Category Archives: News

Marathi stars to perform at the Border

Marathi top actresses

After performing at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, few years ago, now the Marathi stars are all set to perform at the Border, for Maratha Battalion. Between 15 and 19th October 2013, the group comprising of Megha Ghadge, Smita tambe, Smita Shewale, Nutan Jayant, Bhargavi Chirmule, Amruta Khanvilkar, Hemangi kavi, Pooja Sawant, Siya Patil, & Neha Pendse will be at Baramulla, to give a special performance, comprising of Lavani and other dance forms on songs.

The event is being organised by Mahesh Tilekar and choreographed by Omkar Shinde. The troupe will also carry Diwali sweets for the jawans during their visit to the border.

Two new Marathi films to release on 4th Oct

Ramachandra  purushottam

Friday 4th October will witness two new Marathi films, namely ‘Lagna Pahave karun’ by director Ajay kishore Naik and ‘Ramachandra Purushottam Joshi’ by director Ajay Phansekar. With most of the theatres blocked by Bollywood film ‘Besharam’ released on Wednesday; there only one shows at each theatre available for these two films in Mumbai. The position may not be different in other parts of Maharashtra, as ‘Besharam’ has booked more than 4 thousand screens all over the world, creating a new record.

Now, talking about our two new Marathi films, it remains to be seen, whether they succeed in finding more outlets next week; as “Besharam’ has disappointed the viewers, as per the reviews published so far. ‘Lagna Pahava Karun’ has a team of youngsters, with Umesh Kamat – Mukta Barve forming one pair and Siddharth Chandekar and Tejashree Pradhan making another pair. It will be nice to see Mukta after a long time and it will be interesting to see, how her chemistry with Umesh works in this film. Tejashree is already doing well on small screen, with her serial ‘Honar Sun Mee Hya Gharchi’ turning popular. She has already worked with Siddharth in Avadhoot Gupte’s film ‘Zenda’.

On the other hand, we have Ajay Phansekar’s ‘Ramachandra Purushottam Joshi’, which is a film on return of a dead person back to his family, to spend only eight hours granted to him by Yama. The film has graphic presentation on the lines of Harry Potter films, which is something new to the Marathi films. However, the film’s release has been delayed for over 7 years, due to the worst natural calamity in 2006, that destroyed the studio of the film maker. But, in spite of facing this grave situation, the director has managed to reshoot the film and offer the same to the audience. The film is based on director’s own creation ‘Shraddha’ on stage. So, let us wait and see, which film invites the attention.

Film maker Rajiv Patil dies due to heart attack

Rajeev patil

Noted film maker and national award winning film director Rajiv Patil is no more. He passed away due to heart attack today in Mumbai. Rajiv had come into limelight at national level, when his film ‘Jogwa’ won the National award. But, recently, his film ’72 Miles’ which was the first Marathi production of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, brought him name and fame.

Having also made variety of films like ‘Oxygen’, ‘Blind Game’, ‘Savarkhed Ek gaon’, ‘Sanai Choughade’ and ‘Pangira’, he created his own identity of handling any subject with perfection. His forthcoming film ‘Vanshavel’ is all set to release shortly. His funeral will take place at Nashisk – Panchavi tomorrow morning around 9 am. MMW sincere tributes to his departed soul.

Much awaited ‘Samhita’ to release on 11th October

samhita moviestills

Marathi film ‘Samhita – The Script’, which is directed by noted director duo Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar; has created a record by winning two national awards and 20 other awards .The film is now slated to release all over Maharashtra on October 11th. Samhita is produced by Subhash Ghai’s ‘Mukta Arts Ltd’ in collaboration with ‘Ashok Movies Pvt.Ltd’ and it is presented by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar’s film production company ‘Vichitra Nirmiti’.

Music composer Shailendra Barve won the national award for best music direction and the award for best playback singing was bagged by song ‘Palke Na Modo..’ rendered by Aarti Ankalikar – Tikekar at the 60th national awards.

The film is about Revati, a national award winning filmmaker played by Devika Dafatardar, who has visualized a screenplay set in the era of British Raj. The story of which revolves around a king, a queen and a court singer. It is the story of love, detachment, surrender and passion. Interestingly while visualizing the story, the filmmaker’s personal life is intermingled with the visualization. A producer, a writer, an actor and three other women along with the director are in search for blissful ending of the story of their film as well as personal lives. In short, the story of ‘Samhita’ is the story of the filmmaker herself.

The story, screenplay and dialogues of the Samhita-The script is written by Sumitra Bhave and the lyrics are written by Sunil Sukthankar. The music of the film is composed by Shailendra Barve and Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar has sung the songs in the film. The cinematography of the film is done by Sanjay Memane and the film is edited by Mohit Takalkar. The art direction is done by Sumitra Bhave and Santosh Sankhad and costumes are designed by Geeta Godbole and Sumitra Bhave.

