‘Kalakar’ to take on ‘Ekulti Ek’
Come Friday and two Marathi films will release to prove the mettle of two young artistes. While Shriya Pilgaonkar’ daughter of Sachin Pilgaonkar makes her debut through ‘Ekulti Ek’ under her father’s direction; Bhooshan Pradhan plays the lead hero opposite two new stars, through his much awaited film ‘Kalakar’.
While ‘Ekulti Ek’ is a much hyped film, not sparing any popular programmes on television for their promotion, ‘Kalakar’ has preferred to bank on the word of mouth publicity , after its release. Now, talking about the pre release Premire show, ‘Ekulti Ek’ is going on the lines of ‘Balak Palak’ promotion, announcing the Virtual premiere show today at 6 pm at 5 different theatres across Maharashtra, including Citylight, Mumbai.. However, ‘kalakar’ team have organised a Grand premiere at historical Plaza Cinema today at 7 pm.
Produced by Aashay Palekar and directed by Sakar Raut ‘Kalakar’ has really shown the guts to take on much publicized ‘Ekulti Ek’. Past experience has proved that more than the big names in the film , it is the script of the film, which has always contributed in the success of Marathi films. Let’s wait and see, who succeeds.
Now, it’s time for ‘Majhi Shala’
After ‘Shala’ it’s time for ‘Majhi Shala’ . But, unlike ‘Shala’ which was a light hearted humour, ‘Majhi Shala’ is set on the backdrop of much needed education to farmer’s children. It is a film to emphasize the importance of education to this sector.
Arun Nalawade plays the central character of a farmer from rural area in this film, supported by Alka Kubal Athlye in female lead. Child artiste Aakash Waghmode plays their son,in the company of artistes like Jayant Savarkar, Devendra Dodke, Deepjyoti and others. Script and direction by Shantaram Tambe, lyrics ny Rishikesh koli, Music by Sachin-Dipesh and Cinematography by Vinayak Jadhav are other credits.
Damle Couple to be felicitated by Swar Aalap
Mr. Vasantrao Damle alias Pandit Damle,( son of late Vishnupant Damle founder of Prabhat Film Company) and his wife Neela Damle, will be felicitated by Swar Aalap, an organisation, which has been encouraging Musicians from Indian entertainment industry. According to Mr. Dinesh Ghate, founder of Swar Aalap,which is in its 12 year thought of felicitating the couple, for their contribution to Film and Music world respectively.Marathi Movie world spoke to Dinesh Ghate, who is organising his show at Ravindra Natya Mandir to pay tributes to Kishore kumar, besides felicitating these few veterans from entertainment industry.
“This is 100th year of Indian film industry and we thought of felicitating the oldest music arranger and Musician Bahadur Nanji, who is 93 today. When we heard about the contribution of Damle couple in their respective field, we also thought about felicitating them on this occasion. I was overwhelmed, when I met this simple living couple at their Shivaji Park residence. Vasantrao who played the child artiste in many Prabhat films, is the only living person from the film ‘Sant Tukaram’ made by Prabhat and was the first talkie film from India, shown at the Venice Film festival. Vastantrao has also written a book, on his experience with Prabhat films, recalling all old memories of veteran music directors, actors who worked with Prabhat those days. Hence we thought of honouring him on this occasion,” said Mr. Dinesh.
” I was also glad to know about the background of Neela Damle, formerly Neela Kale , daughter of Madhav kale, the actor and director of Hindi films of silent era. But, more than that what inspired me was her spirit to keep the music alive. Her mother was a music exponent, forming the first all women orchestra in India during 30s. Neela continued her passion playing all musical instruments after marriage. She was a Doordarshan artiste and has been recognised as a Stylophone Queen, the name given to her by Music director kalyanjibjai. She still plays the tunes of old Bollywood hits on that compact stylophone instrument, which is not an easy job. When I consulted my colleagues about felicitating them; they immediately agreed.” he concluded.
‘Kuni Ghar Deta Ka Ghar’ to release on 14 June
Bharat Jadhav and Kranti Redkar have done many films together. Now, the popular pair of comedy will be back again in another comedy film ‘Kuni Ghar Deta Ka Ghar’, which is produced by Hemant Bangera and directed by Rajesh Deshpande( ‘Karun Gelo Gaav’ play Fame). The film is all set to release on 14th June 2013.
