Artistes of ‘Postcard’ share their experience about the film
Known for his talent and creative work as a director of quality Marathi cinema, Gajjendra Ahirey is all set to release his 45th film – ‘Postcard’ on 25th April 2014. By the way, his previous film ‘Anumati’ had fetched best actor’s national award for actor Vikram Gokhale, besides winning Best Indian film award at New York Film festival. Yesterday evening, Gajjendra along with producers Smita and Vinay Ganu had called for a press conference in presence of artistes of his film, in Mumbai. After releasing the first look of the film, Mr. Vinay Ganu, who presents this film, welcomed the media persons and requested all the artistes in the film, to share their experience about the film. But, before that he welcomed the guest of honour – Veteran film maker Vijaysingh Pawardhan who had come all the way from Sangli, along with his daughter Poornima.
Known for his modesty, Girish Kulkarni, who is playing the lead role of a Postman in this film, openly admitted that it was for the first time he and Gajendra Ahire, had agreed on this script to work together. “In the past, I had always had differences with Gajendra, on scripts, whenever, he approached me; as the writer in me, would never agree to his ideology. But, this time, I was very happy with his script and decided to do this film, with him,” he said.
Mr. Dilip Prabhavalkar, who plays Bhikaji – a poor woodcutter in this film; was all praise for Gajendra Ahire, for making his choice for this role. But, he was all praise for Sai Tamhankar, who is playing the wife of Postman in this film. “I don’t have a single scene with Sai, but when I watched her scenes during dubbing session; I was highly impressed by her performance,” he said.
Mr. Subodh Bhave and Vibhavari Deshpande also thanked the director for attempting something different every time. “In this film, Mr. Ahirey has presented me in a totally different type of role and I am happy about it; as otherwise, I was getting only the same type of roles, which I had done before,” expressed Vibhavari. Subodh doesn’t have a big role, as he plays the husband of one important character Radhika in this film. But, he seemed happy to be part of this film.
Popular Marathi actress Sai Tamhankar, who was the centre of attraction during this function, first thanked Mr. Dilip Prabhavalkar for appreciating her performance. Dressed up brilliantly in black with a new hairstyle, she was wearing a beautiful necklace, adding charm to her striking personality. In her address, she expressed her gratitude to the veteran actor and also thanked the director, for believing in her to perform this role. “I have never seen such a lively press conference before; and I only wish that this happens during all my forthcoming films,” she reacted after the question- answer session.
Mr. Gajendra Ahire, initially thanked actor Kishore kadam, who was seated next to him, for suggesting the most appropriate title ‘Postcard’ for this film. “Kishore, being a good friend, I had narrated the story of this film to him and he liked it very much, except for the original title, which was in my mind. So, he suggested the present title, which was immediately accepted by me. But, I was feeling bad that there was no place for Kishore in this film; as I had already finalised the cast. But, as I progressed further, I found a suitable role for him. Same was the case with Vibhavari. Her character of Lisa kamble was added much later, almost after the film was first screened, at a festival. Such things keep happening, as I am always used to experimenting new things,” said Gajendra.
In this film, Gajendra has given scope to a new cinematographer Yogesh Rajguru, who had earlier worked in his film as an assistant cameraman. Even picturising a ‘thumri’ on Radhika Apte in the film was an after thought; and he thanked choreographer Phulwa Khamkar, for giving her best , in spite of changes suggested at the last minute. The film has three different stories which connect in the life of a Postman, while performing his day to day duty at different places. His wife played by Sai Tamhankar also plays an equally important role in this film; as she is the one, who reads all these post cards (meant for delivery by her husband) and both husband and wife get emotionally drawn into the personal problems of the senders of the letter; be it illiterate helpless old woodcutter- Bhikaji under heavy debt, a soldier James kamble and his daughter’s struggle or Gulzaar- a dancer turned prostitute from a village, eagerly waiting for her husband’s return .
“Postcard’ has already raised lot of hopes, having been critically acclaimed at Goa Film festival and now participating at other international festivals too. So, over to 25th April, at different theatres in Maharashtra, when it actually makes a screen impact on Marathi audience.