The star cast of the Samhita-The script is comprises of noted actors like Devika Dafatardar,Milind Soman,Rajeshwari Sachdev,Uttara Baokar,Jyoti Subash,Dr Sharad Bhutadiya,Dr Shekhar Kulkarni,Sarang Sathaye and Neha Mahajan.

Awishkar’s Drama Training Workshop from 12th Oct.

Awishkar theatre

‘Awishkar’ Group, known for offering many talented stage artistes in the past, will be organising a Drama Training Workshop in Mumbai from 12th October 2013 onwards. To be conducted by Deepak Rajadhyaksha,the workshop is open for the age group 18- 40 years.

Last date for registration is 4th October 2013. The workshop will be held at New Mahim Municipal School,Miya Mohammed Chhotani Marg, 3rd Cross lane, Mahim (West). For further details, contact 9869250654 or 022- 4445871 ( between 6-9 pm).

Film Journalist Dilip Thakur releases his 25th Publication

Dilip Thakur

Veteran Film Journalist Dilip Thakur has completed Silver Jubilee of his books, with the latest release of his Marathi publication ‘Haus Full’ ( meaning of the same in English is ‘Full of Passion’). His previous popular publications were ‘Aadpadada’, ‘Upper Stall’, ‘Cinemachi Vel’ and ‘A- Amitabhcha'; which covered his detail study of film industry for the past 30 years. Mr. Thakur has been covering the Marathi and Hindi films right from their muhurat time till the premiere of these films.

He has been a close observer about the functioning of the entertainment industry, with a lot of legwork research, which enabled him to write so many books. Marathi Movie world wishes him on this occasion to write more and more books, to share his experience with film lovers.

Master Blaster Sachin Unveils the autobiography of Mahaguru Sachin

sachin Pilgaonkar

On the occasion of completing 50 Golden years in acting profession, veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar has summarized his experiences in words, in his book suitably titled ‘Hach Maza Marg’. It may be recalled that 50 years ago, this versatile actor had made his debut as a child actor, through a Marathi film ‘Ha Maza Marg Ekala’. The book was launched by World’s Greatest Cricketer, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. The highlight of the event was the grand presence of Bollywood’s Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan. The e-book was released by the famous singer Sonu Nigam.

‘Suvarna Sachin’, programme organised by Zee Marathi on September 5 at Bhaidas Auditorium, Vile Parle,Mumbai, on the occasion, was a grand tribute to the ever green superstar of Marathi Cinema. The event was supported by the entire fraternity, which has worked with Sachin Pilgaonkar over the years. Prominent among them, who were present on the occasion were Ramesh Sippy, Govind Nihlani, Bappi Lahiri, Rajkumar Badjatya, Jacky Shroff, Kanwaljeet, Singer Shailendra Singh, Sulochanadidi, Ashok Saraf, Nivedita Saraf, Suresh Wadkar, Ashutosh Rana, Renuka Shahane, Mahesh Manjarekar, Sachin Khedekar, Sudesh Bhonsale, Reema, Kiran Shantaram, Mrunal Kulkarni and Varsha Usgaonkar .

While speaking on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar, the king of centuries said, “Sachinji has been enthralling audience for 50 years with his multifaceted talents.” Giving an analogy from cricket he said, “When a batsman has scored 50 runs, the journey to 100 becomes very exciting. The batsman starts predicting the balls, and is only focused towards getting that century. Sachinji has completed 50 glorious years and now the journey ahead is going to be even more rewarding. So I wish him for the best centuries.”

Sachin Pilgaonkar, ha mazha margMr. Amitabh Bachchan said, “Indian Cinema had completed its 100 glorious years and Sachin has completed his 50 magnificent years in it. Which implies that Sachin has been part of half of this journey, this itself is a great achievement and I wish him on behalf of millions of viewers a very best for this grand journey ahead.” Mr. Big B continued his non stop praise for the actor, “He is like my younger brother and I always cherish, when I see him in mounting and rising in every level.”

On this occasion, Mr.Ramesh Sippy, applauded Sachin with a special uncut scene of Sholey. He said, “Sachin is an actor above all things. His style marks a sensitivity that is best reflected through his acting and treatment of films. He is one of those sensitive people, whose work is laced with the emotion and passion. He is a keen observer of the human relationships and his films and entire work reflects the same. He is no doubt one of the most versatile actors of the Indian Film Industry.”

Sachin Pilgaonkar was overwhelmed with this praise showered upon him and moved to tears. In an emotional speech, he said, “This is a golden day of my life. I am dedicating my journey of 50 years to you. Now, my life ahead will be a new chapter for me, of new experiences and new learning . I want to be attached to the camera, till the last moment of my life.”