The film also stars Viju Khote, Kuldeep Pawar, Vijay Chavan, Reema Lagoo, Deepak Shirke, Jaywant Wadkar, Suhas Palishkar, Kamlakar Satpute, Shubhangi Latkar, Digambar Naik, Savita Malpekar, Kishor Pradhan, Shobha Pradhan,Varsha Tandle, Vimal Mhatre, Chhaya Kadam and Shailesh Pithambre. Music by Rohan Pradhan and DOP Santosh Shinde are other credits.
Three new Marathi films face theatre availability issue
Whenever a new big banner Hindi film is released, it blocks all the multiplexes in Maharashtra. As a result of which, it is very difficult for Marathi films to find theatres. In the recent past, this issue was undertaken by the Cine units of Shiv Sena and MNS, during the release of Marathi film ‘Bharatiya’. But now, once again Yashraj Films’ ‘Aurangzeb’ has blocked most of the theatres, with multiple prints for their film’s grand release on 17th May.
If that was not enough, one more Hindi film ‘I don’t Love You’ is also releasing on the same day, with competition from Meera Nair’s ‘The reluctant Fundamentalist’ and another English animated film ‘Epic’ booking rest of the screens at multiplexes. Films like ‘Shoot Out at Wadala’, ‘Go Goa Gone’, ‘Aashiqui’ and last week’s Marathi film ‘Kokanastha’ continue to occupy the theatres.
One doesn’t know, whether these past week releases are drawing crowds; but their occupancy has certainly affected the three new releases in Marathi; namely ‘Taani’, ‘Ashi Hoti Sant Sakhu’ and ‘Tifan’. At least ‘Tifan’ has managed to grab one show each at 10 multiplexes in Mumbai; but Ashi Hoti Sant Sakhu’ and ‘Taani’ could not find any multiplexes in Mumbai. They had to depend only on traditional Marathi cinema theatres like Bharatmata and Ganesh Cinema in Thane, besides very few theatres around.
Kedar assures entertainment with a difference through ‘Kho Kho’
Kedar Shinde is a popular name in Marathi entertainment, having offered quality entertainment through all the three mediums of amusement. Being the grandson of Sahhir Sable, he is well aware of the pulse of audience, when it comes to offering humour. Kedar’s new Marathi film, produced by Shobhana Desai, is all set to release on 31st May 2013.
On Wednesday 8th May, Kedar had organised the first look for the press, when he not only showed the clippings of his film; but, also the fun filled songs involving all his artistes. The promotional song of this film by Usha Utthup and Vaishali Samant has already been released. Wednesday evening function was especially to introduce the people behind making of this film; and Kedar did not forget even the art director ,sound recorders, choreographers and visual effects people; who are always behind the curtain.
Among the artistes, Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Jadhav, Vijay Chavan, Uday Tikekar, Kamlakar Satpute,Varad Chavan and newcomer Prajakta Mali were present along with cinematographer Suresh Deshmane, Vaishali Samant, Sonia Parchure, Mayur Vaidya, Subhash Nakashe, Omkar Mangesh Dutt and Santosh kambli ( of kambli Arts , Lalbaug) , the man behind making of Lalbaug cha Raja. Kedar had requested Santosh to make life size replicas of the artistes, which were displayed in the hall. Two popular artistes of this film Kranti Redkar and Resham Tipnis were not present during the fuinction.
While speaking to Marathi Movie world, kedar said that he had this script in mind, since 2003; after being inspired by the Marathi play ‘Lochya Jhala Re’. “I wanted to give cinematic form to this theme, as I knew that it would invite good response from the audience, with the help of visual effects.” When asked as to why he had used the name ‘Kho Kho’ for this film, he said that he always wanted that kind of game spirit among the team of artistes. “Through this film, I have tried to offer entertainment with a difference,” he concluded.
The first look of the film, clearly indicated that there was no compromise on the budget and it was a mixture of music and situation based comedy with a touch of fantasy.
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 .