First Look at ‘What an idea Mai !’
You may think it’s a tagline for the advertisement of Idea mobile, but ‘What an idea Mai!’ is the title of the new Marathi film (Perhaps inspired by the Idea ad) due for release on 4th November 2011. The Press conference of this film was held at Hotel Kohinoor, Prabhadevi today evening, when the first look of this film was released. Producers Madhavanand Bhatt and Meenakshi Bhatt who are making a debut through this film as Producers, have given an opprtunity to Praveen Shetye to direct his first independent film as a director. Based on the script of Anil Pawar, the film also introduces a new actress Twisha Bhatt in the role of grand daughter to Usha Nadkarni, who plays the title role being the head of a middle class family.
Present on the occasion were Usha Nadkarni, Vijay Chavan, Abhijit Chavan (Comedy Express fame), Megha Bhagwat, Shivani Karadkar, dirctor Praveen Shetye alongwith Bhatt family members and the crew members of the film . The story of the film revolves around the head of the family- Mai, who puts in all efforts to save her joint family from a split. After return of her grand daughter from abroad, what trick she plays, is the theme of the film. “It is a family social, delivering a message to the society.” said director Praveen Shetye, while briefing about his debut film. “It’s an entertainer, besides offering a timely subject.” he added.
While speaking on the occasion Producer Madhavanand Bhatt, spoke in Marathi stating that he lived in Mumbai for the past 50 years and thought of doing a film for his karmabhoomi. Mr. Bhatt, had already attempted one film ‘Sipahee’ in Hindi based on soldiers, since his birth place being Uttarakhand, which is known as soldier’s hub. “I am a builder by profession, but my interest in films and the story of Anil Pawar inspired me to do this film in Marathi. I could not find a better person than Praveen Shetye as a director; as I had full faith in his work.” he said.
Usha Nadkarni was in a great mood to speak on the occasion. Firstly, she thanked the producer and in particular his wife, who according to her was there all the time with the unit to look after the needs. “It was so nice of her, to personally take interest in all our requirements. I thank her for her enthusiasm. Even the new acress is hard working and bright girl.” she said. Mr. Vijay Chavan and Mr. Abhijit Chavan narrated few funny incidences during their shooting schedule. Both thanked the director for doing a good job on his debut. Lyrics by Prasad Kulkarni , music by Yug Bhusal and Cinematography by Rajaram Patil are the other credits of this film.
Shatjanma Shodhitana – a tribute to Veer Savarkar
Aami Goenkar celebrated their 8th birthday today with a tribute to Great freedom Fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar through a musical programme ‘Shodh ha Nava – Shatjanma Shodhitana’ presented by Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak Mumbai and Maharshtra Military School, Murbad; at the Savarkar Auditorium, Shivaji Park.
The three hour long programme comprised of clippings from Savarkar’s film and a musical programme comprising of songs and dances on his writings in the form of Lavani, Powada, folk art and drama skits. The presentation of the programme and the sequencing was the best to give a glimpse of the life of the freedom fighter, his sacrifice for the country and his literature.
The programme was anchored by Manjiri Marathe and Shriram Kelkar. While some of the performers were, Amruta Satbhai, Varsha Bhave, Rupali Desai, Nandesh Umap, Chaitanya Kulkarni, Sayali Joshi, Ketki Bhave and Deepak Velankar. Nandesh Umap for his folk song and Varsha Bhave for the title song received big applause from the wholehearted audience. Superb Production design by Ranjit Savarkar and wonderful stage lighting by Sheetal Talpade are other credits. Amog many dignitories present were Dr. Premanand Ramani (World renowned Spinal surgeon) with his wife and Dr. Girish Pai. Mr. Sanjay Hegde and his wife Dr. Asmita Hegde worked hard to make this programme a grand success.
