Kranti Redkar turns to direction
Indian film industry has completed 100 years. All these years, we have seen the contribution of women in this industry. Even in Marathi, we have seen few women film makers, presenting quality films. Recently, we saw actress Mrinal Kulkarni turning to direction through her debut film ‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata’. Now, popular Marathi actress Kranti Redkar has also switched over to direction.
Kranti will be directing a new Marathi film ‘Kaakan’, which was launched with muhurat at Madh Island, on 7th May 2013. We have already seen Kranti’s acting talent through some of her films like ‘On Duty 24 Taas’, ‘Teen Baika Fajiti Aika’, ‘Fakta ladh Mhana’, ‘Jatra’ & ‘Pipaani’. Now, it remains to be seen how she proves herself as a director.
This film stars Jitendra Joshi and Urmila Kanetkar Kothare in lead role along with child actor Ashhutosh Gaekwad. It is a love story, written by Kranti herself. She is also involved in screenplay writing, dialogues and lyrics along with Omkar Mangesh Dutt. Music by Ajay Singha and cinematography by Bithin Das are other credits. The film’s shooting begins at Mumbai and Konkan areas shortly
New Marathi film ‘Astu’ has raised expectations
Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar together have made quality Marathi films in the past. All their films have invited attention at international film festivals. Now, they are back, to offer yet another Marathi film ‘Astu’ presented by Gauurikaa films, Mumbai and produced by Ms.Sheelaa Rao. The film is winding up its final shoot schedule, with a climax scene shot on Amruta Subash,Dr.Mohan Agashe,Iravati Harshe,Milind Soman, Nachiket Purnapatre& Devika Daftardar at Bapdev Ghat Hills near Saswad ,Pune .
‘Astu’ is likely to be another most anticipated movie of 2013 under the direction of Ms.Sumitra Bhave & Mr.Sunil Sukhtankar , who have won awards for movies like ‘Devrai’,’Ek Cup Chaha’ , ‘Dahavii Fa’ & ‘Sanhita’. The story & screenplay of this film is written by them on the project initiated of Ms.Anuya Murdeshware. Dr.Mohan Agashe is playing the lead along with Iravati Harshe, who is making her debut in Marathi film through this film. This is also the first Marathi film, where an elephant plays an equally important role. Music is by National award winner Shailendra Barve.
‘Prabho Shivaji Raja’ comes alive on celluloid
After two years of research and post-production challenge, this new Marathi film, suitably titled ‘Prabho Shivaji Raja’, is all set for release shortly. This is an animated historical drama based on the life and times of the legendary Maratha warrior – Chhatrapathi Shivaji Raje.
Produced by infinity visual and MEFAC, ‘Prabho Shivaji Raja’, is slated for summer release. Narrated by senior actor Sachin Khedekar, this 100 minute, cinemascope animation film captures all the important landmarks in Shivaji’s life – from the Mughal period, his birth, influences, declaration of swarajgya, big battles and finally his coronation. The film also has songs sung by leading singers like Shankar Mahadevan and Swapnil Bandodkar.
The film’s screenplay is a result of deep research by senior historians like Shri Babasaheb Purandare and Neenad Bedekar. The story, script and the screenplay of ‘Prabho Shivaji Raja’ is based on research of available documents, letters, bakhar (scripts written on Shivaji in 16th century ) and have been put together by Neenad Bedekar, who has been closely associated with studying the story of this great Maratha leader. Babasaheb Purandare has also vetted the script thus ensuring the stamp of authenticity. The character of Shivaji was created on the basis of only one original sketch available at his time by a Dutch artist, which was certified by Sadashivbhau Sathe, a famous sculptor.
“Animation is ideal way of storytelling and the Shivaji is ideal character for this form. We want the viewers to forget that it is a movie, a make believe world. We want it to be universal in its appeal and transcend boundaries of race, community and language and appeal to audiences in India and globally alike,” explains director Nilesh Muley.
The film’s music direction is by Bharat Balwali, which adds to the universal appeal and the background score by Nandu Ghanekar is designed using classical Indian instruments and electronics instruments. “We studied the work of Kavi Bhushan who wrote Shivaji’s poems and involved those as part of the music score,” says Nandu Ghanekar.
Pilgaonkar all set to introduce his daughter Shriya
There is nothing new to find well known actors introducing their children into their own profession. It all began from Kapoor family followed by Chopras, Dharmendra, Rakesh Roshan, Jitendra, Mahesh Kothare and so on. Now, popular Marathi actor Sachin Pilgaonkar is all set to introduce his daughter Shriya through his home production Marathi film ‘Ekulti Ek’, which is due for release on 23rd May 2013.
