instantly agreed to make a film.” Said, Raj Durge while speaking about his film. He further added ‘Siddharth Jadhav has done a remarkable job and so has Zakir Hussain , Not the tabla player , but a Bollywood baddie , and Jyoti Subhash, the veteran actress; and yes, Amruta Subhash her daughter.’
Siddharth Jadhav admitted to be ignorant about this part of history. “I play a protagonist’s journey from a commoner to a freedom fighter, and though the subject seems to be serious, we have made it entertaining too”. he said . Zakir Hussain, a theatre person and a Bollywood actor, doing his first marathi film, expressed that language is no barrier, in any art form. “I have been doing Telugu films too and say my dialogues in their language. So, if required, I would have certainly spoken in marathi. But luckily for me, none of my dialogues are in Marathi, in this film,” he said.
‘Razzakar’ is being produced under the banner of Karrm Movies and slated for release on 27th of February, 2015.
‘Yes I Can’ launched with muhurat
Sangita Rao, who has directed Hindi and Marathi TV serials, will now be making her debut as the director of new Marathi film ‘Yes I Can’. The film was launched with muhurat shot on Neena Kulkarni, Rajesh Shringarpure and child artiste Mihir Soni , in presence of chief guest Mahesh Kothare, in Mumbai recently. The film is being made under the banner of Jigvi Productions. Present on the occasion were Adinath Kothare, Urmila Kanetkar Kothare, Harshada Khanvilkar and Yogesh Lakhani of Bright Advertising.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Kothare praised the work of Sangita Rao and hoped that she would do justice to the script of the film, written by Amita Shah. He also wished the entire team. The film is based on the father-son relationship, inspiring the viewers to build self confidence, to move ahead in life. The film stars Rajesh Shringarpure, Mrunal Thakur, Mihir Soni,Neena Kulkarni & Paresh Ganatra in important roles. Music by Akshay Khot, Screenplay by Abhijit Gadgil and Sangita Rao, dialogues by Abhijit Gadgil, Cinematography by Naren Gedia are other credits.
‘Bugadi Mazi Sandali Ga’ music released with 9 songs
After a very long time, we witnessed an eye catching poster of a Marathi film, with leading lady of the film shown in a Laavni pose, that too at the entrance of the hall, where the music of the film was to be released. And, the film’s name is ‘Bugadi Mazi Sandali Ga'; which will be released all over Maharashtra on 20th February 2015. The music launch ceremony was a sweet and simple affair, sans any celebrity for ribbon cutting. Producer, doing a PR job on the occasion, maintained that they desisted calling any celebrity, because they felt the media, press, attendees are celebrities.
‘Bugadi Mazi Sandali Ga’ is a musical, in true sense, as it has three quarter of a dozen songs in it. Out of these 9 songs 6 are laavnis, as the film glorifies laavnis and its performers, because the makers thought that this traditional dance form has been getting a raw deal.‘Bugadi Mazi Sandali Ga’ has 4 music directors, viz. Pravin Kunwar, Babru Bhosle, Sachin-Dipesh, 4 lyricists viz. Baba Chavan, Rajesh Bamugade, Sanjali Rode, Mansingh Pawar, 7 singers, viz. Bela Shende (has five songs in her kitty), Bharati Madhavi, Sanjali Rode, Jasraj Joshi, Urmila Dhangar, Sanchita Morajkar& Vivek Naik. A few songs were screened for the benefit of the attendees. The item song choreographed by Deepali Vichare and performed by Megha Ghadge and Prachi Cheulkar stands out, with fabulous synchronisation of dance moves by the lead as well as background dancers.
Speaking on the occasion, the director of the movie, Mansingh Pawar, who is responsible for story, screenplay, dialogues, lyrics also, said ‘This pre-release function is like ‘sakharpuda’ (ring ceremony) as the ‘lagna'(wedding/marriage) will happen on 20th February. Everyone worked as a team and the result is splendid music.’
The producer, Shhyam Singhania, too lauded the efforts of cast and crew and added, ‘I am a non-interfering producer. We being investment bankers, the experience in discipline, helped to finish the shoot on schedule, with only a day extra due to water logging.’
‘Bugadi Mazi Sandali Ga’ is presented by Von Ryan Entertainment and produced under the banner Ticket Films, has a cast comprising, Manasi Moghe,Kashyap Parulekar, Mohan Joshi, Ramesh Bhatkar, Deepa Chafekar, Ila Bhate.
‘Mitwaa’ music launch draws good response
On a chilly January evening at an open air venue in Mumbai a romantic film Mitwaa‘s music was unveiled. The event was flooded with good response celebrities from Marathi films and Hindi- television. Marathi superstar and film’s leading man Swwapnil Joshi conducted the event with ease and flair .
The event first saw the launch of a 2015 calendar featuring, Lux 9X Jhakaas contest winners. An already released trailer of the film was screened for the benefit of guests. Mitwaa‘s two out of five songs composed by four music directors, are already making waves and the remaining three songs were presented and screened. One duet is composed by AmitRaj which is written by Ashwini Shende and sung by Swapnil Bandodkar and Bela Shende. The other one is written by Mangesh Kangne for composer Pankaj Padgan and sung by Hamsika Iyer. Third one is composed by Nilesh Moharir and sung by Jaanvee Prabhu Arora and Swapnil Bandodkar on lyrics of Ashwini Shende. Remaining Two song are composed by famous Bollywood music director trio, Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Both the songs are penned by Mandar Cholkar and one is sung by Shankar Mahadevan with Jaanvee Prabhu Arora, while another by Siddharth Mahadevan.The three new songs were launched by Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy, one by one, while Shanker Mahadevan sang the title track of the movie garnering good hand from the audience and went on to sing further along with Jaanvee Prabhu Arora. The complete cast with technical team assembled on the podium and after the digital launch, producers (Meenakshi Sagar, Amrit Sagar, Aakash Chopra, Shekhar Jyoti, Nanubhai) and director Swapna Waghmare Joshi unveiled the hard copy of the music.
