‘Muramba’ – A Sweet and sour recipe of a good creation
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Movie: Muramba
Rating: ★★★1/2 Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Dashami Studioz, HUGE Productions, Pratisaad Productions Producer(s): Nitin Vaidya, Ninad Vaidya, Aparna Padgaonkar, Anish Joag, Ranjit Gugle Director: Varun Narvekar Cinematography (DOP): Milind Jog Screenplay: Varun Narvekar Music: Hrishikesh, Saurabh, Jasraj Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Chinmayee Sumit, Amey Wagh, Mithila Palkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Break ups are very common these days, among youngsters in the age group of 18 and 26 years. With the rise in cases of break ups, the habits of smoking and drinking in this age group has also gone up. Dashmi Studios,Huge Productions and Pratisad Productions’ latest released Marathi film ‘Muramba‘ presents one such break up case between young lovers Alok ( Amey Wagh) and Indrayani alias Indu( Mithila Palkar). Both are from well to do families and know each other since their childhood days. While Indu is a hard working career focussed young girl working in an ad agency, Alok is exactly opposite to her, without any focus on his career. Though a Gold medalist MBA, Alok leaves his internship in USA half way and instead prefers a Accounts Professor’s job at a Coaching Institute.
Alok does apply for jobs, but is not confident about himself to take up higher responsibilities. On the other hand his girlfriend Indu is prepared to even take up an assignment for one year with kerala Tourism department and is even willing to go and live there. Alok who himself doesn’t want to take any risks in life, feels the gap between him and Indu widening on this issue of possessiveness. So, after three years of steady friendship, with all sorts of love and sex games, he decides for a break up and accordingly communicates to Indu about his decision.
‘Muramba‘ is actually the happenings taking place in next 24 hours, after their break up. So, we find Alok returning home in the early hours of morning, after spending the night in dejected state at a friend’s terrace. His clever mother (Chinmayee Sumeet) who reads his face, suggests Alok’s father Satyajit Deshmukh( Sachin Khedekar) to speak to him. So, the father with liberal attitude opens the discussion, during breakfast, after inviting Alok to the dining room. To the surprise of parents, Alok discloses that he had a break up with his girlfriend Indu, who is also a frequent visitor to their place, with good relationship with Alok’s parents. In order to prove his point, he even goes to the extent of revealing the drinking habits of Indu during parties.
Alok’s sensible father tries to persuade Alok giving him his own example of having differences with his mother, when he was small. But, Alok tries to justify his decision, explaining the difference between break up before marriage and after marriage. Finally, how the father uses his own methods to bring Alok and Indu together, has been presented in a humorous way, by writer- director Varun Narvekar very skillfully.
For Varun, this is his debut film as a director, but he seems to have used all his experience as assistant director to reputed film makers Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar, very cleverly into this film. Being a writer, screenplay writer and dialogue writer of this film, has come to his advantage, while developing every scene in this film, so realistically. Other good thing about him is the selection of artistes. Amey Wagh perfectly suits in the character of Alok and he finds very good support from newcomer singer turned actress Mithila Palkar, who has also perfectly fitted into the role of Indu, the modern career conscious girl of today. Sachin Khedekar plays his part like a versatile actor and delivers what was expected from him with total commitment to his character. In the role of Alok’s mother Chinmayee Sumeet has displayed her emotions very nicely in all those scenes to her share.
Good thing about ‘Muramba‘ film is the communication part between different characters, which goes on to say everything what the director wanted to convey. Watch the scene, when father is in discussion with his son in the roof top garden of their bungalow, while it’s raining. Then, there is important interaction among Alok and his parents, in their car, while going for lunch outside, followed by humor filled discussion on dining table in the hotel, with addition of Indu and so on. But, the scene where Alok visits Indu’s house and the way he is welcomed warmly by Indu’s parents, says it all. The director has cleverly indicated many things through these few scenes, without explaining much about Indu’s parents. Even the intimate scenes between Alok and Indu have been captured well.
