Political Censorship blocking the progress of Marathi films
Last week it was ‘Zenda’ the marathi film, which was stalled for projecting a character resembling a Maharashtra Minister. Now, another marathi film ‘Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho’ faces a threat from a Political outfit, for using such a title to the film. It is rather surprising that Political censorship is coming in the way of a film, which has already received censor’s certification and is almost due for release. It looks like that blocking the release of a film and issuing threats has become a new political stunt.
“If the same political outfit is so much against the title of this film, why they were sitting quiet for so long ?” remarked the film maker Mahesh Manjrekar in a TV interview yesterday. And, the stand of the director not to bow down to the pressure seems to be justified. He has even approached the chief minister of Mahrashtra, who has assured him all the help. “If any film which has been passed by the censors, need any kind of police protection at the cinema halls during the release, in anticipation of any threats, the same will be provided,” assured the CM while addressing the media.
Looking at the objection raised towards the film’s title, the director of the film has already made it clear that it was with an intention to express displeasure over the existing educational system which is putting psychological pressure on students from school and parents. He has used the same in the context of referring today’s taxing educational system and not with the intention of abusing Mother. But, as we see it happening these days, the progress of Marathi film and the creativity of the film maker is blocked by our own Marathi people. Instead of watching the film first, there has been unnecessary hue and cry before the release of the film.
Where were these objections when late Dada Kondke made films with double meaning dialogues? Why the same outfit did not object to the dialogues and abuses in the same Konkani language used in popular Marathi play ‘Vastraharan’ which has almost crossed 5000 shows? In fact, this music based drama contains more bad words and abuses, worst than the title of this film and is watched by children along with their parents.
Moreover, this popular play was also watched by all political leaders in Maharashtra during its 5000th show held in Shanmukhanand Hall recently. If the abuses and bad words in the same Konkani language are accepted by our leaders and large number of drama enthusiasts in Maharashtra, why object to these Konkani words ‘Aaicha Gho’?
‘Bharatmata’ needs our strong support for survival
At a time when Marathi film industry is prospering with quality films and good business in theatres, ‘Bharatmata’ the oldest theatre in Mumbai is facing the crisis. The theatre owners have been served notice by NTC after expiry of the lease. Though the Chief Minister of Maharashtra has assured all necessary help to save this theatre and marathi cinema and if possible also take over the same. However, All India Marathi film Mahamandal have in their plea suggested that the present theatre owners may only be allowed to manage this theatre, with Maharashtra government seeking the support of Central government to request NTC for permitting the theatre to remain there.
Actually, the protest was organized by all Producers/directors of Marathi cinema with the support of political parties; but very few celebrities like Smita Talwalkar, Suhas Bhalekar, Sandeep Kulkarni, Vijay Kadam from Marathi cinema turned up. Labour Union leader Datta Iswalkar and MNS leader Bala Nadgaonkar were the only leaders physically present to support for the cause. This only indicated that Marathi film industry was not united to fight their own battle.
‘Bharatmata’ which is housed in the populated middle class and lower middle class township Lalbaug/ Parel, is the only entertainment source for marathi cinema lovers. Even if, there’s any such proposal like multiplex coming at this place, the local residents just can’t afford to watch cinema there. Will the Government of Maharashtra preserve this oldest cinema theatre and give justice to the Marathi cinema lovers ? Can we see a strong support coming from marathi film lovers to save ‘Bharatmata’?
‘Pangira’ – Changing scenario of a village
‘Pangira’ is a film that explores the farmer’’s problem in the agricultural sector which accounts for 70% of country’s economy. The farmer is besieged with problems, in a village called ‘Pangira’ where crops like sugarcane and banana which require a lots of water to sustain . But the farmers don’t get the right price for their produce and are exploited by middlemen in the wake of globalization.
‘Pangira’ is one of the many villages which faces these problems like water wastage, lack of rainfall and poor soil. In this village arrives a student – Sumitra, to study the soil quality for his thesis, and he comes across a man called Murar Patil who wants to save ‘Pangira’.
The film has tried to question, whether it is possible for Sumitra and Murar Patil to achieve Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar’s constitutional and Mahatma Gandhi’s concepts of an ‘ideal’ village ? ‘Pangira’ directed by Rajeev Patil and written by Sanjay Krishnaji Patil is based on the much acclaimed novel of Vishwas Patil. The film stars Chinmay Mandlekar, Santosh Juvekar and others.
