Lokshahir Vitthal Umap is no more
Known for his folk songs all over Maharashtra Lokshahir Vitthal Umap died in Nagpur due to heart attack, while he was attending a function. He was 80. Vitthal Umap was known for his popular creations, whether they were folk songs or stage plays; he always offered variety through his various presentations.
Being a versatile stage actor, he has also performed in many Marathi films. His last released film was ‘Sumbaraan‘ in which he played Ravi Kale’s old father. Mr. Umap remained active till his last breath. MMW offers sincere tributes to this popular personality with a prayer for his soul to rest in peace.
“International Film festival of India begins in Goa”
The 41st International Film festival of India was inaugurated on 22nd November 2010 in Goa and will go on till 2nd December 2010. About 300 films from 65 countries will be screened at 11 theatres in Panaji and Margao, during this period. In the international competition section will have 18 films including there Indian films, out of which Vihir( Marathi) is one of them. Another Marathi film ‘Mee Sindhutai Sapkal‘ also finds the place in the biography section.
For the past few years, Marathi films have been inviting a lot of attention at many international festivals all over the world and this being the prestigious international film festival held in India every year, it is an occasion to make its presence felt.
Launching of film ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat’
Sai Prasad Media Pvt Ltd. recently launched their new film ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat‘ in Pune. This film is also being made simultaneously in Hindi with the name ‘Chodo kal Ki Batein.’ Pramod Gajanan Joshi will be directing both the versions, starring Sachin Khedekar, Atul parchure and Mrunal Kulkarni. Anupam kher makes his debut in Marathi through this film, with a very special role.
The shooting of this film begins shortly. The film has music by Dr. Salil Kulkarni on the lyrics of Sandeep Khare, while Salil Sahasrabuddhe will be the cinematographer for both the versions.
Short film competition for film’s promotion On Duty 24 Taas
Kedar Shinde is coming back with his new movie, “On Duty 24 Taas“, for which he has organised a competition with an intention to provide a platform to all those who are interested in making their own short video film.
Best 10 videos will showcase in front of experts in cinema and they will announce the winner among the videos. The winner will get an opportunity to run his/her video in credit list of Kedar Shinde’s upcoming movie “On Duty 24 Taas” and also the name of the winner will be added in the credit list of the film.
Last date for video submission is 30th November, 2010. After that no video will be accepted. Those who want to participate in this contest, may contact on email id. kedar.onduty24@gmail.com.
“‘Balgandharva’ launched in a traditional style”
After serving for 25 years in the Indian film Industry as a Set designer, Nitin Chandrakant Desai, who was behind some successful marathi TV serials, has now launched his first film ‘Balgandharva‘ based on the life of 19th century Great Marathi theatre personality – Narayan Shripad Rajhans, broadly known as ‘Balgandharva’. Popularly known for his versatile singing style in musical stage plays, Balgandharva was widely accepted for his looks as a female character, since women were not allowed to act on stage, during his time.
The grand muhurat of this film was held at Pune’s Balgandharva Rangamandir, in a traditional Maharashtriyan style. Subodh Bhave who plays the lead role was welcomed on the stage in a style, in the presence of dignitaries like Babasaheb Purandare and Jaymala Shiledar. Watching the response of the audience, the actor was overjoyed, as it was also his birthday on 9th November. The members of Rajhans family were also present for the function. ‘Balgandharva‘ which will have music as its heart, offers an opportunity to young Kaushal Inaamdar to prove his mettle. He has already become popular with his Marathi Abhimangeet. Singer Anand Bhate will render his voice for the lead actor. The film begins its location shooting in Pune and Kolhapur shortly. ‘Natarang’ fame Ravi Jadhav will direct this film.
“Now, you will witness ‘4 Idiots'”
Marathi films are also paying attention on entertainment, taking support of the new concept and production values. The new Marathi comedy film ‘4 Idiots‘ containing all the required ‘Masala‘ to entertain Marathi film lovers, has completed 805 of its shooting, with the remaining 20% to be shot soon at the Ramoji Film city, Hyderabad. Debutant Milind Arun Kavde a Documentary & Ad film maker is the Director of the film which is being produce by Anant Walilkar under the banner Mayuresh Entertainment.
