Citylight Marathi Film Fest to offer variety
It is the first year of the forthcoming Citylight Marathi Film Festival, where seven vintage cult films as well as seven award winning new films will be shown for a week starting from June 12 to June 19 at Citylight, which has been equipped with the technology to show films in 4 K resolution. The festival is being organized by Kiran and Sai Thakur under the expert guidance of senior film critic and the brain behind International film festivals like MAMI and Third Eye- Mr. Sudhir Nandgaonkar. Every day there will be two film shows. One at 5.30 pm and the second at 8 pm.
At a press conference held at the venue to announce this festival, Sai Thakur felicitated senior journalists Kamleshwar Nadkarni and Sudhir Nandgaonkar, who have helped selecting the films for the festivals and the sponsors Makrand Vagasthal, General Manager of Kohinoor group of Hotels and Pankaj Kapoor, Marketing head of Reliance, besides Gajendra Ahire, director of ‘Anvatt’ and Shekhar Jyothi, producer.
The festival will be officially inaugurated on 12 June 2014 in the presence of various dignitaries from the film industry at Citylight, with the screening of filmmaker Gajendra Ahire’s latest film ‘Anvatt’, which will be the first film in India to be shown in the 4k resolution technology. The week long Marathi film festival will showcase films like ‘Asthu’, ‘Navri Mile Navryala’, ‘Tingya’, ‘Pinjra’, ‘Jogwa’, ‘Maherchi Sadi’, ‘Shaala’, ‘Umbartha’, ‘Khel Mandla’, ‘Maratha Tithuka Milvava’, ‘Pune 52′, ‘Jagachya Pathivar’ and ‘Rege’, besides a rare short film called ‘Pu La’ on the late Pu La Deshpande, directed by Devhare.
On this occasion, Sai Thakur of Citilight said that their theatre was also planning to have its own children’s film festival in December this year, as it has its own 4 k system installed. While Kiran Thakur said that his son Prasad Thakur had bought Citylight from its earlier owners with the idea of showing Marathi films in a big way and stated that he is proud that Maharashtrians have always created path breaking films at various stages like ‘Shyamchi Aai’, fifty years ago and ‘Shwaas’, which was shortlisted for the Oscars, ten years ago. He also expressed the hope that the first ever effort by Citylight to promote Marathi Cinema which has emerged as a big force to reckon, with all over the globe, will be warmly welcomed by not only Maharashtrians but also non- Maharashtrians, especially in the Dadar-Mahim area.
Sudhir Nandgaonlar applauded the efforts of Sai and Kiran Thakur, for mooting the idea of holding a Marathi film festival for the time and said that till date no theatre has hosted a film festival of Marathi films in Mumbai. He also thanked Gajendra Ahire, for having the confidence to show his film ‘Anvatt’ even before its official release on August 1 this year. Gajendra Ahire said, “With 12 Crore Maharashtrians all over the world today, Marathi cinema has grown not only quantitatively but also qualitatively and the day is not far, when the flag of Marathi Cinema will soar higher with pride.”
New Marathi film ‘Mhadu’ to release on June 6
Based on the short story of a legendary writer Mahasweta Devi, the new Marathi film ‘Mhadu’ is all set to release on 6th June, all over Maharashtra. The film highlights the fundamental aspects and impacts of development on the tribal community ‘Mhadu’ will also mark the debut of popular photographer Sandesh Bhandare, as director and Parimal Chaudhari as a producer.
The story focuses on the degradation of the ‘Korku’ tribe and fundamental changes in their lifestyle. Mhadu also sheds light on the malnutrition and hunger deaths suffered by them. The film enfolds the chain of incidences right from the introduction of railways in India and how it initiated the capitalistic point of view that lead to the exploitation of natural resources.
The cast of the film consists of Sarang Sathye, Amol Dhongde, Rajkumar Tangde, Veena Jamkar, Kailas Waghmare, Padmanabh Bind, Praveen Tarde, Shashank Shende, Devika Daftaradar, Vikas Patil, Ramchandra Dhumal and Atul Pethe. The dialogues of the film are written by Rajkumar Tangde and Pramid Kale. The screenplay has been written by director Sandesh Bhandare himself.