Mahesh Manjrekar gives clap for son Satya’s film ‘Janiva’
The official launch of the Marathi movie ‘Janiva’ starring Satya Manjrekar, was held at Raheja Classique Club in Mumbai on the auspicious day of Gudi Padwa. Father of the lead actor Satya , Mahesh Manjrekar gave the mahurat clap. Producers Milind Vishnu and Reshma of Blue Eye Productions and his partner Rajesh Ranshinge and Smran Jain Arvana Productions spoke on their coming together of the team from diverse fields.
Present on the occasion were cast Kiran Karmarker, Atul Pachure, Jaywant Wadkar, along with new comers Vaibhavi Shandaliya , Sanket Agarwal, Anuradha Mukharji, Devdutt Dani . The father-son duo posed together for shutterbugs. Smran Kumar’s friends from the TV industry showed up in full strength to showcase the bonding. Ravi Dubey, Sargun Mehta, Karan Wahi, Neha Kakkar and a host of others. Young kid Sanket who plays friend to Satya in the movie enthralled with his talent of beat boxing and received huge applause.
The film also stars Renuka Sahane, Salil Ankola, Atul Parchure, Kishor Kadam, Usha Nadkarni, Vaibhavi Sandilya, Anuradha Mukharjee & Devdutt Dani. Music by Harshvardhan Dixit and direction by Rajesh Ranshinge are other credits..
Four Marathi films to release together
Come Gudi Padwa and as many as four film makers would like to take the advantage of holidays coinciding with the auspicious day. Sachin Baliram Nagargoje’s film ‘Taptapadi’, which is a period film inspired by Ravindranath Tagore’s story ‘Drishtidaan’ is a musical love story, starring Kashyap Parulekar, Veena Jamkar and Shruti Marathe, in the company of other renowned artistes like Shard Ponkshe, Ashwini Ekbote, Neena Kulkarni, Ambrish Deshpande, Rahul Vaidya, Neha Bam, Madhura Navade, Vedan Kulkarni & Prem Kulkarni.
The film has raised expectations, as there are popular stars with good music and above all a good story. Moreover, the film releases simultaneously in 5 states of the country. Second film ‘Arey Soda Batli Bai’ clearly sounds comedy, keeping in mind presence of Bhalchandra (Bhau) Kadam in the star cast of the film. But, the film’s leading pair comprises of Sanjay Mohite and Vedashri Dali and is set on the backdrop of a village, presenting a social issue, besides a love story. There is a strong star cast comprising of Vijay Chavan, Suhas Palshikar, Kishori Ambiye, Sanjivani Jadhav, Bhooshan Ghadi and others.
The third film ‘Lakshmi Tujyavina’ is also a love story revolving around three characters played by Sanjay Shejawal, Saii Ranade-Sane and Dhyanlaxmi. Directed by Deepak Kadam, the film is being released with English subtitles. The film has special offers for students, as noticed in the advertisement.
Through ‘Asa ha Atarangi’ Makarand Anaspure returns to Marathi films after a long break. Starring with Priyanka Yadav and Vikas Patil, this film is a emotion filled love story directed by Ajit Shirole. Now, it remains to be seen, which film is able to impress the Marathi audience. In the meanwhile, Marathi Movie World wishes Happy Gudi Padwa to all the four film makers.
‘Aajoba’ finds 9th May as release date on screen
The much awaited Marathi film ‘Aajoba’ has finally found the release date. The film will be released on 9th May. Produced by Supreme Motion pictures Pvt. Ltd; the film is directed by Sujay Dahake. Urmila Matondkar who is making her debut into Marathi films, through this film, is playing the role of a researcher Vidya Atre, on whose personal experience in real life, this film is based. In the year 2009, when a Leopard fell into a well while chasing a dog, in Junner , off Pune. He was rescued by forest officials. A lady researcher named him a ‘Aajoba’ and by fixing a chip on his body traced his movements with the help of GPS, after he was released in Malshej Ghat.
The film is an adventure filled journey of ‘Aajoba’, and his trail by the researcher Vidya, played by Urmila. The film presents 29 days journey by Aajoba to cover the distance from Malshej Ghats to National park, cutting across Sahyadri range. This thrilling trail of the researcher was obviously a great experience for actress Urmila Matondkar, in this film; which the Marathi audience will witness on 9th May.
