All you wanted to know about award winning film ‘Dhag’.
Not all the films become the topic of discussion among the film lovers, before its theatre release. Latest Marathi film ‘Dhag’ prior to its official release, not only received critical acclaims at few International film festivals held during past few months; but, has also bagged prestigious awards, including the Natinal award for Best actress( Usha Jadhav) , best director(Shivaji Lotan Patil), and special Jury mention for child actor Hansraj Jagtap. Incidentally, the film has bagged 6 awards at the Ma Ta Sanman, including the best Marathi film award.
‘Dhag’ is a path breaking Marathi film, which revolves around a 13 year old boy Krishna, living in a village with his father Shripati( who runs a crematorium),mother Yashoda, a housewife, old Grandmother and a younger sister. Krishna is not interested to continue the family tradition of managing a crematorium and hence studies at a village school. He does a part time job at a juice centre, besides studying in school. But, the remarks from his teacher about his family’s profession, forces him to drop out of the school.
The family is solely dependent on the money earned during the last rites performed and hence, when there are no deaths in village, Shripati has to find some work at his friend- Mangya’s workshop. But, his dues are pending as his friend’s wife is also ill and bed ridden. One day, Shripati dies of snake bite and the whole family is shattered. Mangya takes care of the family; but, Krishna and his mother are hesitant to accept his help Krishna’s grandmother also warns her daughter in law about Mangya’s intentions of being generous. Krishna listens to their discussion and he realizes that without joining the same old traditional job, he can not help his family. So, he steps into his father’s shoes; and also continues attending school for a better future.
The film is very realistic and thought provoking. Marathi Movie World spoke to the producer and director to congratulate them and to know more about making of this film. Producer Vishal Pandit Gavare was more than happy to talk about making of this film. “When I heard the story of this from Shivaji Lotan Patil, I was very happy, as the kind of subject I always wanted to make a film, was there in this story. So, we decided to go ahead with selection of artistes. Since in this film the story revolves around a teenager, we took auditions in Mumbai. Finally, we were very much impressed with this boy from Beed, who had some local acting background at his native town. This is his debut film.” he said.
Mr. Shivaji Lotan Patil, was all praise for the producer, who he felt understood what he wanted to make. “It was my luck that I found the right person in him. Thereafter we worked on screenplay with the help of Nitin Dixit and managed to present what exactly I wanted. Today, I am glad that the film has been receiving compliments from well known personalities besides winning awards, before its official release. I am also glad that the boy has performed exceptionally well, besides good performances from other artistes.” said Mr. Patil.
Having already spoken to the award winning actress of this film and having carried her exclusive interview, we just congratulated her, as we had anticipated her to win many awards for her outstanding performance. But, we could not resist the temptation of speaking to the teenager Hansraj, who has played the central role of Krishna in this film. It was his last day of the school, when we first called him over phone. But, the hard working boy from Beed, told us that he was thankful to the director, assistant director and all the artistes for encouraging him. Hansraj has won the Ma Ta Sanman for Best child actor and has also received Sp. Jury mention at the National awards.
Now, the film is expected to be released in theatres in May 2013, according to the producer of this film. So, don’t miss it. Even children should watch this film, to understand the living conditions of the poor, living in villages.
Grand Music launch of ‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata’
Actress turned director Mrinal Kulkarni proved that she was not only a successful actress but also a good host. On Wednesday late evening, she was the happiest person to find the capacity packed Grand Imperial Banquets at Andheri, with the presence of entire cast and crew of her film, besides media persons and special invitees; to wish her on the occasion of music release and first look of her forthcoming Marathi film ‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata’. Mrinal paid personal attention to each and every invitee, with her cheerful face.
With such a lengthy title of the film, there was a lot of curiosity to know the theme of this film. So, Mrinal herself being the story writer of this film, besides acting and directing it, made it very clear that it was a work of fiction. “I just wanted to elaborate on the close relationship between love and marriage, in the context of three different generations,” she said.