Marathi film ‘Rangkarmi’ promises tribute to Marathi theatre

sheetal dabholkar

Producer Sumeet Mittal and director Sanjeev Kolte revealed the first look of their forthcoming film ‘Rangkarmi’, which has been made under the banner of ‘Shashisumeet Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd.’ This is a debut film for Sumeet Mittal, who has been in the Hindi TV serial production in the recent past. Addressing the media on Wednesday evening at Kohinoor Hotel, Prabhadevi, Mr. Sumeet Mittal, who had his past background with stage, said that he was highly impressed with the concept of this film, which was narrated to him by director Sanjeev Kolte. “Having attempted in Hindi TV serial production, I wanted to offer something to my karmabhoomi and hence I made up my mind to produce my first film in Marathi,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjeev Kolte made it very clear that this film was a tribute to the magical world of Marathi theatre. “Since my college days, I was associated with Rasikranjan Group at Nagpur; but, when I came to Mumbai, I was fortunate to be associated with well known stage personalities like late Bal Kolhatkar, Prabhakar Panshikar, Suresh Bhatt and many others. Besides working on writing and managing back stage, I also had an opportunity to act on stage. Having seen the lives of some of the back stage artistes, I thought of this script and I am lucky that a right person like Sumeet, agreed to make a film”, said Sanjeev.

The most happiest person was Dr.Amol Kolhe, who is playing the lead role of a stage actor in this film. Amol finds an opportunity to play different characters through his role of Keshav, from popular plays of yesteryears, like ‘Barrister’, ‘Chanakya’, ‘Karna’, ‘Vahato Hi Durvanchi Judi’, ‘Sambhaji’, ‘Othello’ & ‘Moruchi Maushi’. “I really enjoyed the company of of my seniors Mr. Mohan Joshi and Sanjeev Kolte, during the making of this film and both of them helped me to understand the different characters, some of whom I had never seen performing. This film is a complete package of entertainment and I am sure, the audience would enjoy it”, he said confidently.

Sharmishtha Raut, who plays the stage actress in this film, was all praise for the makers, for her selection to play an important role in their first production. “I really enjoyed working in the company of this entire unit,” said Sharmistha. The lead actress of this film Sheetal Dabholkar, arrived late for the function. This is her debut film. Incidentally, she is seen in the ongoing Hindi serial ‘Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam du’ on Star One. Among others, who were present on the occasion were Music director Praveen Kunwar, Dress Designer Chaitrali Dongre, art directors Trupti Tamhane & Deepak Salunkhe. By the way, art direction plays a very important role in this film, as noticed in the first look of this film. Mr. Mohan Joshi, who plays a very important role of Dwarkaji- the make up artist, could not be present for this function.

Sachin Khedekar’s double role in new Marathi film ‘Pitruroon’

sachin khedekar

Indian Magic Eye Motion Pictures are making a film on the original story ‘Pitruroon’ written by Ms. Sudha Murthy. Keeping the same title for the film, they are presenting seasoned actor Sachin Khedekar in double role for the first time. Veteran Bollywood actress Tanuja plays an equally important role in this film,which is to be directed by Actor-turned director Nitish Bharadwaj .

Others in the supporting cast of this film are Suhas Joshi, Mrunal Deshpande and Poorvi Bhave. ‘Swadesh’ fame Mahesh Ane has handled the cinematography of this film,while the music is composed by kaushal Inamdar. The film will be released sometime in October this year.

Music of new Marathi film ‘Dhamak’ launched

Dhamak movie

Producer Suvarna Bandiwadekar under the banner of her C.S. Films, with Rajendra Bandiwadekar, is also directing the film, launched the music of their new film ‘Dhamak’ recently. The film stars Aniket Viswasrao and Girija Joshi in the main leads with Mohan Joshi, Ashok Samarth, Vidyadhar Joshi, Viju Khote, Uma Sardeshmukh, Maushumi Thondwalkar, Girish Salvi, Jayawant Wadkar, Ajay Padhye & Dhananjay Mandrekar in supporting roles.

According to director Rajendra Bandiwadekar, “Dhamak” is a fun filled and youth oriented film, which will appeal not only to the young but also people in all age groups, because of its story and treatment. The film has an item number by Meghana Naidu and a lavani by Mumait Khan.thge stunt scenes have been shot in south style and the re- recording of the songs done in London.

“Saregama” released the music album for this film in the presence of Yojana Patil and Dinesh Bajaj, lyricist Rajesh Bamugde and music director Nirmal Kumar. Padmashree Ananadji was present as the chief guest on the occasion. The songs for the film have been sung by Uttara Kelkar, Poornima, Sudesh Bhosle, Swapnil Bandodkar, Pravin Kunwar and Bela Shende. While Umesh Jadhav has done the choreography for the film, Prasad Bhende has handled the cinematography.