Ajay Kandar and Nitin Kulkarni have written the lyrics of the film while Swanand Rajaram have given the music. Shaunak Abhisheki, Kshitij Apte,Devki Pandit and Sambhaji Bhagar have sung the songs along with veteran singer Suresh Wadkar, who is singing in a Marathi film after a long time. The background score is created by Saket Kanetkar, whereas editing has been done by Apurv Sathe. Pintu Chaudhary and Dhanesh Potdar have done the cinematography of the film.
Animation has been used as a means of telling the story differently. The drawing animation has been executed by Vivek Karandikar. The VFX effects are given by Jitendra Addugula. Sanjay Shukla has performed the role of an Art director while the costumes are designed by Shraddha Kanetkar. Ramesh Bhole is the chief assistant director whereas Yashwant Khoje is the executive producer of the film.
“Marathi cinema has taken a different path. It’s subjects and content are novel and keen on exploring different aspects of life. Mhadu’s subject is very different. This film is not only about a specific tribe or community but also about all those section of the society that are left behind in the process of development.” says Parimal Chaudhari, producer of the film. She further said that ‘Mhadu’, will highlight, how greed for development has triggered the degradation of the environment.
According to Director Sandesh Bhandare, ‘Mhadu’ is not about the tribal and urban conflict. “The film shows how hunger and greed impact our life. In the process of development the gap between ‘haves’ and ‘have not’s’ is widening day by day, due to which many sections of the society are thrown out of the mainstream. We have tried to highlight outbursts of these sections of the society when they look at the people who have everything.”concludes Bhandare.
‘Pahili Bhet’ shooting in progress
After launching their film ‘Pahili Bhet’ last month, director duo Sunil Parab & Anil Shimpi are now busy shooting their film in the natural locations of Vasai, Naigaon and surrounding areas. According to them, the film revolves around two youngsters Dilip and Madhura and the happenings in their life will send across a social message; besides offering an interesting story with good music.
Produced by Dilip Dayaram Gangwani, the film presents a new hero Dilip Kumar with Manasi Naik in the lead. Others in the supporting cast are Arun Nalawade, Milind Shinde, Yatin Karyekar, Savita Prabhune & Shashikant Kerkar. Script by Himani Raj kamble, music by Sanjayraj Gaurinandan, lyrics by Rajesh Bamugde and cinematography by Nana Khedkar are other credits.
“I haven’t produced ‘Bhatukli’ for subsidy” – Sagar Ballary
Known for his out of the box Bollywood films ‘Bheja Fry’, ‘Kachha Limboo’, ‘Bheja Fry-2′ and ‘Hum Tum Shabana’, film maker Sagar Ballary has now produced a Marathi film ‘Bhatukli’, which is due for release on 13th June 2014. Highly impressed by his associate Rohit Joshi’s script, Sagar decided to make a Marathi film and with the help of his friend Hemal Shah. And, that’s how ‘Bhatkuli’ was handed over to young Rohit Joshi, to enable him to make his debut as a director.
On Monday evening, Sagar Ballary and Rohit Joshi had called for a press conference, to release the first look of their film in Mumbai, which was attended by large number media persons and cast of this film led by Ajinkya Deo, who is playing the lead role of a 51 year old, a successful businessman. After watching the first look of this film and the only two songs, it gives an indication that there is some sort of disconnect between the main character Shrikant Deshmukh and his family. As explained by the director, he wanted to explore the world of one such person, who has achieved everything; yet is detached from his family.
