World Theatre Day, let us salute all those great personalities, who contributed to this field.
Since 1961, March 27th is being celebrated as a World Theatre Day. Every year a message, is delivered across five continents, by a prominent international theatre personality. This year, it was by Krzysztof Warlikowski from Polland.
During the olden days, in our country there existed Sanskrit theatre. Hundreds of such plays were written, during ancient times. But, when we started getting ruled by outsiders, the theatre took a backseat. However, during the freedom struggle, our very own village theatre came in handy, to deliver the messages of our freedom fighters to the masses. Marathi theatre too did its bit during this period.
Today, Marathi theatre is considered as one of topmost theatres, in the country, as it has always handled social issues strongly; without compromising on entertainment values. Personalities like, Dinanath Mangeshkar, Bal Gandarva, Prabhakar Panshikar, Dr. Shriram Lagoo, Pu La Deshpande, Vikram Gokhale, Satish Dubhashi, Nilu Phule, Ashok Saraf, Dilip Prabhavalkar, among so many others, come to our mind. And, their contribution to marathi theatre, is considered extensively high. Marathi dramas, like Sangeet Manapaman, Ekach Pyala, Ghashiram Kotwal, Ti Phularani, are a few among plenty others, which have entertained marathi theatre viewers.
Today, majority of marathi audience do support Marathi dramas in a big way, in spite of the invasion of television, rising ticket prices etc. Also majority of the artistes are using theatre, as a training ground ; before moving to television serials and films.
On World Theatre Day, let us salute all those great personalities, who contributed to this field.
‘Kay Raav Tumhi’ to release on 3rd April
One can fall in love at any age. In 1982, we have seen this happen with three senior citizens in popular Hindi comedy ‘Shaukeen’. Perhaps, inspired by this film, Dr.Mrunalini Patil is now ready with her Marathi film ‘Kay Raav Tumhi’, which is now all set to release on 3rd April 2015.
To play the roles of three important characters veteran actors like Ravindra Mahajani, Satish Pulekar & Yatin karyekar are coming together for the first time. When these three friends meet after many years, there is lot of fun in the process. The film also stars glamorous Niyati Joshi, along with Pankaj Dhome and Bollywood actress Shital Singh. Now, it remains to be seen, whether this ‘Shaukeen’ formula works in Marathi ? Over to 3rd April.
Biopic on the life of Gopinath Munde launched
In the recent past there has been a surge of biopics on the lives of great political or social leaders. Movies on lives of Yashwantrao Chavan, Dr. Prakash Baba Amte, Lokmanya Tilak, etc have seen the light of the day in recent times. Then ‘Balkadu‘ was based on the philosophy of Balasaheb Thackarey. Latest to join the list is a new film ‘Sangharsha Yatra’. This film is on the life and times of late political leader Gopinath Munde. Produced by Sandeep Ghuge, Suryakant Baji, Mukund Kulkarni, and Sanjay Singh Suryavanshi under the banner Om Siddhivinayak Motion Pictures the film is being presented by BJP Chitrapat Union.
Gopinath Munde had a humble beginning and started off as a youth leader under the guidance of Pramod Mahajan. He then went on to become Dy-Chief Minister of the state and then a Union Cabinet Minister. He died untimely, in an accident. The film Sanghasha Yatra was launched amidst heavy political heavyweights. Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis launched the film with lighting of the lamp on this occasion. He also gave the ‘clap’ to announce the film.
While speaking on the occasion, he said, “We see heroes in reel life but Gopinath Munde was a Real hero. His life is like a fiction with interesting events. Myself, on behalf of my cabinet and BJP local unit promise any help required during the making of this film.” Mr. Prakash Mehta, Raj Purohit, Raosaheb Danve Patil, Ram Shinde, all BJP political leaders were present on dais alongside Mr. Devedra Fadanvis.
Sharad Kelkar’s name was announced to play the role of Gopinath Munde. “I have been doing a lot of research, watching videos, reading, talking to people close to him, as a preparation for this role , as the film is a biopic,” he stated. At the fag-end of the function Tejaswini Pandit arrived, who was tight-lipped about the role she will be playing in this film. All she said was “I am playing a vital role in the movie.”
Sangharsha Yatra is still in scripting stage and will go on floors within a month or two and the makers want to release this film by year-end.
Pushkar Jog thinks differently for ‘Jabardast-2’
Right from the days, since he was a child artiste, Pushkar has been thinking differently, while implementing his ideas. In fact, he is a creative person, with ample talent. When he made his first Marathi film ‘Jabardast’ , which was directed by reputed director Mahesh Kothare, he also gave scope to other actors. At present, his film ‘Sasucha Swayamwar’ is all set to release next month. But, the way, Pushkar has been promoting this film, as a presenter, it has already created a buzz.
Since he is now ready with this film, Pushkar his planning his own next production, which will be a sequel to his super hit film ‘Jabardast’. For this film, Pushkar has planned its promotion, well in advance. This film will go on the floors from June 2015. But, for that, he has planned to shoot the title song of this film in ‘Ladakh’. Then, he plans to shoot other songs of this film one by one, at foreign locations; so that he gets ready to release his first song officially, through an event.
