Mhaiskar MIFTA Festival in Thane from Sept 2-9
Marathi International Film and Theatre Awards have gained popularity worldwide in a short time. This year’s Mhaiskar MIFTA awards 2012 will be held in Singapore soon. This year the organizers have found a new Travel Partner ‘Kesari Tours and Travels’. But, as per the practice of nominating the films and Dramas, the yearly festival will be held in Thane’s Kashinath Ghanekar auditorium between Sept 2nd and 9th 2012. 10 films and 10 Dramas have been short listed for the first round of this festival by the Jury. Nominations will be declared thereafter. Reasonable rates for tickets will be offered to the audience during this festival by the organizers.
The 10 Dramas selected for the festival are ‘Vaishali Cottage’, ‘Sargam’, ‘Keshava Madhava’, ‘Alibaba aani Chalisitle Chor’, ‘Shivaji Underground in Bhimnagar Mohalla’, ‘Mee Revati Deshpande’, ‘Saasu Majhi Dhansoo’, ‘Tom aani Jerry’, ‘Khall Khatak’ & ‘Lagnabambaal’. Among the 10 films competing the first round are ‘Masala’, ‘Zhakaas’, ‘Satarangi Re’, ‘Tukaram’, ‘Shala’, ‘Ajintha’, ‘Badam Rani Gulam Chor’, ‘Kakasparsha’, ‘Deool’ and ‘Bharatiya’.
Three Marathi films to release on 24th August
With ‘Bharatiya’ still holding the fort in 35 theatres in Mumbai during the second week; we did not notice release of any Marathi film during the week. But, on coming Friday, i.e. on 24th August 2012 will see release of three Marathi films together.
‘Aghor’ a sensational film made by Nagpur film makers, talks about corruption in medical field, especially taking place in so called Multi-specialty clinics. According to the makers, the film shows the good and bad side of the profession with two popular heroes from Marathi film industry- Santosh Juvekar and Aniket Vishwasrao heading the star cast in the company of Sai Tamhankar, Manasi Kulkarni, Tejasvi Patil, Kishori Shahane, Dr. Vilas Ujavane and others. The film is directed by Salim Shaikh a theatre personality from Nagpur.
Another film ‘Hridaynath’ is a film by Amar Gupte, revolves around a teacher from Konkan and is based on crisis with principles. Jackie Shroff, who made his debut in Marathi through Renuka Shahane’s film ‘Rita’ will be playing the lead role in this film along with other Bollyowood actor Aditya Panchol besides a team comprising of Chinmay Sumeet, Swarang Marathe and Ameya Husanwadkar. Highlight of this film is that Urmila Matondkar performs an item number for the first time in Marathi.
The third film ‘Yedpat Gaon’ is presented by Ajay R Singh and directed by debutant S. Vikram. This is comedy film, which presents the story of cursed village. Bajrang Badshah and Nisha Parulekar play main lead. Others in the cast comprise of Milind Gunaji, Mohan Agashe, Usha Nadkarni, Ashalata, Ujjwala Shinde, Twinkle, Deepa Tapekar, Deepak Shirke and Kishor Nandalaskar. Music of this film is by Milind Shinde.
Nihar presents his video- audio music album ‘Split Personality’
Nihar Shembekar has presented his multi-genre video-audio music album ‘Split Personality’, which comprises of songs belonging to various different languages in a single album. The official launch of this music album was recently held at the Sathe College in Vile Parle in presence of prominent dignitaries like Shri. Suresh Wadkar, Jonny Lever, Kishori Godbole and Vijay Kadam.
Nihar acquired the basic knowledge of music from his grandfather and famous veteran singer and musician Jawayant Kulkarni. Nihar was inculcated with the lessons of music from his parents also and earned several distinctions both, at the national as well as the international level. Apart from music, he also made his presence felt by playing a role in the famous Hollywood movie, ‘The Jungle Boy’. After being asked about the exclusive
The album contains a soft soothing song such as ‘Bavriya Dhun Me Magan Tere Savariya’ and a Gazal making a heart-throbbing appeal for love such as ‘Saanz’ apart from a Punjabi Hip-Hop song ‘Fant-Sit’ and a ‘Swayam’ song. There are seven songs included in this album and they can be heard in various Indian languages like Marathi, Hindi, and English. For this album, he has received valuable contribution from rhythm programmer Anupam Ghatak .