Bharat Jadhav, the Superstar of Marathi film industry is the hero of this film, which presents the story of four middle class friends. Other stars of this Marathi film are Siddhartha Jadhav, Guru Anand, Swapnil Joshi . The other Attraction of film is the famous pair of Popular comedy shows -Vaibhav Mangle & Vishakha Subhedar. Other supporting artistes are Ajay Jadhav, Ganesh Mayekar, Ananda Karekar and Arti Solanki.
Music Director Mayuresh Pai has recorded One Song of the film rendered by Vaishali Sawant and Avdhoot Gupte. Prasad Kulkarni, Ajay Jigaran and Jitendra Joshi have penned the songs. Director Milind Arun Kavade is planning to Release the film in January, 2011.
‘Hridayache Naate’ launched with song recording
The Muhurat of ‘Hridayache Naate‘, a marathi film; was recently held at Aajivasan Studio, Juhu with sound recording of film in the presence of actor Bharat Jadhav. The first schedule of film will be completed in Goa. Produced by Mohammad Kasam & Sajid Sayyad. & being Directed by director Rajendra Rathod, the Executive producer of this film is Salim Khan Khultabadkar.
Story, Screenplay and dialogues and Music are by Kartikey Tiwari. Songs are sung by Angha Funse. Cinematography by Manju Nath & Irfaan Sheik. Devendra Tawade is the Art Director. Choreography by Shailesh Kohli. Sound by Suresh Kachave & Action by Prem Sharma.
Star cast of the film comprises of popular marathi actor Bharat Jadhav in the lead role along with Pandarinath Kamble (Paddy), Rupali Bhosle, Sanjay Khapre, Swapnil Joshi, Kamlakar Saatpute & Taslim Khan.
‘Nirmalya’ is receiving good response
During the recent MAMI international film festival, one Marathi film that invited the attention of many enthusiastic viewers was ‘Nirmalya’, which was shown in Indian frame section. Based on wellknown writer Madhu Mangesh Karnik’s novel ‘Devki‘, written 50 years ago, this period film has been produced by Sushma Kaul. The film’s script and direction is by Shekhar Sartandel.
The film’s cast comprises of Prasad Oak, Priyavanda Sawant, Sukhada Yash, Uday Sabnis, Abhay Khadapkar, Nandkumar Patil, Raghunath Kadam and others. Though ‘Nirmalya’ is a tale of a Devdasi, it also presents a love story in a different manner. After its sceening in few more international film festivals, the film will be released in Maharashtra.
“Aushutosh Gowarikar releases music of ‘Sumbaran’ “
Gajendra Ahire’s new film ‘Sumbaran …Soneri Divsanchya Athavani‘ had its music release on 1st November 2010 at MIG Club, Bandra, at the hands of Popular film maker Ashutosh Gowarikar. Prior to release of Music CD, music director Rahul Ranade requested singers Shaan and Jhanvi (the payback singers of this film) to perform on stage and both of them obliged. In all four songs were played with other singers like Ajit Parab and N. Umap also following them. The guests also had the first look of the film, when few scenes from the film were shown.
While releasing the CD, the chief guest recalled the good old days of his friendship with Rahul Ranade way back in 1984, when both of them had worked on a film ‘Holi‘. Ashutosh also praised Gajendra Ahire for selecting the topics of his film which always has a connect with village life. Rahul Ranade became more than emotional in his speech mentioning how during his comeback in 2008, few film makers including Gajendra Ahire helped him with their timely offers. He thanked all his friends and well wishers and also his aunt Ms. Sai Paranjape, who was present at the function.
Others present on the occasion were Sagarika from Sagarika Music and artistes of the film like Mukta Barve, Siddharth Jadhav, Saie Tamhankar, Ashwini Kalsekar,Ravindra Mankani, Ravi Kale and others. Makarand Anaspure, who is part of the film was not present. Nitish Bharadwaj who was also among special invitees, preferred to stay away from the stage. The film is due for release on 19th November 2010.But, prior to that it has been selected for Indian Panorama at three international film festivals.