Music directors Hrishikesh, Jasraj and Saurabh have limited scope, but they have done their job well. Milind Jog’s cinematography and Avinash Sonavne’s sound design are worth mentioning assets of this film. All in all, ‘Muramba‘ is a Sweet and sour recipe of a good creation.
Sachin captures attention on silver screen through his emotion filled biographical film
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Movie: Sachin -A Billion Dreams
Rating: ★★★1/2 Genres: Biography Censor: U Duration: 140 min. Studio/presenter: 200 Not Out, Carnival Motion Pictures Producer(s): Ravi Bhagchandka, Shrikant Bhasi Director: James Erskine Cinematography (DOP): Chris Openshaw Screenplay: Sivakumar Ananth Music: A. R. Rahman Cast: Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun Tendulkar, Mayuresh Pem, Ajit Tendulkar, Anjali Tendulkar, Sara Tendulkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘Cricket is our religion and Sachin is our God.’ We have heard this quote from millions of cricket lovers across our country for more than two decades, when Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar used to display his master strokes, while facing all the top bowlers from different cricket countries in this world. Indeed, Sachin won the hearts of millions of cricket lovers not only in India, but also abroad. Even today, after his retirement we notice the stadium spectators calling his name ‘Sachinnnn..Sachinnn’ whenever they notice him in stadium, during the IPL matches.
Now, producers Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures under 200 NotOut Productions have offered a Indian Biographical film on Sachin, suitably titled ‘Sachin: A Billion Dreams’, which is directed by James Erskine. The film begins to show the childhood memories of Sachin, his proper upbringing and how he matured early with a disciplined life, because of his love for cricket. Though all these scenes are shot with other artistes, we soon notice Sachin, his wife Anjali and all his family members joining in to recall their memories of the past. The Kind of respect Sachin had for his parents and his elder brothers Nitin and Ajit, is clearly noticed in few emotion filled scenes.
The film’s screenplay then captures the attention of the audience, covering all his memorable innings, including his debut in Test Cricket on Pakistan Tour. What was more interesting were the comments from all those bowlers from rival countries, whom Sachin faced confidently, during his cricketing career. So, you get to see Wasim Akram, Shane Warne and others talking good about his batting skills. In this film, we also notice his ups and downs, including his memorable innings including the World Cup win in 2011 and at the same time the most shameful incidence of abandoning the semi finals match against Sri Lanka in the World Cup, due to unruly crowd behavior, setting the part of stadium on fire, to display their anger on poor performance by Indian team.
In some of the scenes, Sachin is shown speaking through his heart, about being deeply hurt, after removing him as captain, without informing him. Later, after making a comeback, we notice him reacting to lack of team work from senior players. His modesty is noticed when he refuses to comment on match fixers, stating that he didn’t knew anything about it, as he had no proof. Besides watching stalwarts from Cricket like Bradman and others praising his technique, we find Viv Richards calling him at a time, when he was almost on the verge of announcing his retirement. Those encouraging words from his idol, enabled him to make a comeback and create new records. Those few words in praise of Sachin uttered by Yuvraj Singh, after winning 2011 world cup, captures the attention of audience. Many other cricketers, past and present have spoken good not only about his quality batting , but also his humble nature. Prominent among them were, M.S.Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh and others.
The film has cleverly captured Sachin’s emotion filled farewell speech, after his last match in Mumbai, which makes the audience to shed tears in the concluding part. Background music of this film by A.R.Rehman is superb cinematography by Chris Openshaw are the other plus points of this film. For cricket lovers, this film is a real treat and for Sachin fans it’s a big gift from their idol . It will not be surprising to find youngsters turning up in large numbers at cinema theatres across the country, to watch their hero in this film.