Music will play the most important part in this film, since the success formula of most of the Marathi films is its music. Other details about this new film, i.e. director, music director and the cast of the film will be announced soon. So, get ready for many more interesting news about ‘Jabardast-2′ . Pushkar plans to release this film in May 2016. And, this speaks a lot about his perfect planning.
Go ahead, Pushkar. Now, you know the success formula.
‘Court’ brings pride to Marathi film industry
Marathi film maker Chaitanya Tamhane is the happiest person in the world. After bagging 17 awards at various international film festivals, his Film ‘Court’ has now been declared as the best film at the national award. So, the Golden Lotus award has been won by a Marathi film once again, bringing pride to Marathi film industry.
Ravi Jadhav’s short film ‘Mitra’ has also bagged the Best Short film award among the National awards won by other Marathi films like ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’, bagging the best children’s film award and Bhausaheb Karhade’s film ‘Khwada’ bagging two technical awards in Special Jury & Best audiography respectively.
The full list of all National awards is below:
Feature Films
Best Feature Film: Court (Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati & English)
Best Hindi Film: Queen
Best Marathi Film: Killa
Best Odiya Film: Aadim Vichar
Best Punjabi Film: Punjab 1984
Best Tamil Film: Kuttram Kadithal
Best Telugu Film: Chandamama Kathalu
Best Rabha Film: Orong
Best Haryanvi Film: Pagdi The Honour
Best Music Direction:
a) Songs – Haider (Hindi)
b) Background Score – Nineteen Eighty Three (Malayalam)
Best Choreography: Bismil for Haider
Special Mention : Ain (Malayalam)
Nachom – IA Kumpasar (Konkani)
Killa (Marathi)
Bhoothnath Returns (Hindi)
Best Educational Film: Komal & Behind the Glass Wall
Best Exploration/Adventure: Film Life Force – India’s Western Ghats
Best Investigative Film: Phum Shang
Best Animation Film: Sound of Joy
Best Short Fiction Film: Mitraa
Best Film Critic: Tanul Thakur
Best Writing on Cinema : Silent Cinema: (1895-1930)- Pasupuleti
Purnachandra Rao
Best Writing on Cinema : G. Dhananjayan for Pride of Tamil Cinema
(Special Mention)
Best Costume Designer: Dolly Ahluwalia for Haider
Best Female Playback Singer Uttara Unnikrishanan for Saivam (Tamil) for song
Azhagu
Best Male Playback Singer Sukhwinder Singh for song Bismil from Haider
Best Actress Queen (Hindi) Kangana Ranaut
Best Supporting Actress: Baljinder Kaur for Pagdi The Honour (Haryanavi)
Best Supporting Actor: Bobby Simhaa for Jigarthanda (Tamil)
Best Actor: Vijay for Nanu Avanalla Avalu (Kannada)
Best Direction: Srijit Mukherji for Chotushkone (Bengali)
Best Film On Environment Conservation/ Preservation: Ottaal (Malayalam)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Mary Kom
Indira Gandhi Award For Best Debut Film Of A Director: Asha Jaoar Majhe
(Bengali)
New Marathi film Court’s first look revealed
We always have an impression about ‘Court’ of justice in India, as we have witnessed all those court scenes in films. In fact, we believe that in all courts there’s typical cross examination as depicted in films. But, in reality the scene in courts, especially lower courts, are contrary to the above notion. The shabby rooms with poor lighting, scattered files with yellowish papers wrapped in red ribbons, might be the outlook and atmosphere.
An upcoming marathi film ‘Court’ produced under the banner Zoo films by producer Vivek Gomber, released its first look recently. This film has been talk of the town at international film festival circuit and has bagged 17 awards so far and still more are expected to add to the tally. Court is the first film in India to have won so many awards , on director’s debut. It’s a record.
The event began with the screening of ‘awards’ the film received and then the trailer was revealed. Writer-Director Chaitanya Tamhane said ‘There are no ‘stars’ in the film. Almost 70 % of the performers are non-actors, who have never acted before. Others are new to cinema medium. Producer and director, are both debuting with this film. Looking at these factors, we were discouraged by many, to make this film and the finance we were expecting never came. But we were determined and went ahead. And frankly it’s like a lottery that we received through these many awards’.
Vivek Gomber, producer, said that as he had done a play with Chaiyanya, he was confident of his talent and went ahead to produce this film alone, due to conviction. Veera Sathidar who plays revolutionary folk singer spoke passionately about the director and opined that he had the idea that this film was going to be something special. Geetanjali Kulkarni, who also compared the event and plays an important role in the movie, thanked her NSD training and theatre experience, which had helped her, during the making. Sambhaji Bhagat, music composer, stated in a recorded message that this was a Common man’s film and will be liked by all.
