‘Anumati’ inviting attention before official release
Before its official release, new Marathi film ‘Anumati’ directed by Gajendra Ahire has been inviting attention from critics at different international film festivals. Recently, at Kolhapur International Film Festival, the film won the best direction award. Now, the film has been selected for screening at the Pune International film festival, which is the most prestigious event.
The film stars Vikram Gokhale, Neena Kulkarni, Reema Lagoo, Subodh Bhave, Anand abhyankar, Neha Pendse, Sai Tamhankar and Kishore kadam. The film’s cinematography is handled by Govind Nihalani. About 200 films from 52 countries are taking part in Pune Int fest, which will be held at 7 different theatres in Pune.
‘Tatya Vinchoo Lage Raho’ music released
Labhani Entertainment’s new Marathi film ‘Tatya Vinchoo Lage Raho’s music release took place in Mumbai recently. Written by Parshuram Ghule and directed by Amol Muke, the film has total five songs rendered by popular singers like Sudesh Bhosale, Swapnil Bandodkar, Bela Shende,Vaishali Samant, Gaffar Momin and Rahul Saxena on the music of Radhachandra. .
The film has many new comers living around Sangamner, Maharashtra, who are making their debut. In this film Sanjay Narvekar is playing a double role. Sheetal Pathak plays the role of a dynamic lady Police Officer, involved in lots of fight sequences; while Pratiksha Jadhav performs an item number in the film, besides playing one of the characters in the story. The film contains an animated character, which plays its part for 7 minutes in the film, including a song sequence with Sanjay Narvekar.
Ashutosh & Phiroza attend the Premiere of ‘Ajinkya’
Well, we all know that new Marathi film ‘Ajinkya’ is a story of a Basketball Coach played by versatile actor Sandeep Kulkarni. For the past few days, Sandeep has been promoting the film along with his co- star Kadambari Kadam and director Tejas Deoskar, visiting different colleges, across Maharashtra. On the eve of this film’s release was the premiere of this film at Cinemax, Versova; which saw the attendance of many celebrities from Marathi film industry.
But, to wish Sandeep on this occasion, were few special guests. Ashutosh Gowarikar, a good friend of Sandeep, not only attended the show, but also spoke good about the film, during interval. The other two personalities were Phiroza Abraham, former basketball Player and a Coach, who came along with her husband Abraham John, an architect by profession. By the way, both of them are parents of Bollywood actor John Abraham, who was also invited; but, couldn’t make it, due to his busy schedule. Among others were Kadambari kadam, leading lady of this film, producer Sandeep Kevlani , director Tejas Deoskar Amruta Subhash and Shreyas Talpade, who joined late.
Ms. Phiroza Abraham, who generally keeps herself away from limelight; had agreed to come for the premiere, as she is promoting the game of basketball. “When Sandeep told me that this film is based on the game of basketball, I immediately agreed to come. I had seen his previous film ‘Dombivali fast’ and liked it very much. I even liked this film, which is well presented,” she said; while speaking to Marathi MovieWorld.
Photo Caption: Sandeep Kulkarni, Abraham John, Phiroza Abraham, Ashutosh Gowrikar and Kadambari kadam( partly hidden) during the premiere of ‘Ajinkya’
‘Dhhag’ finds entry in Pune Film fest
After inviting the attention of the audience with its sensible subject at Goa International Film festival , new Marathi film ‘Dhhag’ has found entry in the prestigious Pune Film Festival.
Produced by Vishal Gaware and directed by Shivaji Loten Patil ( ‘wavtal’ fame) the film will now be shown during Pune festival at 9 am on 12thJanuary 2013, at City Pride, Kothrud.
The film stars Upendra Limaye , Usha Jadhav, Nagesh Bhosale, Suhasini Deshpande, Hansraj Jagtap and Neha Dahitikar.
‘Balak Palak’ receives mixed reactions
Last year Amber Hadap’s Marathi Play ‘BP’ was staged in Inter Collegiate competition and it received a good response, for its good presentation of the subject ; which dealt with need of proper sex education to adolescents. According to Omkar , an Event manager from Vile Parle, it was a wonderful presentation by M.L. Dahanukar College. Now, we find the new Marathi film ‘Balak Palak’, based on this play; but expanding it in cinematic format, under the direction of versatile director Ravi Jadhav. Marathi Movie World, spoke to few viewers after the show at Sun City , Vile Parle, which is a Marathi cultural hub of Mumbai and where three shows of this film are being screened.
“ It is a very good film offering a message to young children and their parents. Direction is good and script is different. I liked the film,” said Tushar Vaidya, a Jr College student. The girl accompanying him, refused to comment. But, 16 year old Aditya Sutar from Andheri, was little critical about the film. “ Though it has a good subject with a good comedy, there are more than required songs. In this little less than 2 hour film, almost half an hour is wasted in songs and instrumental music,” he said. A girl who identified herself as Neha, said that ‘Shala’ was a better film than this one. Akhil Khade, an Engineering student liked this film, for the manner in which the relevant subject was handled; but felt that the film dragged in the post interval session. A miidle aged couple Mr. & Ms. Randive from Parle, said that the film was more like a commercial cinema, though it had a good script. You cannot call this as a class film on the lines of ‘Balgandharva’ and ‘Natarang’.