Her speech during this function was filled with humour citing relevant examples to define love , clearly proved that she was a grand daughter of the greatest author G. N. Dandekar. Mrinal performed the muhurat of this multi-starrer film during last March and was able to complete it within an year, which also indicated that she was a good administrator. Realising the importance of the occasion, she gave due credit to Music director Milind Ingale, his young son Surel Ingale, who had composed one song and also the lyricist Saumitra (Kishor Kadam). Before the release of Music CD, which has total three songs from this film, she also requested the singers Ravindra Sathe, Bela Shende and Milind Ingale to give live performance by singing the two songs before the audience.
Finally, she offered a surprise, while revealing the first look of the film, which showed the title song rendered in the voices of all stars of the film – Sachin Khedekar, Sunil Barve, Pallavi Joshi , Neha Joshi, herself and other child artistes. Maharashtra Cultural Minister Mr. Sanjay Devtale was the chief guest of the function and released the music CD. Other dignitaries from Marathi film industry who were present in large number, were Film maker Prakash Bhende and his actress- wife Uma Bhende, Co-producers of the film Pravin & Kaushal Thakkar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Pallavi Subhash, film maker kanchan Adhikari, Vijay Kondke, Tushar Dalvi, Bollywood actor Pankaj Dheer, Sanskruti Kala Darpan President- Chandrashekhar Sandve , Shrabani Deodhar and others.
The film is due for release on 19th April 2013 and has a big star cast comprising of Sachin Khedekar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Pallavi Joshi, Sunil Barve, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Smita Talwalkar, Suhas Joshi, Neha Joshi, Siddharth Chandekar, Rasika Vaze and others. Amlendu Chaudhary is the cinematographer of this film, while the technical director is Ankur Kakatkar. The dialogues of this film are written by Manisha Korde and editing by Shankh Rajadhyaksha. The film is produced by Sachin Parekar and co-produced by Kaushal Pravin Thakkar.
Big reality shows in Pipeline on Marathi television
Popular TV channel ETV Marathi have announced the launch of ‘Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati’, a Marathi version of the successful game show ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’, best known in India as ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.
Already exploited by Star India for its South Indian regional channels, KBC will now move to ETV Marathi. ETV Marathi has got the production and broadcast rights from format owner Sony Pictures Television and has partnered with Big Synergy to produce it on a “never-before-seen scale of participation and grandeur for Marathi viewers”.
‘Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati’, set to go on air in summer of 2013, is dedicated to the Marathi viewers, who are educated and up-to-date on the latest happenings in India and the world. The show draws inspiration from ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ and stands for power of knowledge and education. It will offer an opportunity for all Marathi-speaking people to exercise their knowledge and possibly change their destiny through their participation in arguably the most successful game show ever.
Another big news is about the Marathi version of ‘Big Boss’. Many of us have already familiar with the popular Hindi serial “Big Boss” which was famous for gossips, scheming, mock arguments and fun. The serial is now being produced in Marathi by the duo comprising of actor-producer Ritesh Deshmukh and Nitesh Rane, Chairman of Swabhiman Sanghatna. Till now, the controversial serial has also appeared in other regional languages. Talks are being held with Vicom for obtaining production rights of the programme in Marathi. The programme host will be actor Ritesh Deshmukh himself.
While talking about Big Boss Mr. Nitesh Rane, said “For a long time, it has been my wish to produce the programme in Marathi. When I discussed it with Ritesh, he too liked the idea. We are now jointly executing the programme. However our version in Marathi will not be as controversial or objectionable like its parent version in Hindi”. He further claimed that the serial will bring a new life to the world of Marathi entertainment. Popular Actors, sportspersons as well as politicians will participate in the serial.
The well known names in Marathi Film/Television industry such as Sachin-Supriya Pilgaonkar, Avinash-Aishwarya Narkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Nirmiti Sawant, Avadhoot Gupte, Bharat Jadhav, Pandharinath Kamble, Bharat Dabholkar are being considered for the serial.
Marathi flag flies high at National Awards
Marathi artistes and Marathi film makers have brought pride to Maharashtra by winning the major awards at the 60th National awards announced today. This clearly proves that Marathi artistes are talented and the new directors are attempting something different to invite the attention of the country and also receiving acclaim at international film festivals. Can we now expect a change of taste in Marathi audience?