Swarajya MP3′ Music launched
Raees Lashkaria’s new Marathi film ‘Swarajya – Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’ is all set for release on 11the November 2011, but the music of this film was launched today at the Mini Auditorium of Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi. The entire star cast of this film was present besides the technical crew and those behind its music.
There are total seven songs in this film including the title song with leading singers like Sudesh Bhosale, Sadhana Sargam, Tyagraj Khadilkar, Ravindra Sathe and Nandesh Umap rendering their voices. Sudesh Bhosale and Tyagraj Khadilkar were present on the occasion and also spoke a few words about the beautiful compositions. Besides a strong script the film is also banking on its music. Music by Nitin Hivarkar and background music by Amitraj are the other cedits of the album. The lyrics are by Vihar Ghag, who has also written the script besides directing this film alongwith Vishal Ghag.
Before releasing the Music CD Mr. Vishal Ghag, invited all the artistes and the crew members including the people associated with songs and music and felicitated them. He also did not forget the film’s PRO Ganesh Gargote. He thanked the producer Raees Lashkaria, for encouraging him to make this film. This is a debut film for the director duo, who were all excited about the concept of this film which inspires Marathi Manoos to come forward leaving aside that inferiority complex within him. ‘Swarajya MP3′ is also the debut film for leading lady Namrata Gaikwad, who has come from stage background and done one serial of Alka Kubal before getting this role. ‘Zhenda’ fame Rajesh Shrigarpure plays the strong lead character of Ram Marathe, who fights against injustice along with Anshuman Vichare and the leading lady. The other artistes of this film comprise of Darshan Jhariwala, Arun Nalawade, Ila Bhate, Kiran Mane, Nirmala Kotnis, Hemangi Kavi-Dhumal, Varsha Dadale, Sushrut Mankani, Mahesh Kokate, Mahendra Dhule, Abhay Rane, Bala Javkar, Arun Bhadsavale, Jaiwant Patekar, Dilip Khadvilkar, Priya Sonavne and others.
Music of ‘Deool’ launched in a big way
The music launch of much talked about Marathi film ‘Deool’ took place today late evening at Mumbai’s PVR theatre, Juhu in a big way. The star attraction of the evening was the presence of two stalwarts from the film industry – Mr. Naseeruddin Shah and Mr. Nana Patekar, who are coming together for the first time through this film.
While Naseeruddin Shah has a small role to play, it is the presence of Nana Patekar in ‘Deool’ has invited the attention of Marathi film lovers and that too opposite another versatile actor – Dilip Prabhavalkar. The film has a very big star cast comprising of popular and talented artistes like Dr. Mohan Agashe, Sonali Kulkarni, Shashank Shende, Smita Tambe, Vibhavari Deshpande, Kishore Kadam, Atisha Naik, Jyoti Subhash, Hrishikesh Joshi, Usha Nadkarni, Shrikant Yadav and others.
While speaking on the occasion, Producer Abhijit Gholap a software professional expressed his gratitude to the writer director pair comprising of Girish and Umesh Kulkarni for their sincere efforts in making such a wonderful film. “Both of them are my good friends and hence through this film, it was a good occasion to present something memorable to the audience.” he said.
Director Umesh Kulkarni, also appreciated the attitude of the producer for being liberal and showing complete faith in him. “Besides the strong script, the film’s music is something special and I am sure, it has gone very well with the theme of this film,” he added. Music director Mangesh Dhakade and Lyricists Sudhir Moghe and Swanand Kirkire also spoke on the occasion. Sanjay Chhaberia, who is distributing this film wished the entire team a grand success. But, it was the duo Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar received all the attention.
While Naseeruddin Shah recalled his days of struggle and the kind of films he did and compared the change taking place in film making. “I am happy that while doing commercial films in Hindi, I am also associated with a sensible film like ‘Deool’, he said in his short speech. But, Nana Patekar was in great form, as he called the producers during his struggling days for being partial, only favouring the actors from Hindi stage. “It is for this reason, Naseeruddin Shah got an early break into films and I remained behind. I really used to envy him.But, he is no doubt an excellent actor and I really admire his talent.” he concluded.
