‘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.
Yogini and Padmanabh together in’Cheers Marathe’
Yogini Chouk (‘Superstar’ fame) and Padmanabh Bind ( ‘Shree Partner’ fame) will be seen together in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Cheers Marathe’, which is produced by Arundhati Nilkam and directed by Vijay Nikam. This film which is a thriller with a tinge of humour, was an opening film at the recently concluded Kolhapur International Film Festival.
Besides Yogini Chouk & Padmanabh in the lead, the film stars Kamlesh Sawant, Vijay Nikam, Sandesh Jadhav, Anita Date, Sandesh Upsham, Sneha Raikar, Sameer Penkar, Rajendra Jadhav, Anupama Takmoge, Ramesh Wani, Varsha Dandale, Ram Daund, Raju Tambe, Sunil Jadhav among forty others.
Music by Narendra Bhide, DOP Pupesh Tatkari, Editing Sachin Kanade, Art Sachin Gotad and story ,screenplay by director Vijay Nikam, are the other credits.
Daughter pays tributes to her father through a book
Well Known Marathi actor Anand Abhyankar is no more. Two years ago, the tragic car accident snatched him away from us. But, his good work of supporting and encouraging the people behind the screen and stage, is carried forward by his wife Anjali and daughter Sanika. On 27th December 2014, Anand’s family had organized a function at Prabodhankar Thackeray Auditorium, Mumbai; to felicitate the oldest tea vendor Balu Dada, of Shivaji Mandir Drama Auditorium. It was also an occasion to remember Anand Abhyankar, on his 2nd death anniversary.
On this occasion, his daughter Sanika paid tributes to her father, by releasing a book suitably titled ‘Alive’, written in his memory. This 38 page booklet contains Sanika’s memories about her father and how he inspired her to take decisions in life. Some of the chapters are very touching and speaks about the great efforts taken by Anand to make his family happy. Following the footsteps of her father, Sanika too is associated with Marathi Television and film industry. She had earlier worked in a Marathi TV serial and recently has been working as assistant director to Sanjay Jadhav. She was also associated with him, during the making of ‘Pyarwali Love Story’.
Lifetime achievement award for Ramesh Deo and Seema
Veterans Ramesh Deo and Seema are both big names in Marathi cinema. They were rightly honoured on the concluding day of the Kalyan International Film festival, yesterday. Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadavnis who was present as the chief guest presented the veteran artistes with this prestigious Life Time achievement award, which was the first one instituted by the organizers. Also to receive the same honours was veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal. It was also a great moment for the organizers, as the chief minister in his speech made an announcement that the state Government would support this film festival from next year.
At present, there are only two international film festivals held in the state. The Mumbai Int. Film Fest and the Pune International film festival. So, from next year, we expect Kalyan Int. Film Festival (KIFF) also to be a big event. The organizers of KIFF had made elaborate arrangements to remind one and all about the need of ‘Tent Talkies’ for the distribution of Marathi films, all over the state. Viraj Raje’s forthcoming film ‘Babanchi Shala’ won the best Social film award at this festival. Smita Tambe won best actress award for ‘Candle March’ while Marathi film ‘Jayjaykar won 2 awards and ‘Waghi’ won Sp. Jury mention award. Many celebrities from Film industry visited this 5 day film festival.
Santa Claus Aadinath brings happiness to special children
Avatarachi Goshta is releasing shortly on Boxing Day. A special function was organised by the makers of the film , to celebrate the occasion for special children. ‘Jidda’, is a school for mentally challenged with associated disabilities children, which caters to the development of these children in all directions. Team Avtarachi Goshtawas thoughtful enough to make their contribution towards society by making this festival of Christmas, a special for these special children.
After doing a successful round of film festivals, the film has bagged nine in various categories. Just a few days back they along with Aadinath visited various schools for promotion of this film, to mainly target children audience. At this Christmas party too, Aadinath was at his charming best to make those special children feel at ease and enjoy the Christmas party to the fullest. He tried to become one of them urging them to draw, sing, dance, and make merry. He donned mask of Santa Claus, and distributed goodies, chocolates, toffees, sweets, and gifts bringing glow on children’s faces.