Lifetime achievement award for Dr Shreeram Lagoo
Dr. Shreeram Lagoo was bestowed with the Lifetime achievement award on the inaugural day of Pune International Film festival. At a glittering function held at Pune’s Balgandhrva Rangamandir on 7th January 2009 , the Bhishma Pitamaha of Marathi Movies and Dramas, received this honour from Evergreen Dev Anand, who was present as a chief guest on the occasion. Incidentally, Dr. Lagoo, who had performed in more than 100 Hindi films playing a variety of roles , had also performed in Dev Anand’s ‘Pyar ka Tarana’ and ‘Sau Crore’.
Dr. Lagoo, who began his career in films with V. Shantaram’s hit Marathi film ‘Pinjara’ in the year 1972, acted in almost 150 Hindi and Marathi films over a period of 30 years. He also directed a film ‘Zaakol’ during the year 1980. This award reminds one and all about his contribution to film industry.
‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ – a story of hope
While all eyes are set to watch Bharat Jadhav in a serious kind of role in his forthcoming film ‘Shikshnachya Aaichcha Gho’, his another film ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ is the major attraction at the ongoing Pune International film festival. In this film Bharat Jadhav plays a poor farmer- Mauli, who is under heavy debt. Set against the backdrop of issues like poverty, debt and farmer’s suicides in rural Maharashtra, ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ goes on to tell the adventure filled story of Mauli’s son Shyam. Mauli owns a small plot of land in a village, where he grows cotton. The family is under heavy debt and have to repay a loan of Rs. 10,000/- to the moneylender.
Shyam, who is good at his studies has his own dreams; but he understands the situation at home. One day he finds an opportunity, when he comes to know from his school about a sack race that would fetch the winner a prize of Rs. 10,000/- . With the support of his sister Deepti and close friend Gautam he works hard preparing himself for the race. When Mauli learns about his son’s ambition, he too supports him. Finally, the D- day arrives and Shyam runs the race of his life. Whether he succeeds in his mission or not ? ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ climax holds the key. With its opening at the ongoing festival, the film focuses on international audience with this universal theme.
The year 2010 has already proved to be lucky for Marathi films, with ‘Natarang’ setting new records from the first day of the year. There are many more films just waiting for their release in the days to come and ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ is certainly one of them. The film stars Bharat Jadhav, Madhavi Juvekar, Dilip Prabhavalkar & Sanjay Mone. But, the artistes to watch are three wonder kids – Chimay kambli playing Shyam, Aarti More – playing Shyam’s sister Deepti and Prateek Dalvi playing Shyam’s close friend Gautam. Directed by Nitin Nandan, the film is a Cogito Entertainment presentation.
The Game played by TV reality shows
As we all know that TV reality shows are there to make a big money for the sponsors. They always play with the sentiments of the people. In the past, in Hindi reality shows, there have been major controversies, with a particular artistes complaining against the host. And, it has come to our notice that the artistes sign a contract with their signature on dotted lines, agreeing to certain terms and conditions. Now, whatever acting in the form of tense moments, rona-dhono that takes place in unrealistic form on the dais is known to all, yet some people watch it for the sake of entertainment. And, just don’t ask as to how the SMS’s add to the advantage of the ultimate winner. We have seen the modus operandi in ‘Lage raho Munnabhai’ film. If you engage a PR firm, your job is done.
Our marathi reality shows have tried to find out new ways to make their show more presentable. So, besides making region-wise teams, when it comes to relegation, they come out with new tricks. Suddenly, you will find that one of the partners has suffered an injury or a partner remaining absent for genuine domestic reasons. Have we not seen this happen in Hindi reality shows ? Then , what new are they offering ? Are we not aware that it is not a live performance ?
The day is not far, when majority of the audience will come to know that they are being fooled. Why can’t the hosts offer something to the audience instead? Why should they send SMS’s costing three to four times at their cost, just to support their favourite candidate? And, finally you find 90% of them disappointed. If any reality show, is going to offer something special to the audience, only then in days to come, such programmes will get good viewer-ship, otherwise, it will just be another flop show on the lines of some of the recent Hindi reality shows.
‘Zenda’ release stalled!
Avadhoot Gupte’s much talked about film ‘Zenda’ which was all set to release on Friday , 8th January 2009, has been shown a red signal by Nitesh Rane’s ‘Swabhiman’. The Congress Minister’s son has strongly objected to portrayal of a corrupt character – Malwankar, who is shown as a Minister of a ruling party in the film. The objection seems to have been raised for showing the cunning character’s resemblance to the Congress minister from Konkan and for insulting the community of konkan in particular.
The Censor Board has already given green signal to this film and the chief minister of Maharashtra Mr. Ashok Chavan has already made it clear after this controversy, stating that there should not be any Political censorship on any film. In the recent past, there have been many such protests over picturisation of certain scenes and projecting the characters resembling the real life politicians or celebrities. But, in the name of creativity a film maker has got complete freedom to show reality. It only depends, how cleverly he or she projects the story and the characters without hurting the sentiments of any section of the society.