‘Chi Va Chi Sau Ka’ offers casual entertainment
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Rating: ★★1/2
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Zee Studios Producer(s): Nikhil Sane Director: Paresh Mokashi Writer: Madhugandha Kulkarni, Paresh Mokashi Cinematographer (DOP): Sudheer Palsane Cast: Lalit Prabhakar, Mrinmayee Godbole, Bharat Ganeshpure, Supriya Pathare, Pradeep Joshi, Purnima Talwalkar, Sunil Abhyankar, Sharmishtha Raut Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
To keep the audience engaged throughout the film, should be the sole motive of an entertaining film. Especially, when the theme of the film is based on comedy, there are big expectations from the director of the film. Paresh Mokashi, who directed the films like ‘Harishchandrachi Factory‘ and ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi‘ has now presented his latest film ‘Chi Va Chi Sau Ka‘, raising expectations from the Marathi film audience. But, the film has turned out to be a casual entertainer.
The film presents the story of two youngsters Savitri( Mrinmayee Godbole) and Satya ( Lalit Prabhakar), who are from different fields. While Satya is an Electronics engineer, who is very much concerned about water conservation, Savitri is a Veterinary doctor, who is very much against anyone harming an insect or an animal. Both of them are brought together by their respective family members, with an arranged marriage. But, Savitri, in spite of knowing Satya through her friend, puts a condition that she would marry Satya, provided she is given a chance live with him on a trial basis for few days, to understand him.
In spite of opposition from parents , Satya accepts this condition and both of them live together in a room, only to create misunderstandings among family members from both the sides. There are fights between them. Then, we also notice Savitri fighting like a kid with her elder sister who is pregnant and younger school going brother. Most of the time in this film has been wasted in unnecessary quarrels between different characters, who sound loud.
Actually, what the film maker wanted to show, he could not present in two hours and thirteen minutes, due to poor screenplay and limited content. Initially, through another couple separating after their court marriage, he clearly hinted that all love marriages are not successful, showing the instant break up of a young couple, who could not stay without each other’s company earlier.
However, in the case of Satya and Savitri, he has tried to show that ‘Live in relationship‘ is the only way to understand each other, no matter how much time it takes? Today, in the name of comedy and entertainment, anything is being offered and some our Bollywood films are the best example. This film has tried nothing different from such films. Now, how the audience would accept this idea, remains a big question.
Performances from the artistes are just fine, but all of them are too loud and quarrelling with each other most of the time, which has taken away the interest from the subject of ‘Chi Va Chi Sau Ka‘ film. Music composed by Narendra Bhide is just fine, but the sound recording and the fine photography by Sudhir Palsane, have turned out to be the plus points of ‘Chi Va Chi Sau Ka‘ film.
‘Shivya’ presents casual entertainer
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Rating: ★★
Genres: Youth Censor: A Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Sara Motion Pictures, Golden Petals Films, Karma Films, Rangmanch Entertainment Producer(s): Dhwani Sakar Raut, Nilesh Ravindra Zope, MIhir Karkarey, Aashay Palekar Director: Sakar Raut Music: Manoj Tikariya Writer: Sakar Raut, Nilesh Zope Cinematographer (DOP): Amey Ranadive, Harshbir Singh Phool, Sanish Jairaj Cast: Bhushan Pradhan, Sanskruti Balgude, Piyush Ranade, Vidyadhar Joshi, Uday Sabnis, Shubhangi Latkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘As you sow, so shall you reap’. If the head of the house uses bad words in regular conversation, how can you expect his children to speak without abuses, when they grow older? Based on this theme, writer director Sakar Raut has presented the latest Marathi film ‘Shivya‘, the title of which clearly indicates the intention of making this film. So, in this film, we initially find Mr.Raghunath Sardesai( Vidyadhar Joshi) uttering bad language while speaking over phone with his colleague. In comes his wife ( Shubhangi Latkar), who intervenes and suggests him to stop using bad words and tells him that his son imitates him, using bad words against his teacher.