‘Court’ will release on 17th April 2015
Kumar Sohoni Drama Fest in Thane between 25-31st March
Marathi theatre is considered one of the best in our country. It has always had the backing of solid literature with diversifying subjects , offering variety. The writers and directors never shunned away from social responsibility, while entertaining. Very importantly, they have been receiving the backing of able producers and not to forget the audience and their wholehearted support. Majority of actors, who after beginning with marathi theatre, later switched over to films and television. But, their affinity towards theatre never diminished. They made their comeback to theatre, whenever possible. Ashok Saraf, Laxmikant Berde, Prashant Damle, Bharat Jadhav to name a few.
Kumar Sohoni, director of many successful thought-provoking marathi plays, has given viewers quite a few rationalist plays to think upon, and is respected for it. Starting 25th March till 31st March 2015, Swatantryaveer Savarkar Centre, Thane have organised a drama festival of Kumar Sohoni plays , which will be held at Rangayatan, Thane. It’s a feast for devoted drama loving people.
The festival opens on 25th March with an award winning play Dehabhaan, which earned plenty of awards at state drama competition a decade back. Written by Abhiram Bhadkamkar, the play has Rajan Bhise, Reshma Ramchandra, Pradip Patwardhan, Atul Aaglawe, and Ila Bhate as performers.
Other plays to be staged at this venue are
26th March : Sukhanshi Bhandato Amhi (Chinmay Mandalekar, Dr. Girish Oak)
27th March : Kahani Mein Twist written by Suresh Jairam (Dr. Girish Oak, Prajakta Datar, Saurabh Gokhale)
28th March : JanmaRahasya written by Dr. Anand Nadkarni (Ila Bhate, Amita Khopkar)
30th March : Mi Revati Deshpande written by Shekhar Patil (Mohan Joshi, Ramesh Bhatkar)
31st March : Tya Tighanchi Goshta written by Dr. Anand Nadkarni ( Sharad Ponkshe, Ashwini Ekbote, Dhyanada Panse, Jayant Ghate, Suchet Gavai)
‘Runh’ music launched in presence of celebrities
Miss India Universe Manasi Moghe is not part of new Marathi film ‘Runh’; but, she was invited as chief guest, along with her debut Marathi film co-star Kashyap Parulekar, to launch the music of this film. Produced by Mukund Mhatre and Eknathi Bhopi for Shree Samarth International Films, this distinctive film is directed by Vishal Gaikwad.
Present on the occasion were lead actress of the Narayani Shastri, Rajeshwari Sachdev , who is making guest appearance and music directors Sangeet and Siddharth Haldipur , who are making their debut through this film. Two of their songs were played on the occasion. The film’s lyrics are penned by Guru Thakur and Dr. Ganesh ChandanSheve, while popular singers from Bollywood, Shaan along with Divya Kumar, Keshab Barua , Nandini Sarkar & others have rendered their voices for the songs.
Sad demise of Lokshahir Sable
Krishnarao Ganpatrao Sable, popularly known as LokShahir Sable passed away today evening at his Sewri residence in Mumbai. He was 94. He is survived by his wife, Son Devdatt, daughters and grandchildren. Mr. Sable was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, but was active with his daily routine like singing his favourite songs, whenever he remembered them and taking rounds in the corridor of his house. Born in Wai, in Satara District, Lokshahir Sable was a social activist and took part in India’s freedom movement, besides taking active part in Maharashtra, Goa and Hyderabad freedom movement too. Known for his Marathi folk art, he had written his first ‘Powada’ in 1947. He presented his first folk play on stage in 1960 and since then composed many popular folk songs like ‘Jejurichya Khanderaya’ ,’Vinchu Chavala’ and the Maharashtra song ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha…’
Shahir Sable was conferred with Padmashri by Government of India in 1998. Zee Talkies also conferred him with Lifetime award during their first Comedy awards last year. With his sad demise, has left a big vacuum in the field of Maharashtra’s folk art. MMW offers sincere tributes to his departed soul and convey deep condolences to his family members.
New lead pair of ‘Time Pass’ revealed
‘Time Pass’ is considered amongst the top-line grossers of last year, in Marathi Film world. The odd pairing of, Prathamesh Parab as Dagdu and Ketaki Mategaonkar as Prajakta, was an instant hit with the audience through this film about teenage romance. Towards the end of this film, the director had cleverly hinted about the sequel. Director Ravi Jadhav has kept the promise and is now ready with the sequel, ‘Time Pass 2′. One must appreciate his confidence in the content of the original that he could think of a sequel, before the film was released, as suggested categorically in end-credits.
As Ravi Jadhav has advertising background and expertise, he used it intelligently to create a lot of suspense and curiosity about his latest product, ‘Time Pass 2′ and was successful as a lot of guesswork was going on, as to who will be the next Dagdu and Prajakta. He finally, through social networking site, released a teaser and ended the speculations. The new Dagdu is Priyadarshan Jadhav and new Prajakta is Priya Bapat.
The new pair is equally odd, as the original lead pair and now there’s talk about the on-screen chemistry of Priyadarshan and Priya in the sequel. Time Pass 2 has the backing of EsselVision and will hit the screens on the Maharashtra Day this year.