Writer, director Nitin Dixit too was helping Aadinath in his endearing task of singing & dancing. The two child artists, Mihiresh Joshi and Yash Kulkarni, were also seen enjoying the small party with special children and their ‘AadiDada’. The team of Avatarachi Goshta have certainly brought happiness on these special children’s faces and they certainly will keep special memories of this special Christmas in their minds, for a very long time.
“Initially, I was reluctant to do ‘Lokmanya’, as I was scared” – Subodh Bhave
‘Swarajya ha Mazda janmasiddha Hakka aahe, aani to Mi Milavinarach!’ (Independence is my birth right and I shall get it at any cost) These are the famous words every school going child
‘Kapuskondyachi Goshta’ and ‘Dhag’ find entry among World’s best 323
Happy days are here again for Marathi films. Ten years ago ‘Shwaas’ found its selection, as India’s official entry for the Oscars. But now, for the 2015 OSCARS – 87th Academy Awards, two Marathi films namely ‘Kapuskondyachi Goshta’ and ‘Dhag’have been shortlisted among the 323 foreign language films, eligible for nominations.
For Marathi film industry, this is a big news, as more and more Marathi films with new subjects are made. And, for them, this news will certainly an encourage them to attempt more and more films, on socially conscious subjects, to invite the attention of the entire world. Both these films won awards before their release, in different sections; with‘Dhag’ bagging 2 prestigious national awards and one special mention award .
Before the actual awards are presented in February 2015, soon we are expecting good news to hear form one of these two films. If it happens, it will be a golden moment for Marathi and Indian cinema.
Nadiadwalas offer NextGen Marathi film ‘Murder Mestry’
While celebrating 101 years of Indian cinema, we have witnessed quality and superior movies coming in Marathi, with higher box office results. Several Non-Marathi production house
‘IPL’ is not about Cricket; it’s about love affair
Presenting the love affair in a different way, new Marathi film ‘IPL’ is all set to release on 26th December 2014. Produced by Mohan Purohit and Mustaq Ali, under the banner of MRP films; the film is directed by Deepak Kadam. Though the title of the film is‘IPL’,it has nothing to do with cricket. The actual name of the film is the full form of IPL, i.e. ‘Indian Premacha Lafada’.
According to Deepak Kadam, director of this film, the emotion filled love, which is the part of our Indian tradition, is slowly diminishing now days. This is what he has tried to convey through this film. The film has Swapnil Joshi (jr.) and Miss India Heritage Shital Upare in the lead, along with Vijay Patkar and others. Cinematography by Prashant Misale, art by Rugved Ranade, lyrics by Abhijeet Kelkar and music by Ashish Donald and Dev are the other credits.
Kumar Sohoni to revive the play ‘Dehbhaan’
Through a tussle between small screen and big screen, Marathi theatre has managed to retain its viewers. Marathi theatre has given number of actors, actresses, writers, directors, technicians to the entertainment industry. Considered to be no.1 theatre activity in the nation, it has been a fodder to many other language theatres, due to its immensely intense content.
Incidentally, 12 years ago , a play was staged in ‘Rajya Natya Spardha’, which fetched plenty of awards, viz. Best Writer, Best Director, Best Lights Design, Best Costumes and the most prestigious Best Play award. ‘Dehabhaan’. Written by Abhiram Bhadkamkar and directed by Kumar Sohoni , this play will now be revived on a professional stage. This drama will be presented with the same script, same dialogues, as they are believed to be most relevant, even today. Only, due to changes in lifestyles over a span of 12 years, sets, costumes and art direction will go through the required changes. The cast of ‘Dehbhaan’ comprises of Rajan Bhise, Reshma Ramchandra, Pradip Patwardhan, Deepak Kadam, Atul Aaglawe, Baal Bapat, Shaswati Pimpalkar and Ila Bhate. It is being produced under the banner R V Theatres by producer Vijay Manohar. It is slated to be premiered on 20th December2014 at Thane and is expected to be attended by stalwarts from Marathi Theatre Industr