The special effects of this film have been one by Pune’s Illusion and Ethereal, while the music is composed by Saket Kanetkar. Sound design is by Nimish Chedda & Avinash Sonavne. Besides Urmila, the film also stars Yashpal Sharma, Hrishikesh Joshi, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Shrikant Yadav, Om Bhutkar, Neha Mahajan, Ganesh Mayekar, Shashank Shende, Anita Date, Chinmay Kulkarni, Virat Madke and Anuya Kalsekar.
Fun filled Song for ‘Vitti Dandu’ picturised on children
Many traditional Indian sports have taken a back seat, after popularisation of games like Cricket, Football and Tennis among the new generation. But, still we find the films glimpse of some of the Indian sports in Marathi films of the recent past. Forthcoming Marathi film ‘Vitti Dandu’ is set on the backdrop of this original Indian sport, incorporating lot of fun and excitement. Recently, producer Leena Devre, director Ganesh Kadam and choreographer Deepali Vichare picturised a funny song “Khelu Chala Viti dandu….Govinda Govinda…” on child artiste Nishant Bhavsar and other children.
Penned by Shrirang Godbole, the song is rendered by Meghana Mishra on the music of Santosh Mulekar. Actor and writer Vikas Kadam has written the story and screenplay of this film, with the dialogues written by Abhiram Bhadkamkar. Besides the child artiste Nishant Bhavsar Mr. Dilip Prabhavalkar plays an important role of a grandfather in this film. The other artistes of the film are Ravindra Mankani, Yatin karyekar, Ashok Samarth,Vikas Kadam, Mrunal Thakur, Gauhar Khan, Shubhankar Atre, Radhika Devare and others.
Editing by Jayant Jathar & cinematography by Shailesh Awasthi are the other credits.
Sad demise of Kuldeep Pawar
Well known Marathi veteran actor Kudeep Pawar is no more. He passed away at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, today evening, where he was being treated for sometime. Originally from Kolhapur, Kuldeep Pawar had performed as a hero in many hit films of 80s , which comprised of ‘Jhaatyache Jaale’, ‘Darodekhor’, ‘Bin Kamacha Navra’ , ‘Shapit’, ‘Are Sansar Sansar’, ‘Sarja’, ‘Gosht Dhamal Namyachi’ , ‘Ekapeksha Ek’, ‘Vajir’ and ‘Shrinath’, ‘Mhaskobacha Changabhala’ and later performed character roles in many films in 90s and till recently. He was last seen in an important role in the film ‘Sat-na-Gat’.
Kuldeep Pawar also acted in the lead role in famous Marathi detective serial ‘Paramveer’ in 1990, followed by his performance in Hindi serial ‘Tu Tu Main Main’. He had also performed on stage and his performances in ‘Ashrunchi Jhali Phule’ and ‘Pati Majhe Uchapati’ were appreciated by many drama lovers. He also performed in few Hindi films like ‘Doodh Ka Karz’ and ‘Jeet’ .
MarathiMovieWorld.com pays sincere tributes to his departed soul.
Marathi stars attend Diamond Jubilee show of ‘Akhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se’
Launched last year, ‘Akhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se’ Musical programme presented by Nandu Kadam of Sonal Productions has been inviting attention of many music lovers. With a group of 54 people, the show presents all 32 blind singers and musicians on stage to display their enormous talent. Based on the songs of 50s 60s 70s and 80s era, the show is directed by Mangesh Kadam and brilliantly anchored by young popular stage – TV actor Sachin Suresh.
Yesterday evening, the show celebrated their Diamond Jubilee, by inviting some celebrities from Marathi film and television industry. Popular Marathi actor Pushkar Shrotri who was the guest of honour, initially wished the presenter and veteran actor Mr. Ashok Muley and wished the team of ‘Akhiyon Ke Jharokon Se’ all the best. He also appealed to the audience to spread across a word about the wonderful presentation of this talented group. Renowned Marathi actress Amruta Subhash, released a audio CD ‘Sai Ki Pukar’ presented by Sonal Productions and also recited a poem in honour of the singers in the music group. The audio CD has 10 songs in the voices of Neha Rajpal and other blind singers from this group. Music is by Bipin Vartak and the Music arranger is Harshad Jadhav.