‘Zee Talkies-Lux’ Maharashtracha favourite Kon
To decide the winners in various categories based on the popularity among people, Zee Talkies has been giving away awards to all those associated with Marathi entertainment field. This year, for the year 2010, the awards in the name of ‘Zee Lux Sandal Maharashtracha Favourite Kon?’ were given away to those selected by viewers through voting. Like previous year, this year too Mahesh Manjrekar played the host for the gala evening function held at Mumbai’s Hotel Hyatt Regency at Andheri(E).
Beginning the function by paying tributes to late Debu Deohar, Ajay Sarpotdar, Amit Pawar and Prabhakar Pendharkar, the host tried to explain in a humourous way, as to why he was considered as a favourite host for these awards. Giving a hint about the entertainment programme that followed, he mentioned that the subject of the evening was ‘argument’. In came Makarand Anaspure to argue as to why his film with the title like ‘Hand Pump’ was suitable. “When a name like ‘Vihir’ is accepted, why not a ‘Hand Pump’ used beside the Vihir, is not found suitable,” he questioned.
Makarand has a terrific sense of humour and with that gifted talent, he entertained the selected invitees with his skit for some more time. In between the variety programmes and awards presentation in different categories, witty Mahesh Manjrekar kept on pulling the legs of different people from the industry with his timely jokes. He repeatedly made an announcement calling it a breaking news, only to declare that he heard about a new film of Prasad Oak being released shortly. Obviously, hinting at the soaring number of Marathi films the actor has signed in the recent past. Without naming anyone, he said, “Those who claimed about re-introducing Marathi cinema to the people, found empty theatres for their films.” The clever audience new very well, whom he was hinting at, but took it lightly. The prolific film maker, however appealed to all Marathi people to go and watch Marathi films in the theatre; as the industry had made tremendous progress in all areas.
The indoor hall of Hotel Grand Hyatt was filled with the presence of many artistes from Marathi film industry and prominent among them were Ashok Saraf, Sachin Pilgaonkar( with his wife Supriya), Mahesh Kothare with his son Adinath, Siddharth Jadhav, Saie Tamhankar, Kranti Redkar, Girija Oak, Amrita Khanwilkar, Sonali Kukarni Sr as well as Jr; Sanjay Narvekar, Mrunal Kulkarni, Avadhoot Gupte, Bela Shende, Guru Thakur, Ajay-Atul, Sayaji Shinde and many others who were nominated for awards in different categories. But, those who were surprisingly absent were Sachin Khedekar, Atul Kulkarni & Bharat Jadhav inspite of being nominated.
While Siddharth Jadhav and the so called teenager’s trio( by Mahesh Manjrekar) comprising of Kranti Redkar, Amruta Khanwilkar & Sonalee Kulkarni (Jr)entertained with their classic dance performances, others like Swapnil Bandodkar & Rahul Deshpande mesmerized the audience with their classical jugalbandi. Upcoming ActressSmita Tambe proved her dancing talents while mimicry artiste Nilesh Sable received a big applause for perfectly imitating some of the popular personalities. Highlight of the function was the dance performance by the veteran trio comprising of Ashok Saraf, Mahesh Kothare and Sachin Pilgaonkar together. And, they really did a good job, as they were promoting their forthcoming film ‘Idea Chi Kalpana’.
Most of the Viewer’s choice awards went as per expectations( not being disclosed by MMW for obvious reason) but the so called Na-khare awards, announced by Mahesh Manjrekar to create humour on the lines of Filmfare’s Na-real awards left a bad taste. Looking at the traditional Marathi culture, it was certainly not proper to humiliate some of the talented artistes for trying out something different. Sayaji Shinde, who has made a record of doing 300 South films, was presented with a Lungi. Actresses like Amruta, Kranti and Resham were presented with Maherchi Saadi, while bald actor Vaibhav Mangle was presented with a comb and hair oil. It was okay to present a watch to Sonalee Kulkarni(Jr) for her large number dance performances on the song ‘Vaajale ki 12’, but it was improper to announce this category award to a reputed actor like Sandeep Kulkarni for his dance performance in ‘Gaiir’, which was considered as an awkward act. Sandeep was conspicuously absent for the function.
The overall function of little more than three hours offered variety entertainment. Needless to say that it will be telecast in few days time. By the way, Zee Talkies is now into its fourth year and henceforth be known as ‘Aapla Talkies Zee Talkies’.