Sagar Ballary made it very clear that he wanted to make a good Marathi film and found the one in the story of his associate Rohit Joshi. “I haven’t produced ‘Bhatukli’ for subsidy”, he said. He was highly impressed by the performance of all the artistes in the film.” They are all highly talented and didn’t need retakes. No wonder, Rohit could complete the entire shooting in only 17 days, whereas, for ‘Bheja Fry’ I had taken 19 days,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shilpa Tulaskar, who plays the wife of Ajinkya Deo in this film, was high praise for the story of the film and expressed her gratitude to the producer and director, for finding herself suitable to play this role. Lead actor Ajinkya Deo also praised Sagar and Rohit, for adjusting their schedule and taking some of the shots skilfully, as he was recovering from his eye injury. Kiran Karmarkar who is playing an important role in this film, created some humour through his short speech, appreciating his selection; as he was otherwise branded as Hindi TV and Cinema actor only. “Marathi is my Maayboli and it is always a pleasure to work in Marathi films.” he said. Sunil Barve, who arrived late, refused to speak much about his role; however, apologised for coming late.
Tanvi kishore, Sameer Paranjape and Saieel Shelar who are playing the three children of Ajinkya Deo in this film, appealed to the audience to watch this film in theatres; through their short speeches. They thanked the director for finding them suitable for their respective roles.
Malayalam blockbuster ‘Shutter’ recreated in Marathi
Silicon Media in association with Trends Adfilm Maker’s Pvt Ltd are all set the release their Marathi film ‘Shutter’ by July 2014. Actually, the popular Malayalam feature film ‘Shutter’ is now being made in Marathi. Veteran ad film maker, actor and national award winning director VK Prakash (VKP) is directing the Marathi version of ‘Shutter’. After making several path breaking films in Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi and Hinglish, VKP is entering Marathi cinema through this film. The original Malayalam film was written and directed by the popular actor, playwright and debut film maker Joy Mathew, which was a hit and bagged several awards.
The film is an action thriller and also an intense social satire. The film portrays unexpected incidents happening in 24 hours, within four people. This suspense thriller has popular artists like Sachin Khedekar, Sonalee Kulkarni, Amey Wagh, Prakash Bare, Jaywant Wadkar, Radhika Harshe, Kaumudi Walokar, Kamlesh Sawant and others. Highlight of the film is that Lead vocalist Rohit Raut of the band ‘GUST’ will be performing on screen with his band as a part of the movie sequence.
Produced by Sajeev MP and Prakash Bare, Supervising Producers Dipak Sharma and Suresh Pai, Screenplay and Dialogues by Manisha Korde, the film’s Director of Photography (DOP) will be KK Manoj, Editor Bhakti Mayaloo, whereas music is manned by Pankaj Padghan on the beautiful lyrics of Mangesh Kangane & Ashwini Shende. Costume is by Liji Preman.
Marathi Box Cricket League to be played at Lavasa
Maharashtra Kalanidhi have organised Marathi Box Cricket league (MBCL) at Lavasa on 28th and 29th May 2014. Announcement about this tournament was made in Mumbai, recently. There will be eight teams participating in this event with the names like ‘Mast Pune’, ‘Dashing Mumbai’, ‘Phataka Aurangabad’, ‘Shiledar Thane’, ‘Shoor Kolhapur’ , ‘Classic Nashik’, ‘Kohinoor Nagpur’ & ‘Ratnagiri Tigers’. And, those who own these teams are : Ms. Poonam Shende, Amey Khopkar, Pankaj Jain, Uttung Thakur, Amar Patil, Ankit Magre, Pankaj Bhoir & Sushant Shelar respectively.
According to the organisers, every team will have a female artiste and there will be Marathi celebrity participants like Mahesh Manjrekar, Medha Manjrekar, Chandrakant Kulkarni, Neha Pendse, Sanjay Jadhav, Subodh Bhave, Kranti Redkar, Manva Naik, Amruta Khanvilkar, Siddharth Jadhav, Poorva Pawar, Ajit Parab, Shashank ketkar, Vishal Inamdar and others.
‘Bheja Fry’ director Sagar Ballary turns producer with ‘Bhatukali’
After directing his very first Hindi film ‘Bheja Fry’, writer-director Sagar Ballary is now entering into Marathi film industry in a different role. Sagar, under his own banner ‘Flower Film Family’ has produced his first Marathi film ‘Bhatukali’.
