Hrishita Bhatt in a Marathi film
Bollywood actress Hrishita Bhatt who played the lead opposite Abhishek Bachchan in ‘Shararat’ will now play a lead role in Gauri Saravate’s Marathi film ‘Mani Mangalsutra’. Hrishita was very much impressed when Gauri narrated the script to her and agreed to play the lead role. The film talks about the importance of mangalsutra and why a woman should wear it after marriage. The film also deals with the issue of ‘Live in relationship’ and gives plenty of scope for debate.
Raj Thackeray takes up issue of Marathi films
For the past few years Marathi films have been getting step motherly treatment from Multiplex owners in Maharashtra, in spite of getting the tax exemptions from the state government. As per the existing agreement between Maharashtra Government and Multiplex owners, it is obligatory for Multiplexes to screen Marathi films but many Multiplexes are either avoiding the screening or screening Marathi films at odd timings or giving some excuses. The High court ruling on this issue is also very clear. Then why can’t our Maharashtra Government take strict action against such multiplex owners?
On the occasion of the third anniversary of the Manase Chitrapat Worker’s Association, Manase chief Mr. Raj Thackeray took strong note of this issue and has issued instructions to his party workers to prepare a list of such theatre owners, who are not screening Marathi films from 11th August onwards. For the past few days this issue is in the news, as few multiplex owners have been deliberately avoiding the screening of Marathi films.
After the successful run of films like ‘Natarang’, ‘Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho’, ‘Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy’, ‘Harischandrachi factory’,’Haapus’, ‘Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai’ in the recent past, even the Film Trade Analyst had predicted that Marathi films would give a tough competition to Bollywood in Maharashtra. MarathiMovieworld had also received some complaints from viewers about the raw deal given to Marathi films by Multiplexes in Maharashtra. In one recent complaint against a Multiplex Kulraj Broadway in Borivali, it was alleged that the only show of Marathi film ‘Jetaa’ was cancelled at the last minute, giving an excuse that the Projector was not working. In the same theatre they do not allow advance booking of Marathi films, whereas advance booking is allowed for Hindi films. Isn’t that something strange?
In another recent development, it has also come to notice that while issuing licenses to some Multiplexes, there is also a condition that they are supposed to reserve one of the screening halls for presentation of Drama (stage play). But, how many of them have such a facility and who is checking the same ?
‘Vihir’ wins award at Stuttgart Festival
Marathi film ‘Vihir’ has one more feather in its cap. It has won the ‘German Star of India’ award at the Stuttgart Film Festival. The movie was screened at this festival last week. It is a great honour to Marathi film industry for presenting a good cinema to international audience with a subject depicting the family boundaries and friendship.
The award comprised of a trophy and 4000 euros. ‘Vihir’ will also be screened on 7th August 2010, at the Ahmedabad International Film festival followed by film festivals scheduled at Warsaw, Belgium and Melbourne.
Mohan Tondwalkar is no more
Mohan Tondwalkar who headed the most popular Marathi Drama company Kalavaibhav, passed away today after a brief illness. He was 77. Mr. Tondwalkar had produced 80 Marathi plays, including popular plays like ‘Purush’, ‘Gela Madhav Kunikade’, ‘Nati Goti’, ‘Vaadaa Chirebandi’, ‘Premasathi Vattel te’ and the latest- ‘Shambhuraje’.
Having given scope to several top Marathi artistes of today through ‘Kalavaibhav’, he remained dedicated to his profession and believed in creating something new. He had the knowledge of Marathi literature very well. Mr. Tondwalkar was the first Marathi Drama producer to present the stories of Jaywant Dalvi on Marathi stage. Many well known artistes were associated with his drama group. Veteran Vijaya Mehta had also directed some plays for his group.
Many personalities have offered their tributes recalling his valuable contribution to the Marathi stage. Some of whom who quickly expressed their gratitude to him were Sudhir Bhatt, Lata Narvekar, Atul Parchure & Prashant Damle.
Marathi Theatre Festival at NCPA
After almost about 10 years, National Centre For Performing arts (NCPA) have opened their doors to Marathi Theatre. From 7th August 2010 ‘Paratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav’ will begin here with mixture of contemporary Marathi Theatre, ranging from a Tale of sixteenth century saints to modern day relationships.
One does not know the reasons for discontinuance of Marathi stage from NCPA 10 years ago, but the news about this festival is certainly welcome. It will certainly encourage Marathi Theatre in south Mumbai as most of the theatres are in the suburbs.
During the festival which will go on between 7th August – 11th August 2010, the following plays will be performed. On 7th August at 6.30 pm it will be Avishkar’s ‘Baya Daar Ughaad’. On 8th August at 3 pm it will be Theatrics presentation ‘Ek Rikaami Baaju’ followed by ‘Geli Ekvis Varshe’ from Natak Company at 6.30 pm. On 9th August will be Lalit , Mumbai presentation ‘Ekmekaat’ and on 10th August Aasaakt KalaManch Pune will present ‘Anandbhog Mall’. On the last day, i.e. 11th August Kalakendra Pune will present ‘Mahapur’. Besides the presentation of these plays there will also be a talk show daily at 5pm before the shows
Aniruddha Joshi is SAREGAMA’s Best of Best
‘Idea Sa re ga ma pa’ , the popular music show on Zee Marathi concluded on Sunday 1st August 2010, with the final round held at Dadasaheb Gaekwad Auditorium, Nashik. In this series of ‘Best of Best’, Aniruddha Joshi was declared the final winner, after he faced tough competition from previous Saregama winners Apurva Gajjala & Rahul Saxena.