‘Deool’ is all set for release after Diwali, on 4th November 2011.
‘Nave Valan’ Marathi film fest at NCPA
The National Centre For Performing Arts, after showcasing the best of Marathi contemporary cinema for the past two years; is back with ‘Nave Valan 2011′, its third edition, with five films that have won both critical acclaim and popular vote at various film festivals.
The festival opens at their Little Theatre with Sujay Dahake’s film ‘Shala’ on 9th October 2011 with two shows at 3.30 and 6.30 pm respectively. The other four films to be shown between 10th and 13th October are : ‘Champions’, ‘Balgandharva’, ‘Taryanche Bait’ and ‘Babu Band Bajaa’ (All with English sub-titles) at 6.30 pm daily. There will also be an interactive session ‘Chauraha’ after the show everyday.
Sad demise of Sushma Joshi
Classical Singer Sushma Joshi is no more. Mother of popular actress and TV programme Producer Pallavi Joshi and former actor Master Alankar, she was ill for a long time. She breathed her last at 3pm today at Lilawati Hospital, Mumbai. She is survived by husband Madhusudan Joshi, 2 daughters, son, sons in law and grandchildren.
Sushma Joshi was an exponent of classical music and took lessons in classical singing from Pt. Manohar Barve, Master Damle & Jaymala Shiledar. Her guru fro classical music was Laxmiprasad Jaipurwale. She acquired her Master’s degree in Music from SNDT University. Her funeral will take place on at 10 am Friday 7th October 2011 at Shivaji Park, Dadar.
Now, Champa to counter Munni & Sheela
It looks like that to compete with ‘Munni’ and ‘Sheela’, now ‘Champa’ is getting ready. In the forthcoming Marathi film ‘Varchadh’ there will be a song shot on dancer Sunita Tiwari, which will be an item number with the wordings “Munni Beimaan jhali…..Sheela Bekaar jhali…..” Sandeep Tadlapurkar has composed the lyrics of this song on the music of Manikdada.
With the picturisation of this song, the muhurat of this film took place recently. The film directed by Hriday Mishra is all about the united fight of the villagers,against the injustice. The film stars Ashok Shinde, Vijay Chavan, Hemalata Bane, Amruta Deshmukh, Deepak Shirke, Suresh Dale along with a new face Nikhil Tadlapurkar.
Sanjay Narvekar to play ‘Fakta Saatvi Pass’
Versatile actor Sanjay Narvekar is playing the character of Devidas Nigal, in the forthcoming Marathi film ‘Fakta Saatvi Pass’ based on a real life story of this character. The film talks about the struggle in the life of this character since his childhood. It is the tale of a person determined to achieve his goals inspite of studying only up to seventh standard in school.
Prakash Panchal is directing this film. He had earlier made two sensational films namely- ‘Ticha Chukla Tari Kaay ?’ and ‘Dnyaneshwari Express’ also based on real life stories. The film is produced by Devidas Nigal, who has also written the story and screenplay of this film. Raju Revankar has written the dialogues, while Sanjay Gite has composed the music on the lyrics of Vinayak Pathare. Vaishali Made is the playback singer. The camera is handled by Jitu Achrekar, while the art and editing is done by Arun Rahane and Dilip Darak respectively.
The film stars Sanjay Narvekar in the lead along with Sharad Ponkshe, Kuldeep Pawar, Vikas Samudre, Anukamal, Rafiq Sayyed, Arun Gite, Manisha Pawar, Neha More, Sujaay Jadhav, Rahul Pawar, Firoze Shaikh, Javed Shaikh & Chaitali Raje. The film has given scope to many local artistes from Nashik, where the shooting schedule of the film took place.