‘Pune 52′ set for December release
Two prominent names in the Marathi Film Industry, Indian Magic Eye Motion Pictures of Mr. Shrirang Godbole and Arbhaat Nirmitee of Umesh and Girish Kulkarni have joined hands together to produce good Marathi films. Their first production will be in the form of ‘Pune – 52′, which is a story of a private detective set on the backdrop of early 90s in the city of Pune. The film is being directed by Mumbai based Writer – Director Nikhil Mahajan, who is a distinguished alumnus of Australia’s famous Sydney Film School.
Apart from the impressive star cast of the film, which includes Girish Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni, Sai Tamhankar, Bharti Achrekar, Kiran Karmarkar and Swanand Kirkire in a special appearance, ‘Pune – 52′ also boosts the participation of some big international names. The background and the theme music of the film has been given by Korean Music Director Hyun Jung Shin, who has given music to critically acclaimed film ‘Old Boy’, whereas the responsibility of Director of Photography is on the able shoulders of Jeremy Reagan from New Zealand.
The first phase of the production of this movie is complete and the film is currently in the post production process. The release date of the film has been set as 12-12-2012.
‘Panchanama’ – another crime detection serial on Star Pravah
For the past few months their serial ‘Lakshya’ on crime detection has already gained popularity on prime time for one hour between Monday to Thursday. And, now, from 17th August 2012 they have started one more serial ‘Panchanama’ on crime detection, which will be aired every Friday and Saturday at 9.30 pm. ‘Panchnama’ will highlight real life crime stories of Maharashtra and will take the viewers through the psychology behind the crime. The show is hosted by the popular Director, Producer and Actor Mahesh Manjrekar .
Uniqueness of this shows is that it will feature real police officials sharing simple tips to prevent crime in the society. The show will also give out relevant helpline numbers pertaining to the topic of crime in each episode, for the benefit of audience.
Nagpur film makers show their commitment to society
They are all from Nagpur. It’s a team of producers comprising of Raju Jageshwar Dhidonde, Mangest Madhukarao Pitale and Ad. Raman Laxmanrao Senad , who have come together with their friend – director Salim Shaikh to offer something realistic and concerned with the corruption in medical profession. Only few days back, we saw Aamir Khan exposing certain facts of corruption in medical profession through his programme ‘Satyamev Jayate’. But, this team of passionate film makers have gone into details of corruption in multi-speciality hospitals through their forthcoming film ‘Aghor’ with a tagline- Jeevanacha Jaganyashi Sangharsh.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, director Salim Shaikh made it clear that their film was timely and this topic presented by them was ready with completion of shooting, much before the telecast of Aamir Khan’s programme related to the issue of corruption in medical profession. “Not very long ago, in Nagpur we had come across a case, where in a hospital a dead patient was kept on ventilator for three days. And after some time it came to notice that the hospital authorities were involved in this heinous act. Since then, it was in my mind to make a film on this subject. When my script was ready, adding one more side of corruption in sports, we decided to make a film and that too exclusively shot in Nagpur,” he said.
The film has four songs penned by Pravin Davane on the music of Nandu Honap on the choreograophy of Phulwa Khamkar. Narrating a real incidence in his life on the occasion, Mr. Nandu Honap said that he had himself come across one such incidence, when he was not feeling well. “ I was told by a doctor that my pulse had dropped down to 20 and asked me to get myself admitted to hospital. My son drove me to a nearest nursing home and I was told that I would have to use a pace maker costing around 1.5 lakhs. I contacted my family doctor and narrated the incidence and he told me that with the pulse dropping to 20, I would not have been able to travel to the nursing home in a car. When I went to him, he found my pulse normal. Isn’t this a case of cheating and corruption?” he asked.
The film has three popular stars from Marathi film industry – Santosh Juvekar , Aniket Vishwasrao and Sai Tamhankar; but, all three of them were not present on the occasion. Only Shadab from Nagpur ( who looked like a bodybuilder) the third hero in the film, making his debut; was present and he spoke in Marathi, on behalf of all three of them, indicating that it was a very good film, supported with action. Kishori Shahane Vij, who plays the wife of a honest doctor in this film( played by Ad. Senad himself) said that she really enjoyed working in this film and liked her role, where she turns a protagonist to fight injustice in society by corrupt medical professionals. Dr. Vilas Ujawane, plays the corrupt doctor in this film and he was present at the venue with his son.