‘Bhatukali’ is a popular pass time game of children in Maharashtra, in which children assume role of elders in the house and carry out all the functions in exactly the same manner as that of their elders. They create their own family, own house, own relationships. The film tells the story of one such man who is immensely successful in his business, is surrounded by his family members who love him, yet there is something amiss. There is some sort of a disconnect between him and his family.
The film stars Ajinkya Deo, Shilpa Tulaskar, Smita Talvalkar, Sunil Barve, Shashank Shende & Kiran Karmarkar. New artistes Tanvie Kishore, Sameer Paranjpe and Saieel Shelar are making their debut. The film also marks the directorial debut of Sagar’s long time associate Rohit Joshi; who has also written the film. The music has been composed by Jasraj, Saurabh and Hrishikesh while the cinematography of the film has been captured by the man behind many award winning commercials Bijitesh De.
Commenting upon his debut in the Marathi film industry, Sagar says, “There are only two kinds of films – good films and bad films. ‘Bhatukali’ was made keeping this in mind, not keeping in mind linguistic barriers and budgets. It is our company’s first film and we have ensured to give it nothing but the best within our capabilities.”
Debutant writer-director Rohit Joshi says, “In today’s materialistic world, people have become more practical and emotions have taken backseat. I wanted to explore the world of one such person who has achieved everything, is surrounded by his family yet is very detached from it. It is a story of all of us, not just of that one person.
‘Bhatukali has been produced under the banner of Flower Film Family Pvt Ltd. which is a joint venture between Sagar Ballary and Hemal Shah, is slated to hit theatres on June 13th 2014.
Science fiction ‘Welcome to Jungle’ released
Who says that there are no Marathi films for children, this vacation? Marathi’s first science fiction film ‘Welcome to Jungle’ is released this Friday (23rd May) all over Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Marathwada. The film is set on the backdrop of a science laboratory housed in a dense forest and the happenings that follow, are unfolded in a mysterious manner, through the screenplay of the film.
According to the makers, 40% of the film is based on special effects, making an impact of the science fiction through the screenplay . Produced by Nitin Kulkarni and directed by Sanjay Jadhav , the film stars newcomer Devendra along with actress turned politician Deepali Syyed. Milind Shinde plays the lead important character , in the company of other artistes like Ruchita Jadhav, Tejashree Khele, Nitin Kulkarni, Dadu Ganesh Mayekar,Anil Rabade and Vijay Chavan. Highlight of the film is that actor-director Mahesh Kothare will make a special appearance in this film. Lyrics by Nitin Kulkarni & Jai Atre and music by Aishwary Malgave are other credits.
Music director Anand Modak is no more
Well known music director of Marathi films Anand Modak is no more. He passed away in Pune, today afternoon. Anand Modak had not only given music to Marathi films; but, had also composed music for some of Bollywood films like ‘Army’, ‘Bandish’ and ‘Disha’. Some of the recent Marathi films for whom he had composed the music, were ‘Dhoosar’, ‘Dambis’, ‘Aarambh’ & ‘Masaala’. Very recently, he was seen at the music release and first look of Jabbar Patel’s Marathi film ‘Yaswantrao Chavan – Bakhar Eka Vadalachi'; having composed music of that film. He was also felicitated by Mr. Sharad Pawar, during that function.
The news of his sudden death has shocked many artistes and his friends from Marathi entertainment industry. Many of them have displayed their condolence messages on social networking sites.
Pradeep Kabre grooms new acting talent
Veteran actor Pradeep kabre has kept himself active, offering training to youngsters and grooming them to be part of Marathi stage. Recently, he along with Sambhaji Sawant and Prasad Mestry, had organised a Drama training workshop, under the banner of Aarti Arts. The three week long workshop, which concluded on 16th May, offered complete training related to stage performance, also helped the trainees to develop their personality.
Mr. Kabre also felicitated the best students from the batch, in presence of actress Reshma Merchant, who was invited as a guest on the concluding day of the workshop. The participants who received appreciation were Sonal Ambavkar, Manali Jadhav, Chinmayee Paradkar, Khushi Merchant, Vishakha More, Sachin Kotulkar, Chaitanya Sarpotdar, Sumedh Sonavne, Sagar Gunjal & Manav Merchant.