‘Adgula Madgula’ to offer a univrsal theme filled with humour
Marathi film makers have always been trying to offer something different to the audience. Shree Sankalp Film Productions’ new film ‘Adgula Madgula’ produced by Sharad Shelar and directed by Nagesh Bhosale has something special in its script. This became clear when the first look of this film was revealed before the media today late evening at Hotel Sea Princess, Juhu. The function, as expected was behind schedule by 90 minutes, as per the tradition observed by Marathi entertainment industry these days. But, it was the leading man Subodh Bhave, who came in time, suggesting clearly about his punctuality. The special invitees on the occasion – Mr. Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt, who also arrived in time, appreciated the arrangements made by the host for the first look of the film. They, however pleaded urgency and therefore the hosts released the first look alongwith promos of two songs in the film.
The film has a funny theme of a dark complexioned child born to the young fair couple played by leading pair Subodh Bhave and Girija Oak.It’s all about the humour arising out of this situation, where the people around start gossiping. From the first look it indicated that the film has been presented well, with superb photography by Suresh Suvarna and good music by Shailendra Barve.The chemistry between the lead pair seemed to be working well, as witnessed during some romantic and emotion filled scenes picturised on the pair. Director Nagesh Bhosale who is also a part of the film has directed this film.The film is all set for release on 14th October 2011.
While speaking on the ocasion Mr. Nagesh Bhosale thanked Bhatt brothers for their presence. Mr. Mahesh Bhatt priased the Marathi film industry for offering variety of subjects. He also recalled his days during making of ‘Saransh’ and said that the theme of the film was thought of, since they lived in Shivaji Park in their earlier days. “I am haapy with the theme of this new film, when I watched the first look and I wish the entire unit a grand success.” he added.
Mr. Nagesh Bhosale was all praise for the producer Sharad Shelar for his finest co-operation during the making of this film. “I am lucky to find a producer like him who is a quick thinker. His two more films are in the pipeline and that itself speaks about his dedication to this film industry. He also welcomed friends like Makarand Deshpande, Harsh Chaya, Anubhav Sinha, Deepak Shirke and other dignitories like Mr. Sunil Punjabi CEO of Cinemax and Mr. Girish Wankhede, DGM of Cinemax; who were present on the occasion. The artistes from the film – Girija Oak, Smita Talwalkar, Uday Tikekar, Yakub Syed and others were also present. Among other invitees were Sachin Khedekar, Mangesh Kulkarni, Kiran Karmarkar, besides friends and well wishers.
What happened to the film on Anna Hazare ?
Few days back, we had covered a news on a new film in Marathi, being made on the life of social activist Anna Hazare. It was also reported that the Marathi film industry was quick enough to react on the 74-year-old Gandhian’s inspiring life journey and his present fight against corruption, which had enthused many youths in this country.
The film ‘Mala Anna Vhaychay’ (I want to become Anna) scripted and directed by Ganesh Shinde was to go on floors with the announcement of noted actor Arun Nalavade to play the role of Anna Hazare. There were also many prominent Marathi artistes finalized, to perform different characters in this film. But now, it seems that the launch of the film has been stalled for the time being, for opposition from some people.
When Marathi Movie World congratulated Mr. Arun Nalawade, on his selection for the lead role and inquired about the further progress of this film, he stated that there was some problem faced by the film maker, as somebody had objected to making of the film on Anna Hazare. It is not known, as to who are the people opposing such a film, but one thing is sure that there is a lot of political interference in the film making process of Marathi film industry. The creativity of the film maker now days is being questioned, which is not good for the progress of Marathi film industry.
When Bollywood film makers are making films on the lives of murder convicts, underworld and dacoits, no one opposes them; but when a film is being made in Marathi on the life of a social activist, who fights against corruption in the country, why there should be any opposition? Even the US president has praised the social activist for his recent crusade against corruption. It will be a timely film that too in Marathi to invite the attention from all over the world. Hope, the supporters of Anna Hazare come forward in support of the film maker.