Among others who graced the occasion were Sunil Barve and his wife, Sanjay Mone, Shilpa Tulaskar, Megha Ghadge and others. Actress Megha Ghadge seemed to be totally engrossed in this show. She was noticed applauding all the singers, for their performance, including the act of Mimicry artist Buddhaghosh Kasare, who could not control her laughter. While speaking to Marathi Movie World, during the break, Megha said that she was repenting as to why she had not seen this programme before. “When I came here today, I didn’t have more expectations; but, they all have not only entertained me; but also made me think how happy they are in the company of music. Indeed, this programme very inspiring!” she said. Sunil Barve, Sanjay Mone and Shilpa Tulaskar expressed their gratitude to the director of the show Mangesh kadam for presenting this unusual musical show.
The show is being presented by the team of Nandu Kadam, Mangesh Kadam and Ashok Muley, without any sponsor. After watching this programme, it is earnestly felt that the sponsors should come with a helping hand and more and more people should watch this show, to boost the morale of these talented blind singers and musicians.
G. R. Kamat & Shrikant Moghe conferred with Zee Jeevan Gaurav 2014
The popular Zee Gaurav awards 2014, presented by Sunsilk, for Marathi films and Dramas were distributed yesterday late in the evening at MMRDA Grounds at Bandra Kurla Complex. Two renowned personalities are honoured every year during this yearly award function and this year’s beneficiaries were Mr. G. R. Kamat, well known screenplay writer of Marathi and Bollywood films, since 1948; and renowned Marathi actor Shrikant Moghe, who has completed 50 years of acting in Marathi films. While Mr. G. R .Kamat could not come personally, he was greeted at his residence by well known Marathi director Rajdutt. But, his wife Rekha Kamat received the award and citation on his behalf. Shrikant Moghe, had come from Pune to receive his award, in spite of losing his brother few days ago.
Known for his valuable contribution to Marathi and Hindi films, Mr. G. R. Kamat has written screenplay for many hit films like ‘Pedgaonche Shahane’, ‘Lakachi Goshta’ ( In Marathi) had also written the screenplay of ‘Bombai ka Babu’, ‘Kala Pani’,’Mera gaon Mera Desh’, ‘Mera Sayaa’, ‘Pukar’, ‘Do Raste’, ‘Do Chor’, ‘Main Tulsi tere Aangan Ki’, ‘Basera’, ‘Manchali’ ‘Kacche Dhage’ and others in Hindi. Mr. Shrikant Moghe, veteran Marathi actor who began his theatre with late P. L. Deshpande, was praised for his performances in hit Marathi plays ‘Varyavarchi Varaat’, ‘Lekure Udand Jhali’, ‘Garudjhep’, ‘Mritunjay’ , ‘Alexander’ and many Marathi films including ‘Prapanch’ ‘Daiva Janile kuni’, ‘Donhi Gharcha pahuna’ ‘Shevatcha Malusara’ ,’Aamhi Jato Aamchya Gava’ and others. Rekha kamat while receiving the award on behalf of her husband, thanked Zee Gaurav for remembering her husband’s valuable contribution. She said that it was a tribute to his Gurus and the audience who loved his films. Mr. Shrikant Moghe, dedicated this award to his dear brother Sudhir Moghe, who passed away few days ago.
Beginning the event an hour behind the schedule, the Sa Re Ga Ma participants of the Zee Marathi Music reality show, presented a welcome song and then began the awards presentation with technical awards section. Ankush Choudhary and Sai Tamhankar anchored the Zee Gaurav show for the first time, instead of the regular Zee Gaurav anchor Pushkar Shrotri, who was spotted in the audience section. This time, there were no political leaders, except for Abhijit Panse, who was nominated and won two awards, for his film ‘Rege’.
The very first parody presented by well known comedians from Marathi film and television was based on the current political scenario in the country; which was very well presented to generate spontaneous laughter among the audience. It was a well written script, which clearly highlighted the attitude of some of the politicians, always in news. Another batch of artistes performed a skit on few senior citizens gossiping about beautiful girls, at a garden. Umesh kamat and Priya kamat presented a dance based on love, while popular Bollywood singer Tochi Raina presented few songs in the company of group dancers. The huge set nicely decorated for the purpose, was only used well, by the dancers, who performed on Raina’s songs.