The film is all about the emotional bond between father and daughter, where Sachin plays the father of debutant Shriya on screen. The film also stars Ashok Saraf, Kishori Shahane & Siddharth Menon. Sachin himself has written the story of this film, with screenplay by Khitij Zarapkar and dialogues by Iravati Karnik. Incidentally, Sachin Pilgaonkar, who made his acting debut at the age of five, will be completing 50 years of his career, with the release of this film .
अजरामर मराठी नाटक ‘वस्त्रहरण’ झी मराठीवर
गेल्या काही वर्षांपासून जुन्या मराठी नाटकांना नव्याने रंगमंचावर आणण्याचे प्रयोग होत आहेत. जुने नाटक नवीन कलाकारांना घेऊन, ते प्रेक्षकांपुढे मांडण्यात येत आहेत. आणि त्यातल्या काही नाटकांना प्रेकशकाचा चांगला प्रतिसादही मिळतोय, त्या निमित्ताने मराठीतील दिग्गजांची जुनी नाटके आजच्या प्रेक्षकांपर्यंत पोहचत आहेत. त्यातलचे एक नाटक म्हणजे ‘वस्त्रहरण’ मराठी नाटकांच्या इतिहासातलं एक मानाचं पान…. मराठी मानाचा मानबिंदू ….. मराठी रसिकांच्याच नव्हे तर मराठी कलावंतांच्याही जिव्हाळ्याचा खास विषय असलेलं…. मराठी रंगभूमीवरचं एक देदीप्यमान भरजरी लेणं…. अवतरणार आहे, येत्या रविवारी २८ एप्रिलला दुपारी १ वाजता आणि सायं. ७ वाजता महाराष्ट्राच्या लाडक्या वाहिनीवर अर्थात झी मराठीवर !
१६ फेब्रुवारी १९८० या दिवशी खग्रास ग्रहणाच्या मुहूर्तावर मच्छिंद्र कांबळी या कलावंतांनं आपलं स्वप्न रंगमंच्यावर आणलं. भद्रकाली प्रॉडक्शन्सच्या ‘वस्त्रहरण’ मालवणी भाषेतल्या पहिल्यावहिल्या नाटकाचा रंगमंच्यावर उदय झाला. महाभारतातील द्रौपदी वस्त्रहरणावर आधारित या फार्सिकल नाटकात तात्या सरपंचाच्या भूमिकेतील मच्छिंद्र कांबळी वगळता कुणीही कलाकार नावाजलेला नव्हता. मात्र या अदभुत फार्सला रसिकांनी उदंड प्रतिसाद दिला आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ च्या पदरी भरपूर दान टाकले. या नाटकाचे धुवांधार प्रयोग सुरु झाले. अल्पावधीत या नाटकाने १०० चा आकडा ओलांडला आणि १७५ व्या प्रयोगाला महाराष्ट्राचे लाडके साहित्यिक पु. ल. देशपांडे यांनी खास उपस्थिती लावली. पु. ल. नि या नाटकाचे वारेमाप कौतुक केले आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ ची गाडी भरधाव वेगाने धावू लागली.
यानंतर ‘वस्त्रहरण’ च्या प्रयोगाचा दौरा निर्माते दिग्दर्शक मच्छिंद्र कांबळी यांनी लंडनला आखला लंडनच्या या दौऱ्यात दोन प्रयोगासाठी त्यावेळचे मराठी रंगभूमीवरचे अनभिषिक्त सम्राट डॉ. काशिनाथ घाणेकर यांनी तयारी दर्शविली. गाणकोकिळा लता मंगेशकर या प्रयोगाच्या वेळी विशेष अतिथी म्हणून उपस्थित होत्या. लंडन दौऱ्याची जय्यत तयारी झाली आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ मधल्या अनेक कलाकारांना व्हिसा मिळणे कठीण झाले. तेव्हा बाळासाहेब ठाकरे मध्यस्थी करून या सर्व कलाकारांच्या व्हिसासाठी प्रयत्न केले आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ परदेशात पोहचले. परदेशातही रसिकांनी या नाटकाला अक्षरश: डोक्यावर घेतले. ‘वस्त्रहरण’ हे पुढे हज्जारो प्रयोगांचे मनोरे रचले. वस्त्रहरण नाटकाच्या लोकप्रियतेचे अनेक आघाडीच्या कलाकारांनाही अप्रूप वाटत रहिले. या नाटकात आपणही असावे, अशी अनेकांना उत्कंठा असे म्हणूनच वस्त्रहरणाच्या आठशेव्या आणि हजाराव्या प्रयोगात मच्छिंद्र कांबळी यांनी नाना पाटेकर (भीम), सचिन पिळगावकर (विदूर), अशोक सराफ (धर्म), लक्ष्मीकांत बेर्डे, मास्टर भगवानदादा सतीश पुळेकर यांसारख्या कलाकारांना एकत्र झळकावण्याचा अनोखा विक्रम केला. ‘वस्त्रहरण’ ने असे अनेक आगळे वेगळे विक्रम नोंदवले.