Now, the good news is that Marathi artistes have won awards in three major categories; i.e. Best actor- Vikram Gokhale ( who has shared this award with Irrfan Khan) for his performance in ‘Anumati’. Best actress award is bagged by Usha Jadhav for her outstanding performance in ‘Dhag’ and for the same film Shivaji Lotan Patil bagged the best direction award . To add one more feather in the cap of ‘Dhag’ child actor Hansraj Jagtrap has bagged special award.
Aarti Anklikar Tikekar has bagged the best Playback Singer’s award for film ‘Samhita’ and for the same film Shailendra Barve has bagged best Music director’s award. . This has certainly set Marathi flag fly high at the National level. Marathi film ‘Investment’ was declared the Best Marathi film for the year 2012.
All these three Marathi films are yet to be officially released in theatres; but their release at various festivals has already received acclaim from the Jury and critics . Marathi film ‘Dhag’ had already received 7 nominations at Ma Ta Sanman award and we understand that Usha Jadhav has bagged Best actress award there too. Marathi Movie World was quick enough to interview Usha on the eve of the award, after watching her film ‘Dhag’ at the festival. She was also declared the ‘Star of the Month’ honour by Marathi Movie World.
First look of ‘Yeda’ revealed
He made is debut as a director through a mystery filled Marathi film ‘Sa Sasucha’ two years ago. Now, Kishore Pandurang Belekar is all set to release his second film ‘Yeda’ on the auspicious Ram Navami day i.e. 19th April 2013. On Wednesday evening he revealed the first look of this film to the Press representatives in presence of the artistes of this film. The highlight of this film is that Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana, known for his portrayal of dangerous characters in films like ‘Dushman’ and ‘Sanghrash’, is playing an eccentric central character of Appa Kulkarni in this film.
Veteran Marathi actor Satish Pulekar, who plays an important character in this film, was all praise for Ashutosh Rana, not only for his performance but for his sincerity in dubbing his own dialogues in Marathi. “In fact, he made it clear at the time of accepting this role that he would dub his own dialogues in Marathi. And he has really worked hard on his dialogue delivery with the help of the director and dialogue writer and one of the producers- Girish Salvi,” he said.
However, when Ashutosh spoke on this occasion; he preferred to speak in Hindi. He thanked the entire team for their excellent team work and thanked Kishore Belekar for considering him for the role. Others who spoke on the occasion were Aniket Vishwasrao,Pradnya Shastri and one of the producers- Satish More. Actress Kishore Shahane arrived almost at the end of the press conference; as she was held up in the heavy traffic jam in Mumbai, due to pipeline burst in Bandra.
The film’s first look clearly indicates that Ashutosh Rana is now all set to send chill down the spines of Marathi audience, with his terrifying psychic character of Appa Kulkarni. It has however received ‘A’ certification from Censors. The film’s release however coincides with release of other 2-3 Marathi films like ‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata’ and ‘Touring Talkies’.
When asked to comment on this issue, Mr. Belekar said that his production was the first to book the date, six months ago; but, Yeda Marathi Film
others also booked for the same day later. “We were the first to issue advertisement in newspapers, about our release date, much in advance. There is some significance behind releasing this film on this auspicious day. Therefore, we even spoke to other producers, to avoid clashing of dates and availability of sufficient theatres. But, it didn’t work. In fact, there are two Fridays during the following month, when there are no Marathi Movies being released,” he concluded.
By the way, Kishore Belekar has received good response from Inox Multiplex and the film will be released at all Inox theatres, besides other theatres. Moreover, the first look of the film will be shown along with Bollywood film ‘Himmatwala’ at these theatres.
Pandit Damle takes you down memory lane…
Son of Vishnupant Damle, the founder of Prabhat Film Company, Vasantrao alias Pandit Damle has a lot to say about the good and bad days of Prabhat Film company. He was only one year old, when his mother laid the foundation stone of Prabhat Film Company on 1st June 1929. But, when Prabhat Film Company shifted to Pune ( where presently the Film & television Institute of India is housed) Pandit Damle first stepped into the studio holding the hand of his father in 1933.