When the son becomes a young man Raghav ( Bhushan Pradhan) , he is advised by his girlfriend Sharayu ( Sanskruti Balgude) , to desist from using bad language. In short, no woman like men using bad words, no matter under what circumstances. Raghav tries his best, but is not able to control his tongue. And, this lands him into trouble, as he uses bad words, while encountering Sharayu’s father. His close friend suggests him to use alternate words for such bad words. When Raghav is in the process controlling himself, a typical villain in the form of Vikram Sarpotdar( Piyush Ranade) appears in the story, to play predictable gimmicks to come in the way of Raghav and Sharayu.
With about 90 minutes of screenplay pushing this casual entertainer, it’s ‘all is well’ at the end. There is nothing very special in ‘Shivya‘ film, to write about, except for good performances by Bhushan, Sanskruti, Piyush and Shubhangi Latkar. Barring very few scenes, the other scenes have failed to create desired impact, as the makers of ‘Shivya‘ film have taken the liberty to use many bad words openly, as through the tag line of the film they clearly state that everybody uses bad words. But, all will not agree, especially the women folks. Music of the film is not very impressive and that is the biggest weakness of this film.
‘Braveheart’ presents a real touching story of a brave son and his encouraging father
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Rating: ★★★ 1/2
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Nikhil Films Producer(s): Sacchidanand Karkhanis, Santosh Mokashi Director: Dasbabu Music: Arnab Chatterjee Writer: Shrikant Bojewar Cinematographer (DOP): Vili Cast: Sangram Samel, Dhanashree Kadgaonkar, Arun Nalawade, Ila Bhate, Atharv Talvelkar, Sulbha Deshpande, Vijay Chavan, Kishore Pradhan, Abhay Kulkarni, Atul parchure Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In the year 1971 through Hindi film ‘Anand’ we saw an emotive story of a cheerful youngster, who had to say good bye to this beautiful world, because he suffered a rare type of ailment. But, the lead character of the film –Anand , remained cheerful, till his last breadth, making others realise that every moment of the life should be filled with energy, no matter even if it is short. Now, after 46 years, we find a father- Sachhidanand Karkhanis, coming forward to produce a Marathi film ‘Braveheart‘ , to narrate an inspiring touching story of his brave son, who fought against one such rare ailment, which paralysed all parts of his body one by one, beginning from his legs. But, not deterred by this spreading ailment in his body, the youngster showed courage to offer his network programming knowledge to others, till his last stage.
Generally, the films are a work of fiction, unless they are biopics on well known personalities. But, ‘Braveheart‘ is a real story of Nikhil Karkhanis (Played by debutant Sangram Samel) who fights against all odds in his life, when the ailment he suffers from, is declared as Killer ailment, with just one percent chance of survival. But, Nikhil takes up the challenge, with the support of his caring grandmother (Sulbha Deshpande) and helpful father Sachhidanand Karkhanis ( Arun Nalawade) , who remains by his side, till the end. Being an expert network programmer in an IT company, Nikhil becomes popular among all his colleagues and also finds his better half Sulekha( Dhanashree Kadgaonkar) in the same company, who is also hopeful of his recovery. Nikhil is deputed for four years to London from his company and his wife also accompanies him.
Nikhil’s ailment aggravates, after his return to India, as a result of which, his selfish wife leaves him. Nikhil finds support from his Company’s HR head( Ila Bhate), who realising his potential, uses his skills, by appointing him as a faculty member to train the newcomers. Nikhil’s father encourages him to build his confidence. As we see all these inspiring scenes in the film, with Nikhil’s fight against his ailment, to keep himself active, we notice his frustrated alcohol addicted uncle at home, without any work. This contrast has been very well presented by director Dasbabu , in the screenplay of the film.
