Many Marathi films lined up for release before year end
While Gajendra Ahire gets ready with his next film ‘Samudra’, young director Nitin kamble is also set to release his new film ‘Chandrakala’ on the same day, i.e. 17th December 2010. While ‘Samudra’, a period film is based on the backdrop of picturesque Konkan offering a triangular love story, ‘Chandrakala’ offers the challenge taken by the daughter of a Tamasha organizer, who refuses to carry forward the profession of her mother. She revolts against the system. There is no doubt that both the films are handling sensitive subjects.
In ‘Samudra’ you will find Sonalee playing the beautiful girl Nanda, with the introduction of new male star Amogh, while in ‘Chandrakala’ Megha Ghadge plays opposite Varad Chavan, son of Vijay Chavan. Both the films have a strong supporting cast.
Another film to follow on December 24th will be ‘Chal Dharpakad’ which is also based on injustice on women, where director Atmaram Dharne has used the game of Kabaddi to indicate challenge posed by females led by Nirmiti Sawant. On the defending side is Nagesh Bhosale.
But, the most awaited film is Vikram Gokhale directed multi-starrer film ‘Aaghaat’ based on medical science in which Bollywood actor Kiran Kumar also makes his appearance. At the same time, two more multi-starrer Marathi films ‘Ideachi Kalpana’ and ‘Shahanpan Dega deva’ are also expected to be released before the end of this year.
Tanveer Sanman for Sulabha Deshpande
Veteran Marathi actress Sulabha Deshpande will be honoured with the prestigious Tanveer Sanman 2010 for her contribution to theatre, films and television. The award, initiated by Roopwedh Pratishthan, will be presented to her at the Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium, Kothrud, between 6.30 pm and 9 pm on December 9. The award comprises Rs 1 lakh, a memento and a certificate. Actor Nana Patekar will be the chief guest of this event.
The Tanveer Natyadharmi Puraskar is a fellowship of the Pratishthan worth Rs 30,000, which will go to theatre artsite Veena Jamkar. Initiated in 2004, Roopwedh Pratishthan felicitates every year theatre personalities who have made rich contributions to theatre, but are no more in the spotlight. Dr. Shreeram Lagoo executive president of Roopwedh Pratishthan, has made this announcement.
‘Natasamrat’ on Big Screen with Nana Patekar
“If I think of doing ‘Natasamrat’ on Big screen, it will be with Nana Patekar playing the title role,” said film maker Mahesh Manjrekar in the past. Today, we see the chances of watching this film soon. Nana has given his nod for playing the role of Ganpat ( Appa) Belwalkar, which was done on stage by many popular veteran Marathi stage artistes.
Based on the tragic story in the life of a famous actor who was once conferred with the prestigious ‘Natasamrat’ award , the play in Marathi had received overwhelming response in the past. Now, it remains to be seen, how much of success the film receives in days to come. But, one thing is sure that Nana Patekar with his graceful voice and extra ordinary acting talent would certainly offer something different.
According to the latest reports, few changes will be made in the original story, to suit the requirements of the screenplay of the film. May be, few more characters will be added. But, all eyes would be on this new form of ‘Natasamrat’. The other artistes of the film are yet to be finalized.
Vinod and Makarand strike the Googlies from Avadhoot
Avadhoot Gupte has now taken over the responsibility of an Anchor of the new show on Zee Marathi. In this new entertaining programme – ‘Fair & Lovely – Khupte Tithe Gupte‘ he will be bowling his Googlies in the form of questions to two popular personalities- Vinod Kambli and Makarand Deshpande. We are well aware of Vinod kambli’s ability to strike every ball he played, but it may be recalled that Makarand too has played his cricket at national level in the past. In short, both of them are good strikers of any googley bowled to them.
The first episode has been well received with Ashok Saraf and Chhgan Bhujbal facing the googlies from Avadhoot very well. This particular episode, which has been shot on Vinod and Makarand will be telecast on Saturday 27th November 2010 at 9.30 pm on Zee Marathi. Besides, recalling some of their memorable moments, both the celebrities have also performed dance to entertain the audience.
Popatpanchi Soon On Marathi Stage
Producers Vikram Watve and Pradeep Muley under the banner of Magic Wall, (a professional institute offering a platform to capable artistes to display their talents) have decided to launch their Marathi stage play ‘Popatpanchi’ with the first show to begin from 4th of December 2010. In a Press conference held at Kohinoor Hall, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, the writer and director of the play Mr. Shafahat Khan made his intentions very clear about presenting this play, which has a team of promising artistes instead of popular faces. “ We are very confident about our theme which is based on an ancient tale ‘Shukabahattari’ where a Parrot entertains a person’s wife, while he is away on tour; so that she doesn’t feel lonely at home,” said the producers.
“Popatpanchi’ is actually based on a Don who flees to a foreign country, leaving behind his wife Myna, in the company of a person named Popat, to narrate her different stories, to entertain her. However, Myna puts a condition to Popat, for listening those stories. With the presentation of these stories, which are very much related to the present day situation in the society, the drama tries to offer a kind of entertainment with a message.
‘Popatpanchi’ is a two act play with talented artistes like Kishore Chougule, Mangesh Salvi, Sudesh Mhashilkar, Rasika Agashe, Yogini Chouk, Pradnya Shastri, Rupesh Jadhav, Praveenkumar Dalimbkar, Siddhesh Shelar & Purnanad Vandekar. Most of whom have passed out from reputed acting schools. Rahul Ranade has offered the music to this unusual play.
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.