Later as a child actor, he acted in few Prabhat films; prominent among them were ‘Sant Tukaram’ and ‘Kunku’. Since then, Pandit has been a witness to the historical moments of Prabhat. He has seen the best and worst days. Luckily for him, being qualified as an Aircraft Engineer, he found a job with Air India and then shifted to Mumbai’s Shivaji park area. In 2004, during the 75th anniversary of Prabhat Film Company, he wrote his book ‘Prabhat Samayo Patala…’ which is the collection of some memorable moments penned by him.
The book describes the journey of Prabhat Film Company, right from its inception; with all the details on how his father and Fatelal united with the help of SitaramPant Kulkarni to produce films, which were distributed by Baburao Pai from Mumbai. After V. Shantaram joining them, Pandit Damle has described his association with V.Shantaram and the significance of his scene in the film ‘Kunku’, as a child actor. He has recalled the day, when V.Shantaram saw a German film ‘Blue Angle’ at the preview theatre of their studio. “Mr. Shantaram was so inspired by the theme of this film that he decided to make a desi version in the form of ‘Pinjara’, which turned out to be a hit film,” he says.
We are all aware that Prabhat Film Company offered opportunity to many Bollywood artistes, who later attained popularity. Pandit Damle has narrated the incidence of Dev anand getting his first assignment with Prabhat Company with a sizable monthly salary of Rs.400/- those days. He has also described the arrival of Pran, Rehman Guru Dutt, Sapru, Kamar Jalalabadi and others in the Prabhat camp and has shared their interesting memories. He had also spoken about the time he lost his father and how his elder brother took the responsibility.
Through this book, it was possible to understand the thoughts of Pandit Damle, who at 84 today is unable to hear. During our visit to his place, his wife Neela Damle (daughter of late Madhav kale, a former actor during 30s and 40s) was more vocal on his behalf, making a suggestion to us to write down the questions on a slate for him. And, Panditrao obliged, taking us down memory lane. He recalled his role as Mhadya in ‘Sant Tukaram’ which was India’s first entry at the Venice Film festival and which also received. He explained how Baburao Pai began the work on Lintas Ad Films, his personal association with MacGill of Lintas, Raj kapoor and other foreign dignitaries, who visited Prabhat Studios, prior to independence.
Today, he is happy that the members of the Damle family have come together to institute the Prabhat awards from this year, with a Film festival coinciding with Prabhat’s anniversary. It was a pleasure meeting Vasantrao alias Panditrao at his Shivaji park residence and hearing from him the memories of Golden days of Prabhat Films. But, his book is more expressive while narrating the good old days of Prabhat.
‘Kohinoor – Ma Ta Sanmaan’ Trophy unveiled
The Kohinoor- Ma Ta Sanmaan nominations 2013 have been announced. On this occasion, the Trophy for these prestigious awards for Marathi Films, drama and TV serials, was unveiled at Hotel Kohinoor Continental on Sunday 10 the March late evening. Mr. Kiran Shantaram, who was the chief guest on the occasion completed the formality along with Aadesh Bandekar. Many prominent personalities from Marathi entertainment industry like Mahesh Kothare, Kanchan Adhikari, Vijay kadam, Pushkar Shrotri, Sunil Barve and most of the nominees were present.