Reports coming from our Pune Correspondent,who attended the so called ‘Virtual premiere show’ of this film; was possible with the help of satellite; are not very good. The actual show, which was supposed to start at 6 pm , began 90 minutes late; as there was a Live Video Conference shown on the screen, testing the patience of the audience present in Prabhat theatre. This had almost taken away the interest of the audience present, who preferred to sit outside the theatre, till the actual film was screened.Those present inside, made a big noise,suggesting the theatre management to start the film.
However, it is understood that the film has been distributed in 150+ theatres that too with English subtitles in some of the theatres; which is a good sign for Marathi cinema. This being the first Marathi film for the new year 2013, this is considered as a good beginning. Moreover, this is the first Marathi film co- produced by Riteish Deshmukh and also debut film in Marathi for Bollywood Music Directors Vishal Shekhar.
‘Aandhlyanchya Gayee’ Audio stories collection released
Marathi literature is going hi tech. Now, latest collection of stories ‘Aandhlaynchya Gayee’ written by Meghana Pethe in Marathi was released in Audio Book format recently; by well known actor Vikram Gokhale. Popular Voice artist Swati Subramanyam has rendered her voice to some of the stories, besides seeking help from popular artistes like Vikram Gokhale, Vibhavari Deshpande Dr. Girish Oak, Mukta Barve, Sanjay Mone, Shilpa Navalkar and Meghana Pethe herself, for different characters, in this collection of 5 stories Audio Book.
Present on the occasion were B.P. Singh, Ajit Bhure, Pradeep Bhide, Vaijayanti Kale Apte, Rushi Deshpande, Vijay Padhye & Swati Chandorkar .
Photo Caption: Ajit Bhure, Swati subramanyam, Vikram Gokhale, Sanjay Mone & Shilpa Navalkar .
‘Yodha’ – tale of daredevil police officer
At a time when the crime rate has gone up with rise in inflation sitting on the head of common man; here comes a daredevil Police Officer, to the rescue of people through new Marathi film ‘Yodha’. Produced by Machhindra Dhumal , Vijay Choudhary and directed by Susheela Prasad, the film tries to show the way to eradicate crime and combat inflation. According to the film maker, it is an effort to pass a social message through the film, about the proper upbringing of today’s children, for a better tomorrow.
The protagonist Police officer in this film fights against injustice, taking the form of real ‘Yodha’ , as indicated in the title of this film. The film stars Saurabh Gokhale and Sharmishta Raut in the lead role, supported by Nagesh Bhosale, Priya Berde and others. The film is due for release shortly.
Will 2013 open new chapter for Marathi Cinema ?
For the past 2-3 years, we have seen a change for good coming into Marathi films. But, there is no consistency. The year 2012 has come to an end with some of the sensible films like ‘Mokala Shwaas’ reminding one and all about the injustice on females and ‘Aaamhi Chamakte Taare’ educating the masses about the reality behind HIV affected children. There were some realistic films like ‘Kaksparsha’ , ‘Bharatiya’, ‘Babu Band Bajaa’, ‘Tukaram’,’Pipani’ & ‘Langar’ which invited attention; but, commercial films on the lines of Bollywood, like ‘No Entry’,’Teen Baika Fajiti Aika’ ‘Bluff Master’,’4 Idiots’ only reminded that some of the producers were not taking efforts to attempt new scripts.
Now, as we are set to welcome the new year 2013, there is a film “Balak Palak”( BP) from Ravi Jadhav, which is expected to surprise the marathi audience, as the film is based on a different subject, so relevant to today’s teenagers and their parents. But, what marathi film makers are expecting during this new year is a good turnout of audience at the theatres. Looking at the House full audience during the premiere show of ‘Aamhi Chamakte Taare’ at plaza theatre on 28th December 2012; one really wonders, as to why the same people can’t buy tickets to see Marathi films?
It may be kept in mind that the success of Regional films at places like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Kerala has been possible, only because the local people are respecting their culture and language by responding to their local language cinema with a big heart. It’s not that all these films are quality films with sensible subject; but, it is the respect for their language has earned popularity for south Indian films. It’s not that people in Maharashtra don’t respect their language and culture; otherwise, there won’t be overwhelming response for Marathi dramas, in spite of the high ticket rates. All that is required is to support the Marathi cinema , which is today nowhere behind Bollywood, as far as the technology and production quality is concerned. Otherwise, Music directors like Ajay Atul who began their career with Marathi films, would not have gained popularity in Bollywood.