Two leading ladies of the film, Tejasvi Patil and Manasi Kulkarni were also present and they expressed their satisfaction about the making of this sensational film. The film is due for release on 24th August 2012. “First three days shows in Nagpur have already been booked in advance, clearly indicating the love and affection the locals have to their own city’s film makers,” announced the director.
Aghor’ based on Medical profession, to release on 24th Aug
Corruption has spread to every field in the country and medical profession is no exception. New Marathi film ‘Aghor – Jeevanacha Jagnyashi Sangharsha’ has a message for the people, who have been till now considering Doctor as next to God. The film has tried to show both the Good and bad sides of this profession, with the Honest and sincere doctor Sathe played by Raman Sonad and the professional doctor Batra played by Dr. Vilas Ujavane. The film also has the story of Three struggling youths trapped between the opinions of these two doctors.
Produced by Raju Dhivdonde, Ad. Raman Sonad and Mangesh Pitale, the film is directed by Salim Shaikh, who has also written the story and screenplay of this film, based on the concept by Raju Dhivdonde. The film has music by Nandu Honap with most of the popular singers rendering their voices for the songs penned by Praveen Davane. The other artistes of this film are Santosh Juvekar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Sai Tamhankar, Manasi Kulkarni, Kishori Shahane, Vinod Raut, Tejaswi Patil and Shadab. The film is all set to release on 24th August 2012.
Can’t we have inspiring tales in Marathi films ?
Gone are the days, when Marathi films made on the topics related to freedom fighters and lead characters playing protagonists, fighting against system; received good response from audience. Today, the attitude of Marathi film makers has changed. Though some of the films offer inspiring tales; majority of the film makers are following the traditional comedy pattern, just to claim subsidy offered by the Government. They are not concerned whether the film does business or not. It is only the release of film in few theatres for one week, that matters to them. No doubt, there are realistic films; but they narrate the tragic stories and the biographies fail to inspire.
Maharashtra has produced so many national heroes and saints, who have been inspiration for those who have read about their stories. Marathi films and some of the Bollywood films did attempt films on their lives; but, they needed more extensive research. Music plays very important role, even today in Indian cinema. We also need inspiring songs to support the script of the film. Just take for example, the song ‘ Swarajya toran chadhe Garjati Tofanche choughde,..Marathi paul padate Pudhe’..from old Marathi film ‘Maratha Tituka Melavava’ and even now, after several years, we still get inspired after listening to this song. Also remember the song “ Jyot se jyot jalate chalo, prem ki ganga bahate chalo..” from the Hindi film ‘Sant Dnyaneshwar’ and we get charged up with the message of love towards humanity.
Marathi film industry has offered great film makers like Dadasaheb Phalke, Baburao Painter, V. Shantaram , Vishnupant Damle, Bhalji Pendharkar, Raja Paranjape, Dr Jabbar Patel, Amol Palekar and few others, who paid attention on social issues. In the recent past, we saw few patriotic films like ‘Vasudev Balwant Phadke’, ‘ Krantiveer Rajguru’, ‘Tukaram’ , ‘Savarkar’ and ‘Ambedkar’ and now we understand that there is a film on Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In Hindi film industry, we notice at least one patriotic film and it does invite all the attention. In the past, there was a film made on Mahatma Gandhi by a British film maker and it turned out to be not only a commercial hit worldwide; but, also won eight prestigious academy awards, besides being nominated for other three categories.
When a foreigner could make a Biopic on the life of an Indian Freedom Fighter, why couldn’t our Indians make a film on the lives of our own freedom fighters. The film by British film maker gave us a good lesson, i.e. a Biopic should have a strong script, supported by extensive research. Maharashtra being the main ground for freedom struggle, we in Maharashtra have yet to make a world class film. Research and script are the main foundation for quality film making. Today, we have technology with many experts in VFX and animation effects. Let somebody from Marathi film industry take advantage of these available skills and create a spectacle which would be appreciated by the entire world.
