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.
‘Bharatiya’ is entertaining but thought provoking film – Girish Mohite
Director Girish Mohite, who began his innings as a director with a comedy film ‘Hi Porgi Konachi’ in 2006 has directed 6 films so far. His last film ‘Pratibimb’ was a suspense drama. But, now he offers a social comedy ‘Bharatiya’ for producer Abhijit Gholap, whose debut film ‘Deool’ has won the prestigious national award besides winning many popular awards last year.
‘Bharatiya’ is all set to release this Friday, with big hopes, as the film is produced by the national award winning Producer. But, Girish is confident about the film’s success, as the entire team has worked very hard. “We are offering a good script which is combined with entertainment, besides making people think at the end of this film.” he said, while speaking to MarathiMovieworld.com
Mr. Abhijit Gholap also looked happy, for the manner in which the film is praised by the critics, who saw the film. When asked whether he had planned his next production, he said that he was still in the process of finalizing the script for the same. One thing is sure that ‘Bharatiya’ has raised hopes of Marathi film lovers. So, let us wait and see, how the audience would respond to this film.
New film ‘Aaghor’ talks about Doctor patient relationship
When it comes to question of life and death, only person people have belief next to God, is a Doctor . But, in today’s materialistic living, even Doctors are not spared by unethical practices. With some of the recent cases of unethical practices in medical fraternity coming to light, people are losing faith in doctors. But, as there are two sides of the coin, there are good doctors too. The new Marathi film ‘Aaghor- Jivanacha Jagnyashi Sangharsh’ throws light on this sensitive issue. The film will explain how the professionalism in medical field , affects the common man.
Produced by Raju Dhivdonde, Advocate Raman Sonad and Mangesh Pitale, the film is directed by Salim Shaikh, who has also written the screenplay and part of dialogues of this film. Music by Nandu Honap and lyrics by Pravin Davane are other credits. The film’s star cast comprises of Santosh Juvekar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Sai Tamhankar, Manasi Kulkarni, Kishori Shahane, Dr. Vilas Ujawane, Vinod Raut, Tejaswi Patil,Shadab and Raman Sonad. The film is due for release soon.
Sachit Patil is hopeful about his new film
After giving a memorable performance of an angry young man through an action packed film ‘Arjun’, Actor Sachit Patil is now all set to appear as an investigative Police officer through his much awaited film ‘Satya Savitri Aani Satyavan’. Sachit was all smiles, to receive compliments for his performance in this film, during the Press show of the film.
Speaking to Marathi Movie world, Sachit said that he was very hopeful about his new film’s success. The film presents him opposite popular Supermodel Amruta Patki, who makes her debut in Marathi film through this film. “It was a very good team work,” he reacted after the show. Directed by Survesh Parab, this film has a strong star cast comprising of other talented artistes like Shruti Marathe, Pradeep Velankar, Anand Ingale, Atul Kale, Angad Mhaskar, Ganesh Yadav, Anant Jog, Sanjay Mone, Hemalata Bane, Kishore Pradhan, Janardan Parab and others. Sachit has 3 more films in hand and two more of his films are expected to release by the end of this year.
Good turnout at first look of ‘No Entry’
Producers Nikhil Saini and Premnath Rajagopalan were the happiest people on Wednesday evening, as they witnessed maximum gathering of special invitees and representatives from electronic and press media at Sun N sand Hotel, Juhu, when first look of their forthcoming Marathi film ‘No Entry Pudhe Dhoka Aahe’ was officially released. It was for the first time that besides Marathi media, the representatives from Hindi and English media were also present in large number. The invitees were welcomed in a grand way, in a traditional Maharashtrian style with young boys playing Lezim and the young girls dressed up in 9 yard saree lined up at the gate.
The event began almost an hour behind schedule, when Actor-director Ankush Chaudhary playing host on the podium, invited each one from among the strong star cast and asked them to speak few words. The three pairs comprising of Ankush – Sai Lokur, Bharat Jadhav – Kranti Redkar and Aniket Vishwasrao – Manva Naik then posed for photographs in absence of Saie Tamhankar, who arrived late and had the privilege of posing for photos along with other special invitees like Anees Bazmee (the original writer of this film) and Annu Malik.