‘Braveheart‘ is not a music based film, but the wonderful lyrics by screenplay writer Shrikant Bojewar have been cleverly used by music director Arnab Chatterjee. Background music by Amar Mohile, is also apt during many emotion filled sequences. Speaking about the performances, Sangram Samel has given an impressive performance on his debut. Watch his expressions through his eyes, when he reacts in the concluding scene. Good support also comes from Kishore Pradhan, Ila Bhate, Dhanashree Kadgaonkar, narrator Atul Parchure, Dr.Vilas Ujavane, Master Atharva Talvelkar and others. But, the remarkable performance comes from versatile actor Arun Nalawade, who has perfectly displayed father’s concern for his ailing son through his impulsive facial expressions.
All in all, ‘Braveheart‘ is real touching story of a brave son and his encouraging father, presented very artistically by director Dasbabu. Salute to producer Sachhidanand Karkhanis for producing this film, to pay tributes to his brave son.
‘Kanika’ –A ghost film with a social message
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Rating: ★★ 1/2
Genres: Revenge Horror Film Censor: A Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Seven Wonders Motion Pictures Producer(s): Sandeep Manohar, Pushkar Manohar Director: Pushkar Manohar Music: Amey Nare Writer: Pushkar Manohar Cinematographer (DOP): Chandrashekhar Nagarkar Cast: Sharad Ponkshe, Smita Shewale, Chaitrali Gupte , Kamlakar Saatpute, Falguni Rajni, Nilesh Behere Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Abortion of a female foetus outside of legal methods, is a crime in our country. We still find some of the doctors conducting sex determination tests and subsequent abortions at their clinics. In the state of Maharashtra too, we find many doctors arrested on these charges. Set on the backdrop of this criminal act, producer Sandeep Manohar and director Pushkar Manohar have presented their latest released Marathi film ‘Kanika’. And, to punish and teach a lesson to all those doctors involved in this illegal practice, they have used the ghost of a girl Kanika, who is killed by her own father, for being a girl child.
Dr.Kaushik Pradhan( Sharad Ponkshe) runs a hospital and is also involved in such illegal practices, with the support of Dr.Sachin (Nilesh Behre) & Dr.Rashmi (Falguni Rajani). Vidya(Smita Shewale) is referred to Dr.Pradhan by his doctor friend from a village, for sex determination test during her pregnancy, as her husband and Mother in law want her to deliver only a baby boy. But, Vidya( Smita Shewale) refuses abortion and delivers baby girl, who is later killed by her own father. So, Kanika’s ghost later punishes all those doctors behind this illegal act. One by one she takes the revenge and finally sends Dr.Pradhan to a mental hospital, to make him realize his sin.
‘Kanika’ nearly two hour length film is technically well presented in the first half, but fails to capture the attention of audience in the later half. There are few lapses in the screenplay, such as the role of Dr.Pradhan’s Police Officer friend Rawal( Kamlakar Satpute), the presence of two female characters in the house, without establishing their relationship. Even, the doctor’s wife Vaishali( Chaitrali Gupte) is introduced as doctor, with a surprise, during the discussion between husband and wife in the later half of the film. Why the ghost troubles a watchman of the bungalow is not known. Doctor’s wife is spared by the ghost, but uses her to attack her husband. Similar other scenes, instead of scaring the audience, are entertaining. However, the intention of the film maker is good, to pass on a social message.
Sharad Ponkshe does well in the role of Dr.Pradhan. He finds good support from Chaitrali Gupte, who has played his doctor wife. In the limited role Vidya, Smita Shewale is impressive. Amey Nare and Sajan Patel have done a good job of offering suitable background music with impressive VFX by Shrikant Jadhav. Kuldeep Mehan’s editing work is good and so is the camera work by Chandrashekhar Nagarkar. All in all, ‘Kanika’ is a Ghost film with a social message .