The big group of celebrities who graced the occasion were Sachin, Mahesh Manjrekar, Abhijit Panse, ABMCM president Vijay Patkar, Ankush Chaudhary, Sai Tamhankar, Sanjay Jadhav, Urmila with hubby Aadinath Kothare, Sachit Patil, Sachin Khedekar, Sunil Barve, Siddharth Chandekar, Manava Naik, Priya Bapat Kamat, Chandrakant Kulkarni, Shrabani Deodhar with daughter Sai Deodhar Anand and grand daughter, Jitendra Thackre with wife, Siddharth Jadhav with wife and his cute daughter, and many Hindi television celebrities including Avika ‘Balika Badhu’ Gor.
Mitwaa , produced by Sagar Pictures, co-produced by PSJ Entertainment and presented by Video Palace and is slated for release this year, on Valentine day’s eve, i.e. 13th February 2015.
‘Ek Tara’ music launched with first look
If it is a music launch of Avadhoot Gupte’s film, it has to be a musical concert. And looking at his contacts with people from Marathi and Hindi entertainment industry, obviously there was a good turn out for this event. Right from people like Sachin Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, producer Lashkaria, Riteish Deshmukh, Suresh wadkar, there was presence of Bollywood music duo Sajid Wajid, and MLA Pratap Sarnaik. By the way, his film ‘Ek Tara’ which is a story of a singer, is all set to release on 30th January 2015.
The film has 13 songs out of which few songs were presented on the occasion. Politician turned Film maker Abhijit Panse makes his debut as a background singer through one of the songs in this film. The film stars Santosh Juvekar in the lead, along with Tejaswini Pandit, Urmila Nimbalkar, Sagar karande, Sunil Tawde, Mangesh Desai and Chaitanya Chandratre. Besides direction, Avadhoot Gupte has provided music to this film, with cinematography by Amalendu Choudhary and art direction by Shailesh Mahadik.
Celebrities throng for first look of ‘Sata Lota…’
With the beginning of new year, promotional activities of marathi movies are in full swing. One such promotion with the first look of ‘Sata Lota Pan Sagla Khota’ (SLPSK) was launched with much of fanfare yesterday evening, amongst loads of celebrities from entertainment world. The genre of the said film is Comedy and it depicted on the podium too, when the cast of the film took stage, to present the first look.
Mrunmayi Deshpande and Pooja Sawant, leading ladies of SLPSK started the proceedings with kid style humour. They were later joined by their heroes Aadinath Kothare and Siddharth Chandekar , who continued cracking jokes like spoilt brats, they portray in this film. Pushkar Shrotri, Umesh Jadhav (choreographer), Rahul Jadhav (DOP) joined them and all joked about the real hero of the film. When director of the movie Shrabani Deodhar arrived on the stage, she continued the mood and added an intellectual flavour to comic act. And we hope, that’s what one will get to see on the big screen.
“I had to give up the outdated techniques and adopt a fresh young approach for this film, as suggested by my daughter Sai and her husband Shakti, who are the co producers of this film,” said Shrabani, while talking about this film. She continued emotionally “I and Deboo (her late husband Deboo Deodhar) wanted to make this movie together. But, he passed away due to cancer. I completed this film as a tribute to him.” The cast along with technical team of the movie was presented before attendees and the first look was released. Later, music director debutant duo Siddharth Mahadevan and Soumil Shringarpure, talked about the film’s music, which was later screened before the audience.
“Siddharth is my son and Soumil is a nephew and both are educated musicians. It’s a great feeling to sing your son’s composition” Shankar Mahadevan, a proud father said. Loads of celebrities from Marathi and Hindi television and films were in attendance, some of them being, Mahesh Manjrekar, Shreyas Talpade, Makarand Deshpande, Yatin Karyekar, Manasi Naik, Deepali Sayyad, Sunil Barve, Sukanya Kulkarni Mone, Pratiksha Lonkar, Shama Deshpande, Chandrakant Kulkarni, Mahesh Kothare with wife and daughter in law Urmila Kanetkar Kothare, Jitendra Thakre with spouse, Phulwa Khamkar, Nitin Ahuja and Ashok Bhushan (producers) and Sai Deodhar Anand and Shakti Anand (co-producers).
‘Sata Lota Pan Sagla Khota’ is releasing all over Maharashtra on 20th February 2015.
‘Balkadu’ music launched in a big way
The ideology of late Balasaheb Thackeray is still practised by many of his followers & well wishers. Now, it will be seen on big screen, through forthcoming Marathi film ‘Balkadu’. Digital poster, trailer, and music of the film was launched yesterday evening at the hands of Shiv Sena chief Mr Uddhav Thackeray in a jam-packed auditorium in Mumbai, where the whole cast and crew was present. Veteran singer Suresh Wadkar who was present on the occasion recalled the love and affection bestowed on him by Balasaheb and his wife, as he wished grand success for the film. ‘Balkadu’ is presented by senior Shiv Sena leader and editor of its mouthpiece ‘Saamna’, Sanjay Raut. “The idea came from Swapana Patkar which got developed into a story and she herself decided to produce the film. kudos to her, because she managed the complete crew, single handedly”. added Mr Raut.