But, prior to that the producers of the film, dialogue writer Ashish Pathre, DOP- Arvind Soni, Music directors Nakash & Sargam were introduced to the invitees. Nakash also obliged by singing a song from film. Producer Nikhil Saini also made it clear that ‘No Entry Pudhe Dhoka Aahe’ was an official remake of the original Bollywood sitcom and thanked his friend Boney Kapoor for granting permission for the remake in Marathi. While speaking on the occasion, he said that purpose of this remake was to focus on target Maharashtrian audience, who contributed to 40% of Bollywood film’s success.
The First look of the film, clearly indicated that the film was a scene to scene copy, shot at the picturesque location of Goa, instead of preferring foreign locations. Saie Tamhankar, who arrived late was the centre of attraction for Englsih and Hindi media, since they had watched her playing the role of Bobby in the first look, originally played by Bipasha Basu. In fact, the scenes shot on her clearly indicated that she had gone a step ahead of the Bollywood hot girl, as far as her costumes and exposure was concerned.
Anant Jog, Viju Khote and Paddy, who are also part of the star cast playing important roles, were present on the occasion, besides well wishers like Siddharth Jadhav, Sanjay Jadhav and few others. The film’s First look has received good response; but, now it remains to be seen how the audience would welcome this film ?
‘Aik’ makes good first week collections
Perception differs from person to person. Despite mixed reactions from critics, what ultimately matters for the success of the film is the audience response. Marathi film makers have always kept themselves away from the horror subject, with very few exceptions in the past. In fact, it was a misconception that horror subject would never work with Marathi films. But, latest released Marathi film ‘Aik’ has proved it wrong.
At the end of the first week today, ‘Aik’ the makers of ‘Aik’ are happy to notice good turnout at theatres. The film has also made good collections at the ticket windows, according to the producers. “Anything that is presented with sincerity, gathers good support from audience.” reacted the team members of ‘Aik’. The film had not only invited the attention of regular Marathi film lovers, but also managed to invite those, who loved films based on horror subject. For some of the young audience, it was a new experiment in Marathi cinema, which they appreciated.
ETV Marathi launches a new game show DIVIDED
Produced by Endemol India, AdeshBandekar to anchor the show – Mumbai, 18th July, 2012:
ETV Marathi, have announced the launch of a fascinating new game show – ‘DIVIDED’. Produced by Endemol India, ‘DIVIDED’ marks the comeback of noted Marathi cinema and television personality – Adesh Bandekar on the channel. Starting 30th July, the show is all set to entertain the audiences every Monday-Tuesday at 9:30pm.
Having acquired the format from Talpa Distribution, Endemol India has adapted this globally successful innovative game show format in Marathi, reinstating their versatility as a production house. With interesting twists and turns outlined by the Creative Director Atul Ketkar, each episode will see 3 contestants come together in a race against time to win up to lakhs of rupees!
Each episode will unveil a set of 13 questions that increase in value but are bound by time. With every second that ticks away, a part of the available cash prize is lost! Woven together in a never seen before concept, the contestants, instead of playing against each other will have to arrive at common consensus within a stipulated time frame to accumulate the cash prize. To win ‘DIVIDED’, the contestants must make a unified decision at all times!
Zee Marathi to present new reality show ‘Hapta Bandh..’
From 25th July 2012 onwards, those people burdened with huge loan repayments, will get an opportunity to repay their loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs, by participating in a reality show. Zee Marathi will present this reality show from 25th July, every Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9.30 pm.
Only those participants, who have acquired loans from nationalized bans and financial institutions recognised by RBI, are eligible to participate in this Marathi reality show – ‘Hapta Bandh.. Jagana Suru’. Popular comedian Makarand Anaspure will host this show, which will have participants coming from cross section of society like farmers, labourers and employees of public and private sectors, who burdened with loans acquired for different purposes.