Today, more and more Bollywood producers and Non Maharashtrian producers have taken keen interest in Marathi film making, which is a welcome move. Now, B.R. Chopra films and Akshay Kumar have also joined them for producing Marathi films under their new banner. There are many Bollywood personalities like Shakti Kapoor, Jhonny Lever, Anupam Kher, Murali Sharma, who have contributed by performing in marathi films and now we are going to watch Eesha Koppikar playing lead role in new Marathi film ‘Maat’ where she plays a Beauty Queen. One beauty Queen Amruta Patki has already made her debut through ‘Satya Savitri aani Satyavan’ few months ago and now, it’s the turn of Eesha Koppikar. Another news is about Ashutosh Rana making his debut through lead role in forthcoming marathi film ‘Sankasur’.Isn’t that enough to speak about the change coming in Marathi cinema?
Some of the marathi producers are also attempting something new; and the best example is forthcoming Marathi film’ Ajinkya’ which is due for release on 11th January 2013. The film is based on the life of a Basketball Coach, who is married to an executive from a corporate company. The film is produced and directed by two former basketball players from Nagpur, which itself is a news. Versatile Marathi actor Sandeep Kulkarni plays the intense lead role opposite another talented actress kadambari kadam in this film.
Few more eagerly awaited Marathi films are Girish Kulkarni and Sonali Kulkarni’s ‘Pune 52’’ also set for release in January 2013. Then there is Mrunal Kulkarni’s ‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata’ which will be her debut as a director. Mrunal is very hopeful about her creation, which is set for release in February 2013. Sachit Patil, Pallavi Subhash starrer film ‘Asa Mi Ashi Tu’ has also raised some hopes, as this film too has a different story . ‘Welcome to Jungle’ the first marathi adventure filled science fiction, will also be a big news for the new year.
Now coming to under production films, Mahesh Kothare’s ‘Zapatlela 2′ with more special effects will also be a major attraction during 2013. Among other films, Sanjay Jadhav’s ‘Duniyadari , Ujwal Thengadi’s ‘Dharmantar’and Raees Lashkaria’s two films ‘Samrajya’ and ‘Short Cut’ to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and Avadhoot Gupte respectively, will also be grand attractions during year 2013. Let’s wait and see, who wins the race? But, the biggest compliment to the film maker would be, if his film is able to draw good full house crowds in the theatres. Can this happen in 2013?
‘Rangawardhan 13′ Fest at VJTI from 2nd January 2013
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), which is one of the premier institutes of India, finds its way on the wish list of most coveted engineering colleges of the nation today. Established in the year 1887 and formerly known ‘Victoria Jubilee Technological Institute’, VJTI still stands tall as a knowledge skyscraper with scores of students yearning for a chance to be once called a VJTI’ian in their Lifetime…
In the year 2013, VJTI will be completing its 126th year in the field of technical excellence, a whopping achievement not many institutes could have thought to accomplish. It has given birth to loads of lofty personalities from all walks of life. In fact, the ‘VJTI’ tag itself comes as a towering certificate that helps its students spring high.
To celebrate the occasion, the students of VJTI have planned various cultural activities and exhibition during the period 2nd January to 5th January 2013 at their premises. The programme titled ‘Rangawardhan’, a Marathi cultural extravaganza, lies at the crest of all festivals of the college in today’s time. A festival awaited with much bated breath, Rangawardhan celebrates its 13th year with much pomp & show. Serving a major breakthrough platform for young potential artists, Rangawardhan seeks out every bit of talent from them and aids them in earning fame.
Rangawardhan is the only exclusive fest of VJTI that boosts up Marathi culture. It is a cultural extravaganza that evidently builds up magnificent mansions of their legendary Marathi dialect. Spreading its tentacles not only in Mumbai but also in other parts of Maharashtra, Rangawardhan has gained much fame and accolades from people of all walks of life. ‘RANGAWARDHAN’13 is scheduled on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of January, 2013.
Among the various cultural events like ‘One act plays’, ‘Natyavishkar’, ‘Ekpatri’ and ‘Vaadvivaad’ a form of debate; , there are many open events like ‘Marathmola fashion show’, ‘Maay Marathi’, ‘Kathakathan’, ‘Kawadsa’ and ‘Chitrangan’ where good competition is expected from young collegians. All these events will be held in the college premises of VJTI, either in the auditorium, science hall or open square. For details about the competition, please contact Shraddha Bherde: 9422945058 or Reginald Dsouza: 8655857735
Urmila Matondkar will search Maharashtra’s ‘Dancing Superstar’
IDEA Dance Maharashtra Grand Premiere begins from 31 st Dec Every Monday and Tuesday @9.30pm only on Zee Marathi. The programme will bring to you a grand dance reality show – IDEA Dance Maharashtra Dance, which will be a ‘Search of Maharashtra’s dancing superstar.
The undisputed dancing star and popular actress Urmila Matondkar herself will be the Grand Master for the show. Amruta Khanvilkar, Marathi industry’s promising actress, will anchor the show- IDEA Dance Maharashtra Dance. Urmila Matondkar is also expected to shake her legs besides sharing her expertise with the participants of Zee Marathi’s Dance Maharashtra Dance.
This will be Urmila’s comeback to small screen, after ‘Marathi Paul Padte Pudhe’ show. While the three masters in the role of expert choreographers will be Swaroop Medara – Master of Bollywood and Western Dances; Soniya Parchure – Master of Indian Classical and Devendra Shellar – Master of Folk .