‘Garbh’ presents a typical story of exploitation of woman
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Rating: ★★ 1/2
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Sheer Swami Vakratund Films Producer(s): Rajendra Atol Director: Subhash Ghorpade Music: Ashok Wayangkar, Ravi Singhal Writer: Ramesh Tiwari Cinematographer (DOP): Arun Fasalkar Cast: Siya Patil, Sushant Shelar, Nishigandha Wad, Yatin Karyekar, Anant Jog, Hemant Thatte, Vibhuti Patil, Pallavi Vaidya Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In our Marathi film industry, during 60s and 70s , we have seen many films on women oriented subjects, where male folks were shown dominating the women. Later, in 80s and 90s, we saw women themselves harassing other women and now we are watching through television serials, we see the Saas-Bahu dramas. Now, combining all these different ways of harassments, producer Rajendra Ramchandra Aatol and director Subhash Ghorpade thought of presenting a family social drama through their latest released Marathi film ‘Garbh’ with a tagline ‘Kunkawache Astitva’.
In this film, we witness two parallel stories of two couples running simultaneously in the screenplay. One is that of Sanjay Kulkarni( Hemant Thatte) owner of Kulkarni Group of Companies & his wife Rekha Kulkarni ( Vibhuti Patil Thakur) and the other is that of youngsters Rahul Mhatre (Sushant Shelar) and Kavita (Siya Patil). When Rahul a collegian, finds kavita , his girlfriend form his college, being harassed by her Uncle ( Anant Jog) beyond limits, he takes a quick decision to marry her and brings his newly wed wife to his house, to give a big surprise to his parents. But, realising the situation, the parents welcome their daughter in law, with a big heart. Rahul works hard and also finds a job of an accountant in Kulkarni Group of Company and that’s how the new link between Mhatre and Kulkarni family is established.
When Rahul meets with an accident, his pregnant wife seeks help from Rahul’s Boss- Sanjay Kulkarni, for huge money required for her husband’s operation. Rekha Kulkarni initially stops her husband from offering help. But, realising her own problem of not conceiving a child for 10 years, finds a good opportunity to force Kavita to enter into a contract against offering her help. Kavita sings on blank stamp paper, which results in a big drama taking place in the second half of this film. In the meanwhile, we notice some dramatic happenings in the story, to show how two different women face the challenges in their lives in different ways. So, it’s all about selfishness v/s sacrifice drama in the film. But, finally, it’s happy end for the audience.
Talking about the performances, both Sushant Shelar and Siya Patil have given satisfying performances. They find good support from Nishigandha Wad, Vandana Waknis,Yatin karyekar, Anant Jog, Pallavi Vaidya and others.
All in all, ‘Garbh’ presents a typical story of exploitation of a woman, which has two different shades. Those who love to watch social family films on such serious subjects, may like this film; but for others looking for pure entertainment, may not enjoy it. The film does have 2-3 songs for music lovers, but, they disturb the continuity of the story. Arun Kulkarni’s dialogues are just fine, but the screenplay should have been made more gripping. Arun Fasalkar’s photography is good and so is the background music by Amar Desai.
‘Premay Namah’ is just another love story on big screen…
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Rating: ★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: White Onion Entertainment Producer(s): Uttam Chorade, Suyog Gaikwad Director: Jagdish Watharkar Music: Chandrashekhar Janawade, K. Sandeep Kumar Writer: Shashikant Kamble Cinematographer (DOP): Dhanaji Yamkar Cast: Devendra Chougule, Rupali Krishnrao, Surekha Kudchi, Prakash Dhotre, Miss Sayali Magdum, Milind Oak, Narendra Desai, Snehal Raj Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
There was a time, when Kolhapur used to be the most active centre of Marathi film production. But, after 80s Marathi film makers preferred the locations in and around Mumbai with the help of studios and bungalows located in Mumbai. However, some film makers still prefer Kolhapur and sea belt of Konkan as the backdrop of their films. Producer Uttam Chorade and director Jagadish Vatharkar have offered their latest film ‘Premaya Namah‘ on the backdrop of today’s well developed Kolhapur city and picturesque Gaganbawda.
