Sachin Tendulkar bats for ‘Gela Madhav Kunikade’
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has always been a great fan of some popular Marathi dramas. One of them being ‘Gela Madhav Kunikade’. “I have seen this play twice six years ago and I enjoyed it. Now, that it is being revived, I am happy about it” said the Master blaster while speaking on the occasion of the promotion of popular Marathi comedy play ‘Gela Madhav Kunikade’ which is all set to make a comeback after a gap of about six years.
The play which was at the top during 90’s for its non-stop laughter, later took a long break. But, now we find Prashant Damle and Vinay Yedekar coming together once again with their ‘Haay kaay ani Naay kaay’ punch line. Paying sincere tributes to all time greats like Late Vasant Sabnis, Mohan Wagh and Mohan Tondwalkar the hilarious comedy is all set to play their second innings from 19th August 2010 with their show at Prabodhankar Thackeray Sabhagriha, Mumbai.. And, this time they are extra charged with the backing received from none other than Cricket Ace Sachin Tendulkar.
‘Debu’ due for release on 20th August
Producer Prof Shatrughna Birkad and director Nilesh Jalamkar have made a film ‘Debu’ based on the life and works of Saint Gadge Maharaj. Suitably supported by a punch line – Dev Tethechi Janava…, the film is all set for release in Maharashtra on 20th August 2010.
Popular actor Mohan Joshi plays the lead role of Debu, alongwith Madhu Kambikar, Ashwini Ekbote & Ravi Pawardhan.
Poet Narayan Surve is no more
Popular Marathi poet Narayan Surve is no more. He died today in a Thane hospital after a brief illness. He was 83. Orphaned soon after birth, he was adopted by Gangaram Surve, a mill worker from central Mumbai. He worked very hard in his life. He was actively in the workers’ union movement in Mumbai and supported himself as a schoolteacher. In 1966 he published his first book of poems ‘Majhe Vidyapith’.
In 1998, he received Padma Shri award from the government of India for excellence in Literature & Education. Some of his famous other compilations are : (Jahirnama) (1978), Aisa Ga Mi Brahma , Sanad and Manush Kalawant Ani Samaj. Marathi Movie world pays sincere tributes to his departed soul.
“Don’t cry, be bold and address your issues” – Raj Thackeray
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray has a terrific sense of humour. Whenever he is asked to speak at functions, he makes spontaneous remarks to create laughter among the audience. On the occasion of Music and website release function of the Marathi horror film ‘Sa ..Sasucha’, the charismatic leader while appreciating the efforts of the film maker Kishore Belekar, asked him if he needed any help from him. “ I can help you a lot with my own experience with horror films. My own film is treated sometimes by critics, as horror film,” he remarked with a pause; allowing the jam packed elite audience to burst into laughter. Obviously, he was referring to his recent ‘Khall and Phataak’ remarks and aftereffects.
While boosting the confidence of Marathi film makers, he stated, “ You focus on internal matters of the film and we will look into the external requirements. I will certainly look into your grievances with the Multiplexes.” Referring to the meeting he had planned with the Producers of Marathi films the next day, he appealed to all those and artistes to come forward openly with their issues. “ Don’t cry, be bold and address your issues. I will not ask for any favour in return. Don’t be scared that in future I may ask you to join my party’s election campaign or meetings etc.. All I can assure you that I am playing no politics with this issue. It’s my genuine effort to sort out your problems,” he remarked categorically. At the same time he appealed to Marathi film lovers to go and watch Marathi films at Multiplexes “I assure you that henceforth they will have to screen Marathi films during prime time. Now, it all depends on your response.”
Kishore Belekar, who is directing this film, thanked his producers Harish and Sunita Patil, Nupur Rathod besides thanking Sameer Dixit who is distributing the film and Videocon Group, who are presenting this film. Among those present on the occasion were Yatin karyekar, lead actress of the film- Sonali Kulkarni, Bharati Achrekar, Satish Pulekar, Lyricist & music director Sandeep Khare and young Music directors Viraj and Ankur, who have provided the background music for this film.
‘Sa..Sasucha, is a thriller which revolves around a woman and her deceased mother-in-law. It’s an unusual story about the quest of this woman who longs to find answers to the strange incidents that she experiences in the new house after marriage.The film is full of special and terrific sound effects, as experienced after watching the trailor of the film. While speaking to Media persons after the function, Director Kishore Belekar spoke about some of the issues during film’s promotion. “In some theatres, they were hesitant to show the trailor of my film, even against payment, which is strange”. Starring Sunil Barve, Sonali Kulkarni, Vinay Apte, Shubhangi Gokhale, Yatin Karyekar, Kamlesh Sawant, Omkar Karve, Vimal Mhatre, arun Bhadsavle, Rajesh Bhosale, Anita Ninave and k. Vrushali, the film is due for release on 27th August 2010.
MCTS takes Theatre issue to court
We have been hearing a lot about the raw deal being given to Marathi films by the Multiplexes and theatre owners especially in Mumbai and Pune. The fresh incidence is that of Bollywood film ‘Peepli Live’ which has booked 400 theatre shows and blocking the screening of two Marathi films ‘Aikaa Dajiba’ and ‘Tee Ratra’ released during the week. MNS has already taken this agitation against the theatre owners in Mumbai and are questioning most of them the reason for not screening Marathi films.
In the meanwhile, Maharashtra Cine Chitrapat Sena (MCTS) a Union working for the welfare of Marathi Cinema, has taken up the issue in a different way. They have clearly pointed out the recent Mumbai High Court order, wherein the Marathi films in a theatre per year have been reduced from 112 to 44 only.
Reacting to this judgment, the MCTS has filed a third party petition against the above order. An announcement to this effect was made by the Union at a press conference held in Mumbai on 13th august 2010. The Union has blamed the Cultural department of Maharashtra Government for not taking any initiative to fight for the rights of Marathi language films, which in the recent times has shown considerable improvement and had also gathered a good turn out at theatres. They also alleged that none of the representative from Cultural Department of Government was present during the proceedings in court.
This clearly shows the neglect of our own State Government in promoting Marathi language cinema in their own state. MCTS has therefore appealed to all those lovers of Marathi cinema and the media to show their solidarity in this fight against injustice to Marathi cinema.
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