By: Team MMW
Bharatiya’ prevents trespassing by ‘Tiger’
Multiplexes in Mumbai have been playing tricks with Marathi film makers, by not allowing prime time shows and screens and giving prominence to some big banner Hindi films. This has resulted in non availability of screens for Marathi films. As per the guidelines by state Government issued to all Multiplexes in Maharashtra, one screen is supposed to be reserved for Marathi films. But, with great difficulty, Marathi films manage to get one show at few multiplexes and that too in the morning or afternoon hours. Last time Mr. Raj Thackeray had reminded multiplex owners to make once screen available for Marathi cinema and that too at prime time. But, it seems that there is no change in the attitude of many multiplex owners. Even the State Government, doesn’t seem to be bothered about this discrimination.
The recent example is about the latest released film ‘Bharatiya’. This film is released by Mr. Abhijit Gholap, who has already one national award for his debut film ‘Deool’ last year. ‘Bharatiya’ was released on Friday 10th August 2012 and before completion of one week, PVR Cinemas were getting ready to release ‘Ek tha Tiger’ on Wednesday 15th August, making maximum screens available for this new Hindi film with a big banner. This was certainly an injustice to a Marathi film, which was drawing good crowd.
The film’s team therefore decided to meet the management of PVR and they received support from MNS Chitrapat Wing headed by Amey Khopkar, who also agreed to accompany them to PVR Lower Parel Management office. In the meanwhile, Shiv Sena Chitrapat Shakha headed by Mr. Panse also joined the agitation and met the management separately, requesting them not to remove the film ‘Bharatiya’ for the sake of accommodating more screens for ‘Ek Tha Tiger’.
When Mr. Amey Khopkar and Ms. Shalini Thackeray walked in with their delegation at PVR Lower Parel, the producer of the film joined him to the management office, to discuss the issue. And they succeeded in getting an assurance from the management that the film ‘Bharatiya’ will not be removed from 15th August 2012, to accommodate the new Hindi film. After their meeting, Mr. Amey Khopkar of MNS Chitrapat Wing, spoke to the media and made it very clear that they received written assurance from the management about not removing ‘Bharatiya’ from their multiplex on 15th August . “But, in case, they fail to keep their promise, we will deal them in our own way. This is also a message to other multiplex owners.” he said.
The entire team of ‘Bharatiya’ was present to lodge their protest to the management. To support them, Mr. Mahesh Kothare and Mr. Shrirang Godbole were also present on the occasion. Mr. Mahesh Kothare while speaking to the media, said that it was a pity that in the state of Maharashtra, Marathi films have to fight for their rights. “Just go to other states in south and you will not find such interference from Hindi films. Over there, they have screens in Multiplexes reserved for their local language films,” he pointed out. Mr. Shrirang Godbole explained that the Marathi films have been doing extremely well these days and cited an example of Mahesh Manjrekar’s film ‘Kaksparsha’ which had completed 100 days. “This particular film ‘Bharatiya’ is made by none other than a person who won National award for his previous film ‘Deool’. Isn’t that an insult to him, when his latest film also is based on national integration and is drawing good crowd?” he questioned.
Others who lodged their strong protest against the attitude of Multiplex owners were Jitendra Joshi, Makarand Anaspure and Meeta Savarkar. They all were of the opinion that other multiplex owners should also follow what PVR management had agreed and keep one screen exclusively for Marathi films and that too at prime time. Surprisingly, besides Mahesh Kothare and Shrirang Godbole, no other Marathi film makers were present to support this fight against injustice to Marathi films.
Shiv Sena leader Abhijit Panse turns a film director
President of Shiv Sena Chitrapat Shakha Mr. Abhijit Panse is in the news for different reason. The dynamic leader who is well versed with Marathi literature, is now making his debut as a film director through his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Rege’, script of which is written by him. Recently, muhurat of this film was held in Kamalistan Studios, in presence of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. ‘Rege’ is also the first film of ‘The Artbeat’ productions of Dr. Suhas Sankhe and Abhijit Panse.
The film talks about a particular phase in the life of every youth, where he takes a particular decision on his road to success. Mr. Abhijit thought about this idea, after interacting with several youngsters, during his tenure as the President of Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena. So, he decided to make a film on this subject to inspire today’s Marathi youth.
The film’s strong star cast comprises of Aroah Velankar, Pushkar Shrotri, Santosh Juvekar, Praveen Tarde and Mahesh Manjrekar. Highlight of this film is that the cinematography will be handled by ‘Dabang’ fame Mahesh Limaye and Music by Avadhoot Gupte. The film is expected to release by January 2013.