So, we find a young man Prem( Devendra Chougule) , the only son from a wealthy family, falling in love with a girl Preeti ( Rupali Krishnarao), after he meets her outside a departmental stores. It’s a love at first sight. On this very first occasion, he helps her find her money purse snatched by a thief, but she casually thanks him. Prem happens to meet her again and again, but Preeti ignores him, thinking him to be a roadside romeo. Bythe way, there is a real road romeo and a gang leader also after her and Prem encounters him and his goons, showing his muscle power. Finally, Prem along with his mother( Surekha Kudchi) arrive few days in advance, to attend the wedding ceremony of his mother’s close friend’s daughter. Here he discovers that the girl getting married is Preeti.
Dejected, he decides to return home, but Preeti stops him and boldly suggests him to elope with her. Preeti’s parents hand over the responsibility of their daughter’s marriage to Prem. Now, in dilemma, Prem has his own plans . The conclusion of this love story is not predictable, which is the only surprise in the film. But, the rest of the happenings are in typical bollywood style of films during 60s and 70s. However, the chemistry between the lead pair doesn’t work well. There is a name sake villain and his character is not at all convincing in the plot. With such a theme, the film fails to create an impact on real film lovers, as it lacks proper presentation in the screenplay. The length of the film is also too long, stretching almost to 2 and half hours.
The hero Devendra who is shown a 20+ youngster in this film, isn’t very convincing, as he doesn’t look like a real young romantic hero. On many occasions he is shown imitating styles of Shahrukh Khan and does overacting in emotion filled long scenes. He is only good in action scenes, as an angry young man. However, the actress Rupali with her Marathi & Hindi television background, has impressed through her performance. Among others, Surekha Kudchi and Prakash Dhotre have offered good support, but the actor Bharat Daini in Villain’s role has failed to impress.
There are very few things worth appreciating in this film and they include good background music and decent cinematography which has captured outdoor locations and one underwater song picturisation very well. Even some action scenes with the help of special effects, have been shot well. All in all, ‘Premay Namah‘ can be described as just another love story in Marathi, on big screen.
Ashwini Bhave steals the show in ‘Dhyanimani’
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Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Great Maratha Entertainment Producer(s): Aniruddh Deshpande, Medha Manjrekar Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni Music: Ajit Parab Writer: Prashant Dalvi Cinematographer (DOP): Ajith Reddy Cast: Mahesh Manjrekar, Ashwini Bhave, Abhijeet Khandkekar, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Madhav Abhyankar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Every actor or actress desire to perform a lifetime role in their acting career, be it on stage, television or films. And, very few of them get an opportunity to do so, in their second innings. Actor Amitabh Bachchan did find such opportunities through films like Cheeni Kam, Black, Paa, Piku & Pink. In Marathi, Nana Patekar found it in ‘Natasamarat‘. But, all are not lucky, especially the female artistes. But, Ashwini Bhave has found one such role in latest released Marathi film ‘Dhyanimani‘. She is the backbone of this film.
The film ‘Dhyanimani‘ revolves around her central character of Shalini Pathak a 40+ wife of Sadanand Pathak ( Mahesh Manjrekar) based in Roha on an job assignment. A newly married young couple Aparna ( Mrunmayee Deshpande) & Sameer ( Abhijeet Khandkekar) arrive in their house on a short vacation, as Pathak couple is close to Sameer’s father, a retired and highly respected school teacher( Madhav Abhyankar) .
Sadanand & Shalini welcome the young couple but soon the young couple notice some mystery in the strange behaviour of the couple. At the stroke of interval, the young couple and audience receive the first jolt and in the second half it is the uncovering of the mystery. ‘Dhyanimani‘ is based on the Marathi play by Prashant Dalvi which was staged in 90s. The play was directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni , who has now directed this film with the same name. Through this film, he has managed to present this mystery based screenplay of Prashant Dalvi well and has also skilfully exploited the best out of all four lead artistes well, but, he hasn’t taken much cinematic liberties through this film. Therefore, in many scenes the film has the look of a stage play, with more emphasis on long dialogues, especially those uttered by Ashwini Bhave.