In the experimental Marathi plays section , ‘Lejhim Khelnari Pora’, ‘Price tag’, ‘Hijara’ and ‘Tu Aani Mee’ bagged 3, 2, 2 & 2 awards respectively, in different categories; while in professional plays category, ‘The Death of a Conqueror’, ‘Get Well Soon’ & ‘Mr Aani Mrs’ shared the honours; but in the best actor and best actress category Mohan Joshi and Reema Lagoo proved their supremacy. Mohan Joshi , who bagged this award for third consecutive year, declared that he should not be considered for nomination from next year onwards, as he was satisfied with the awards received by him so far.
In the Marathi Film’s section, there were many surprises; but ‘Duniyadari’ managed to bag 4 popular/ technical and two special awards. ‘Avatarachi Goshta’ bagged four awards, while ‘Rege’ bagged 3 popular/technical awards. ‘Fandry’ received 2 awards in the categories expected. But, ‘Astu’ bagged two awards i.e. Best actor – Dr. Mohan Agashe and Best actress Iravati Harshey, in popular categories, giving a surprise to everyone present there. The film was nominated in four sections. ‘Dr. Prakash Amte’ film received the most awaited film award, while ‘Duniyadari’ received the Special Popularity award. But, the best Marathi film award went to ‘Avatarachi Goshta’. ‘A Rainy day’ bagged two technical awards. Shalmali Kholgade received the special award in the ‘Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’ Section, this year, for her progress in Bollywood.
Many prominent personalities from the Marathi television were present on the occasion, including the team of ‘Honar Sunn Mi Hya Gharchi’ and ‘Eka Lagnachi Teesari Goshta’. Dr.Jabbar Patel, Arun kakade, Kamlakar Sontakke, Rajdutt, Mahesh Kothare, Avadhoot Gupte, Kedar Shinde,Ravi Jadhav, Sanjay Jadhav were some of the prominent personalities noticed at the event. Among other popular artistes, Siddharth Jadhav Aadesh Bandekar, Arun Tikekar ( Babaji) Mrunal Kulkarni, Adinath,Urmila Kanetkar Kothare, Kranti Redkar, Meena Naik, Manasi Naik, Hemangi kavi Dhumal and the team members of popular detective serial ‘Asmita’ were also noticed. Ramesh Bhatkar, Vaibhav Mangale, Sanjay Mone, Sunil Tawde, Anand Ingale, Suhas Parajape, Kushal Badrike, Bhau kadam, Supriya Pathare, Hrishikesh Joshi, Sagar karande, Bharat ganeshpure, Priyadarshan Jadhav, Priya Marathe and many other stage artistes, were among the performers.
Sumeet Raghavan to make his film debut through ‘Sandook’
Sumeet Raghavan, who is an established actor on Marathi stage, has also been doing well on Hindi television. He is now all set to make his debut in Marathi films, through Atul kale directed new Marathi film ‘Sandook’.
The film is set on the backdrop of 1940’s era and will be an action filled comedy film. The other two renowned actors who have been signed along with Sumeet are Sharad Ponkshe and Arun Nalawade.Sumeet, who is a childhood friend of Director Atul Kale, agreed to do this film, because of the script, which impressed him.
Vishu Gaikwad, who had earlier made a film ‘Yedyanchi Jatra’ is producing this film. Cinematography by Ajit Reddy, Art direction by Mahesh Kudalkar, Lyrics by Guru Thakur and music by Ajit samir are other credits.
‘Ek Hazarachi Note’ first look released
Producer director Shrihari Sathe who is making his debut as a director, released the first look of his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Ek hazarachi Note’ today afternoon, in Mumbai. This is the debut film of Shrihari as a director, who as a producer has produced two full length English films in USA. These films titled ‘Parvartigo’ and ‘It felt like Love’ were shown at various International film festivals.
‘Ek Hazarachi Note’ which is set on the backdrop of a village comprising of poor people, stars renowned Marathi artistes like Usha Naik, Sandeep Phatak, Shrikant Yadav, Pooja Nayak, & Devendra Gaikwad. The film’s story is written by Shrikant Bojewar, while the cinematography is by Ming Kai Luing ( From USA) and sound design by Thorston Mining from Germany.