The nominations for the main categories are as follows:
Films :
Best Film: 1) Balak palak 2) Tukaram 3) Dhhag
Best Direction: Rravi Jadhav (BP) 2) Chandrakant Kulkarni( Tukaram), Shivaji Lotan Patil ( Dhhag)
Best Actor: 1) Jitendra Joshi 2) Padmanabh Bind 3) Girish Kulkarni( Masala)
Best Actress: 1) Usha Jadhav (Dhhag), Amruta Subhash ( Masala) , 3) Shweta Salve ( Kurukshetra)
Best Supporting actor : 1) Upendra Limaye ( Dhhag)2) Dr.Mohan Agashe( Bharatiya) 3) Chinmay Udgirkar ( Shyamche Vadil)
Best Supporting Actress: 1) Veena jamkar ( Tukaram) 2) Pratiksha Lonkar ( Mokala Shwaas), Mrunmayee Deshpande ( Mokala Shwaas)
Television :
Best TV Serial :1) Kaalay Tasmay Namah 2)Gunda Purush Dev 3) Lakshya
Best Actor : 1) Mohan Joshi ( Gunda Purush Dev) 2) Nagesh Bhosale( Devyani) 3) Sanjay Mone( Aabaat Goad)
Best Actress:1) Khushboo Tawde ( Ek Mohor Abol) 2) Smita Shewale ( Kaalay tasmay Namah) 3) Aditi Saragdhar ( Lakshya)
Drama ( Commercial) :
Best Drama: 1) Bechaki 2) Tom aani Jjerry 3) Proposal
Best direction: 1) Nikhil Ratnaparakhi( T AJ) 2) Rajan Tamhane( proposal) 3) Nandu Madhav( SUIBM)
Best Actor: 1) Nikhil Ratnaparakhi ( TAJ) 2) Angad Mhaskar ( GB) 30 Prasad oak ( Bechaki)
Best Actress: 1) Aditi Sarangdhar ( Proposal) 2) Kadambari kadam ( TAJ) 3) Amita Khopkar ( VC)
Drama( Experimental)
Best Drama : 1) Alibaba aani Chalistale Chor 2) Chitragoshti 3) Adgal
Photo: Kiran Shantaram and Aadesh Bandekar unveiling of Trophy.
‘Premsutra’ stars interact with students
Ideally set on the backdrop of scenic Goa, new Marathi film ‘Premsutra’ is a love story directed by Tejas Vijay Deuskar under the banner of Kshitij Entertainment.To promote this film, the lead stars of this film Sandeep Kulkarni and Pallavi Subhash interacted with students of Somaiya College, Vidyavihar. Actually, the producer of this film Mr.R. Parmar had organised a completion on the occasion of Valentine’s day and the winners were to be presented with gifts on this occasion.
The film also has other well known artistes like Shruti Marathe, Lokesh Gupte, Shishir Sharma, Ila Bhate, Shubha Khote, Prasad Pandit, Pradeep Athavale and others. Based on the concept designed
by Sandeep Kulkarni, the script of the film has been expanded by Prasad Mirasdar and Tejas Deuskar with dialogue support coming from Mahendra Teredesai. Film’s music has been composed by Susmit Limaye with editing work done by Apoorva Motiwale and Asish Mhatre.
The film revolves around Anand, a young Manager of a Corporate House posted at a Goa project, where he meets a simple nature loving local catholic Girl Sania. It’s all about their love story. The film is set for release on 12th April 2013.
‘Tuhya Dharma Koncha’ to release on 15th March
After presenting sensible film like ‘Gabhricha Paus’, director Satish Manvar is all set to release his next film ‘Tuhya Dharma Koncha’ on 15th March 2013, under the banner of Indian Magic Eye Motion Pictures & Sprint Art Creations. The realistic subject of the film is committed to a social cause .
Mr. Satish has shouldered the responsibility of script besides direction, which stars talented artistes like Upendra Limaye, Vibhavari Deshpande, Kishore Kadam in important roles; along with Suhas Palshikar, Shashank Shende, Umesh Jagtap, Shantanu Gangane,Gauri Konge, Rahul Medhekar & Suhas Shirsat.
There are total 4 songs in this film on the music of Dattaprasad Ranade, who had also composed music of ‘Gabhricha Paus’. Editing by Suchitra Sathe, Cinematography by Parikshit Warior, Sound by Dhananjay Sathe are other credits.
‘Maat’ shooting complete; now at editing stage
After completing the entire shooting of the film ‘Maat’, Producer Manali Sawant and director Manohar Sarvankar have now taken the film on the editing table, where editor Anil Thorat is busy doing his job. The editing work will be over in next few days; when the film will be waiting for announcement of release date during this year.
Esha Koppikar is making her Marathi film debut through this film, where she is playing a Beauty Queen. Sameer Dharmadhikari is playing lead hero opposite her. Based on the story of Tejaswini Pandit, the film also stars Suhas Palshikar, Late Anand Abhyankar, Manjusha Godse, Meghna Vaidya, Shashikant Gandhe, Suruchi Adarkar & Rajan Sisatkar. The film’s music is provided by salil Kulkarni, while the cinematography is handled by experienced Bollywood Cinematographer Nirmal Jani.