The competition which was going on for the past five months, offered the best of music from these talented singers. After winning the Final round, Aniruddha Joshi reacted, “I had never expected myself to be the winner. I only used this platform to establish myself as a singer but it also helped me to gain more confidence. With the support and best wishes of the audience, I will certainly work harder.”
On the final day, Aniruddha presented songs -‘Dinabandhu Tu Gopala’, ‘Majhe Jagne Hote Gaane’, Koi Kahe etc. In the form of award he received a memento and Rs. 2 lakh from Zee Marath + Rs.1 Lakh 30 thousand from Croma in the form of Home package + Rs. 1 lakh from Cotton King. The other two Runners-up received Rs. 1 Lakh each from Zee Marathi+ Rs.40,000/- from Croma + Rs.50,00/-from Cotton King respectively, besides the Memento.
After conclusion of this show, Zee marathi now begins with ‘SAREGAMAPA Little Champs’ every Monday and Tuesday from 2nd august 2010 at 9.30 pm.
Marathi Producers join hands with IMPPA
The Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association ( IMPPA) which is the parent body of the Hindi film producers, have invited Marathi film Producers to join their association to strengthen their unity. In a recently held function, many producers from Marathi film industry attended the meet. Sushma Shiromani, Vijay Kondke and Macchindra Chate took the lead to invite maximum Marathi film producers and convinced them to become members of IMPPA.
IMPPA membership would help Marathi film producers in a big way, as it would sort out their problem to find distributors besides getting costly equipments against reasonable charges. At the same time, advanced editing and dubbing facilities would also be available to them at concession.
Incidentally, elections for the post of President and other members of IMPPA are scheduled for 27th September 2010 and for that purpose, under the leadership of Sushma Shiromani a group of producers have already formed a panel comprising of popular names like Sawan Kumar, Ketan Desai, Vinod Chhabra, Kukku Kohli and Naresh Malhotra are part of it. They have suitably named their panel ‘We for You’
‘Ramachandra Purushottam Joshi’ nearing completion
5 years ago film maker Ajay Phansekar tried something different in Marathi films. For his film ‘Ramachandra Purushottam Joshi’ he made use of Graphic presentation on the lines of Harry Potter films. At that time, he had even shot the movements of certain characters in Black Chroma and even edited those portions. But, the deadly natural calamity of 26th July downpour caused heavy destruction to his studio and godown with the floods causing complete damage to the film.
However, that did not deter Ajay from completing this film, in spite of heavy loss. He began work on this film once again and today, he is all set to complete his film by end of August 2010 with post production.
‘Ramachandra Purushottam Joshi’ is based on the director’s own play-‘Shraddha’ that narrates the story of a dead man, who is permitted by Yama to revisit his family for eight hours as a bonus offer from the doors of hell. The film’s screenplay is expected to offer variety entertainment through all those graphic effects with the support of popular artistes like Dilip Prabhavalkar, Deepak Shirke, Rajan Tamhane and Vikas Kadam playing important roles.
V. Shataram awards presented
V. Shantaram awards presentation ceremony was held at the Rajkamal studios Mumbai on Saturday , when several awards for excellence in Marathi films were presented. This year, Veteran Make up man Pandharidada Juker, who has completed 60 years in the film industry was presented with the Lifetime achievement award. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Juker recalled his old memories stating that he was fortunate to begin his career doing make up for none other than Chitrapat Maharshi V. Shantaram.
Three films mainly ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ , ‘Natarang’ and ‘Sukhant’ shared maximum awards in different categories. While Madhavi Juvekar bagged the best actress award for her performance in ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’, it was Atul Kulkarni, who walked away with best actor award for his memorable performance in ‘Natarng’. The two child artistes Aarti More and Chinmay Kambli received best child artiste and special appreciation awards respectively, for their performances in ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’.
While all the three awards for story , screenplay and direction went to Jhing Chick Jhing’s Nitin Nandan, those for best lyricist and music went to Guru Thakur and Ajay Atul respectively for the film ‘Natarang’. Kavita Lad Medhekar and Nagesh Bhosale were adjudged best supporting actress and actor for their performances in the films ‘Sukhant’ and ‘Goshta Chhoti Dongraevadhi’ respectively. The best film award went to ‘Sukhant’. The other awards in production, such as Photography, Sound recording, editing, art, play back singing, choreography were shared by films like Natarang, Vihir, and Canvas.
Popular actor Prasad Oak hosted the show, while some dance and skits were presented by popular artistes from Marathi film industry. Manasi Naik rocked with her western style dance on the beats of ‘Natarang’.
Saii Ranade Sane steps in ‘Tujha ni Majh Ghar Shrimantacha’
We just can’t miss Saii Ranade Sane for a long time on small screen. Ever since the talented marathi actress made her appearance on small screen, she has grabbed the attention of viewers with her performance and looks. Recently, Saii played the lead in E-tv’s ‘Kasturi’and was doing very well, but the serial stopped its telecast mid way, without specifying any reasons. This must have caused a great disappointment to an actress of her caliber.
But, as someone has rightly said, “Our opportunities to do good are our talents.”. Saii has made a quick comeback through an ongoing serial ‘Tujhe Ni Majha Ghat Shrimantacha’ .She is playing the girl friend of youngest grandson of Ramesh Deo’s family. Let us wait and see, whether her entry proves lucky to increase the popularity of the serial.