या अजरामर नाटकाने मालवणी भाषेचा झेंडा विविध देशात फडकवला. मराठी रसिकांना मालवणीची खास गोडी लावली आणि मालवणी नाटकाचा ओघ सातत्याने मराठी रंगमाच्यावर सुरु ठेवला परंतु दुर्देवाने ‘वस्त्रहरण’ ची यशाची घोडदौड सुरु असतांना या नाटकाचे सर्वेसर्वा मच्छिंद्र कांबळी यांनी कायमची एक्झिट घेतली. मात्र त्यांच्या पश्चात त्यांचे चिरंजीव प्रसाद कांबळी यांनी या नाटकाच्या पाच हजाराव्या प्रयोगाचे मछिंद्र कांबळी यांचे स्वप्न मराठी चित्रपट आणि नाट्य वर्तुळातील प्रसिद्ध कलावंताना घेऊन पूर्ण केले. भरत जाधव, मकरंद अनासपुरे, प्रशांत दामले, संजय नार्वेकर, सिद्धार्थ जाधव, जितेंद्र जोशी, पंढरीनाथ कांबळे यांसारख्या कलावंकानी ‘वस्त्रहरण’ चा ५००० वा प्रयोग तितकाच गाजवला. मालवणी अभिनय सम्राट मछिंद्र कांबळी यांनी मराठी रंगभूमीला दिलेलं हे जरतारी लेणं झी मराठी येत्या रविवारी २८ एप्रिलला दुपारी १ वाजता आणि सायं ७ वाजता रसिकांच्या भेटीला आणत आहे.
Grand launch of ‘Bharat Jadhav Entertainment’
On Sunday evening at ITC Grand Central, Parel, Mumbai the occasion was the Grand launch of Bharat Jadhav Entertainment, the film production company of Bharat Jadhav in partnership with Vikas Kore from Australia, who is the Managing Director of this company. Being an associate media partner, PRO Ganesh Gargote had ensured the attendance of maximum media persons, including IBN Lokmat Editor Nikhil Wagle and Ad Guru Bharat Dabholkar.
After Sunil Barve briefed about the progress of Bharat Jadhav with the help of internationally acclaimed sand artist Rahul Arya, who simultaneously designed the sequence of events in Bharat’s life. An entertaining dance performance was presented by Siddharth Jadhav and Prachi Cheulkar, dancing on Bharat’s popular film songs. The main ceremony began when Bharat himself walked towards all those who had helped him in his career. He began with Jaywant Wadkar followed by Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Kiran Shantaram, Bala Nandgaonkar, Anjan Shrivastav, Nikhil Wagle, his partner Vikas Kore and finally requested chief guest Mr. Raj Thackeray to release the logo of his company.
Mr. Raj Thackeray, while speaking on the occasion, said that he was surprised to find a simple person like Bharat in the field of glamour. “Some people pretend to be simple in this field; but, he is really simple. I am sure this simplicity, he has acquired through his parents,” he said. He also wished his wife, for being part of the success of her husband. Finally, he wished Bharat to grow his business not only in Maharashtra but to go worldwide.
While thanking each and every important person, who had contributed to his success, Bharat after introducing his managing partner Vikas Kore, recalled his childhood days in the chawl in the compound of Rajkamal Studious and thanked the Shantaram family, with whom his father worked initially. He specifically mentioned as to why he had selected the venue of ITC.”I spent my childhood in this area and later became an actor living in this area. Therefore, Parel had a special significance to launch this company.” he said. Mr. Kiran Shantaram and Mr. Nikhil Wagle also showered praise on Bharat and wished him a grand success.