Nevertheless, Ajith Reddy’s camera work, Paresh Manjrekar’s editing, Ajit Parab’s background music and Sandeep Mochemadkar’s sound design are plus points of this film. All in all,’Dhyanimani‘ film is not entertaining like typical Marathi films; but, does offer something different for those, who love to watch mystery based subjects with good performances.
Inspiring, meaningful and entertaining ‘Baghtos Kay Mujra Kar’
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Rating: ★★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio/presenter: Everest Entertainment, Ganraj Productions Producer(s): Gopal Taiwade Patil, Vaishnavi Jadhav Director: Hemant Dhome Music: Amitraj Writer: Hemant Dhome Cinematographer (DOP): Milind Jog Cast: Jitendra Joshi, Aiket Vishwasrao, Akshay Tanksale, Parna Pethe, Neha Joshi, Rasika Sunil, Vikram Gokhale Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
The strength of Marathi films is growing day by day. Besides offering good subjects, Marathi film makers are also paying attention on technical aspects, to offer a quality film. And, the best example is latest released Marathi film ‘Baghtos Kay Mujra Kar‘. Set on the backdrop of a village ‘Kharbujewadi’ based at the foothills of a historical Fort of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Off Satara, the film revolves around a young Sarpanch of the village Nanasaheb Deshmukh( Jitendra Joshi) who wants to preserve the beauty of the Fort in his village, with the help of his two friends Pandurang alias Panda Seth( Aniket Vishwasrao) and Shivraj Vahadne( Akshay Tanksale) and they start a campaign to keep the fort clean, by prohibiting encroachments.
Instead of just supporting the Politicians representing their area, Nanasaheb’s friends suggest him to contest the elections and become MLA, so that he could use his power in preserving the Forts of Shivaji Maharaj. They make an effort to meet Dy.CM Vandana tai (Ashwini Kalsekar) , to get the ticket for Nanasaheb. However, she suggests Nanasaheb to not only raise funds, but also do something, which would invite the attention of Party’s High Command. So, the three friends strike with an Idea and prepare to go to London to bring back the sword of Shivaji Maharaj from the museum of England. They do visit London and also return home with the sword, but the Opposition leader Bapusaheb Ghadge ( Vikram Gokhale) is approached by Nanasaheb’s rival from the village Shamsher Patil.
Both the Politicians play their political games, for their personal benefit. Realizing their mistake, Nanasaheb and his two friends begin with the good work of preserving the heritage of the fort in their village and set an ideal before the villagers. The film does hits out at the proposed construction of memorial of Shivaji Maharaj. Instead, the film suggests to preserve the heritage of all historical Forts in Maharashtra and beautify them, to make them tourist spots.
The screenplay of this film and dialogues are highly impressive, besides the story idea, which makes ‘Baghtos Kay Mujra Kar‘ film not only inspiring and meaningful but also entertaining. The film’s climax has been stretched a little longer, which is the only drawback of this film. But, all in all this film is a worth watch. Hemant Dhome has emerged as the talented film maker on his debut. He seemed to have studied the psychology of the Marathi film lovers, as he has offered what was expected from him.
Besides direction, Hemant Dhome has also played an effective negative role. Jitendra Joshi as Nanasaheb is simply superb, as he has proved his ability of being a versatile actor. He finds good support from Aniket Vishwasrao and Akshay Tanksale. There is nothing much for female characters in this male oriented film; but, Neha Joshi, Parna Pethe and Rasika Sunil( ‘Majhya Navryachi Baiko’ TV serial fame), have made their presence felt, through their respective characters. Good support also comes from Ashwini Kalsekar, Vikram Gokhale, Anant Jog and others. Other plus points of this film are its suitable music by Amitraj and wonderful camera work by Milind Jog , who has captured the beauty of historical fort with aerial photography and also beauty and cleanliness of London city through his lenses very well.