Film makers like Ram Gopal Verma and Prakash Jha have successfully done it in Bollywood. In Marathi, we have seen Jabbar Patel offering such political thrillers in the past. It is for this reason, most of the film makers always play safe declaring before the start of their film that it is a work of fiction and that none of the characters have any resemblance to any person dead or alive. Even, Avadhoot Gupte’s ‘Zenda’ had displayed this slide and had been cleared by Censor Board.
However, Avadhoot Gupte, who could have received police protection for releasing this film on due date, has bowed down to this pressure exerted by Nitesh Rane and has finally decided to postpone the release date. As per the latest communication from the film’s PRO reaching our office, he has decided to delete those scenes objected by Mr. Nitesh Rane. The official date of release will be announced soon. Surprisingly, the political parties of the two leaders on whom the film’s theme is based, haven’t made much noise, in the interest of promoting a marathi film.
Paying tributes to Chandrakant Gokhale on his birth anniversary
Chandrakant Gokhale who passed away last year, had an illustrious career stretched over 60 years in Marathi films and about 70 years on marathi stage. He was last seen in internationally acclaimed Marathi film ‘Valu’. In spite of his ill health he continued with his acting. Those who saw him in Hindi film ‘Shakti- The Power’ released in 2002, he played Nana Patekar’s bed ridden father suffering from Paralysis.
Chandrakant Gokhale played hero of popular Marathi films of 50s and 60s and won 2 President’s awards for his films ‘Dhakti Jaoo’ and ‘Manini’ besides winning 8 state awards. Mr. Gokhale performed in 64 Marathi plays, 68 Marathi films, many Tv serials and few Hindi films. His contribution to Marathi stage and films can never be forgotten as he belonged to a family which had launched a theatre company 100 years ago. His son Vikram Gokhale is also a popular actor in Marathi and Hindi.
Marathi Movie World pays sincere tributes to Chandrakant Gokhale on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
MMW remembers him on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
Vijay Tendulkar, India’s leading contemporary playwright and social analyst was a great theatre personality. He came into limelight as a playwright in 1967 with his absorbing play’Shantata Court Chalu Aahe’ and five years later his ‘Sakharam Binder’ created sensation on Marathi stage. In the same year, his musical ‘Ghashiram Kotwal’ also became hit. Mr.Tendulkar continued with his success as a writer with plays like ‘Kamala’ and ‘Gidhade’ that followed with more sensation.
His entry into films as a screenplay writer was also sensational with startling Marathi and Hindi films simultaneously. ‘Nishant’, ‘Samna’,’Aakroash’, Sinhasan’, ‘Umbertha’ and ‘Ardha satya’ are few of them, which are still fresh in our memory. His contribution to Stage, films and even television through his awareness programmes, is laudable. Vijay Tendulkar, India’s leading contemporary playwright and social analyst was a great theatre personality. He came into limelight as a playwright in 1967 with his absorbing play’Shantata Court Chalu Aahe’ and five years later his ‘Sakharam Binder’ created sensation on Marathi stage. In the same year, his musical ‘Ghashiram Kotwal’ also became hit. Mr.Tendulkar continued with his success as a writer with plays like ‘Kamala’ and ‘Gidhade’ that followed with more sensation.
His entry into films as a screenplay writer was also sensational with startling Marathi and Hindi films simultaneously. ‘Nishant’, ‘Samna’,’Aakroash’, Sinhasan’, ‘Umbertha’ and ‘Ardha satya’ are few of them, which are still fresh in our memory. His contribution to Stage, films and even television through his awareness programmes, is laudable. MMW remembers him on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
‘Kalshekar Aahet Ka !’ – A suspense filled comedy !
Producer Suryakant Suryavanshi’s ‘Brahma Vision’ Productions recently held at a press meet in the Ravindra Natya Mandir to announce their forthcoming film ‘Kalshekhar Aahet Ka’. The lead star Bharat Jadhav was the star attraction on the occasion, who said that the film was very close to hisy heart and he enjoyed shooting for this film at Jalgaon. “My pairing with the leading lady Deepali Sayeed is also successful and this is my sixth film with her.” he added . He also praised writer Anil Pawar and director Vijay Satghare for maintaining excellent relationship.
Director Vijay Satghare said, “My film is a Priyadarshan kind of screwball comedy film and we have tried to make it a good suspense filled comedy thriller. It’s a film with the feel good factor meant to entertain the audiences.”
Music directors Chinar – Mahesh have composed one theme song, one romantic song, one devotional song and one item song picturized on guest star Sanjay Narvekar.
The producer is looking for a release all over Maharashtra, in February 2010.