Many important dignitaries from different fields and artistes from Marathi film industry were present to wish Bharat on this occasion, besides his close associates and co stars like Ankush Choudhary, Makarand Anaspure, Ashok Hande, Asavari Joshi and Kedar Shinde. Surprisingly, Bharat’s favourite co star Kranti Redkar could not spotted during this function.
Maitrya Group offer their first film ‘Tapaal’
Maitreya Mass Media, which is a part of Maitreya Group, have launched their first Marathi film ‘ Tapaal’ with muhurat shooting at Junner near Pune. On this occasion lead actors Milind Gunaji and Nandu Madhav took part in the initial shooting;in presence of writer Mangesh Hadavale( ‘ Tingya’ fame), cinematographer Laxman Utekar, executive producer Anant Bhuwad and president and managing director of Maitreya group Ms. Varsha Satpalkar. The film is being directed by Cinematographer Laxman Utekar.
According to writer Mangesh Hadavale, the story of the film revolves around a Postman and a boy from the village Ranga. During the muhurat of this film Ms. Varsha Satpalkar, distributed water storage cans and saplings to 100 villagers, as part of her social commitment.
‘Taani’ all set to release on 17th May
Actor- Screenwriter turned director Sanjeev Kolte is all set to release his film ‘Taani’ on 17th May 2013. Made under the banner of V. Patke films, the film is produced by Vandana Patke Thakur & Ajay Thakur. The first look of the film was released recently.
The film is based on the life of a cycle rickshaw driver, who works hard to educate his daughter, who is appearing for her 10th exams. The daughter, who is well aware of the hardships put in by her parents, tries to fulfil their dreams.
The story of the film is penned by Gayatri Kolte and director Sanjeev Kolte has taken care of screenplay and dialogues. Arun Nalwade and Ketaki Mategaonkar play the important roles of father and daughter in this film, which is filled with emotions. In the supporting cast, there are artistes like Dr. Vilas Ujavane, Devendra Dodke, Vatsala Polkamwar, Madhu Joshi, Madan Gadkari ,Geeta Kolte and vedika vairgade. Dr. Girish Oak and Ila Bhate will be seen in special appearance in this film. Music of this film is by Praveen Kunvar.
‘Postcard’ to present Postman’s interaction with people
Today, with the advancement of technology in the busy lifestyle, the role of a Postman is not considered very important. But, in the era of 60s a Postman played a very important role in the lives of people. Producer Vinay Ganu and director Gajendra Ahire are presenting such interactions of a Postman with different people and their families, through their latest film ‘Postcard’.
The film stars Girish Kulkarni, Subodh Bhave, Saie Tamhankar, Radhika Apte, Kishore Kadam, Hemangi Kavi, Vaibhav Mangale & Suhita Thatte. Incidentally, director Gajendra Ahire’s film ‘Anumat’ which has won best actor’s award at the national Film awards; is yet to be released, but he has already began shooting of this new film; which will be released around August 2013.
Chintoo 2′ comes with an offering for children this summer
Riding the success wave of the first edition of ‘Chintoo’, city based production house Indian Magic Eye Motion Pictures is bringing the sequel of this film. ‘Chintoo 2 – Khajinyachi Chittarkatha’. The film will hit the cinema halls across the state on April 19th 2013, to entertain children this summer. Incidentally, this film will also be the first children’s film to get a sequel. Chintoo was also the first successful attempt of transforming a mischievous character ‘Chintoo’ from a comic strip to a full length live action film.
The film is directed by Shrirang Godbole, Chairman of Indian Magic Eye Motion Pictures and produced by Abhay Gadgil and Hrishikesh Deshpande. Actress Vibhavari Deshpande plays mother of Chintoo in this film, besides writing the screenplay and story of the film. Satish Alekar, Charuhas Pandit and Prabhakar Wadekar are the creators of comic strip Chintoo .
Last time it was about getting the lost cricket ground back for play. This time Chintoo is going for an adventure camp this season and his miraculous adventuresome journey unfolds through various interesting and entertaining happenings with a message to take back in this sequel. Highlights of the film are the spectacular sets created by internationally acclaimed art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai and various special effects to enhance the overall quality of the film.
Music of the film has been composed by Dr. Salil Kulkarni on the lyrics of Sandeep Khare. VFX (Visual Effects) are created by Anuj Deshpande. Pune lad Shubhankar Atre will once again play the lead character of ‘Chintoo’ in the film. Satish Alekar, Nagesh Bhosale, Subodh Bhave and Vibhavari Deshpande are key members of the star cast of ‘Chintoo 2- Khajinyachi Chittarkatha’.