‘Jalsa’ offers an average comedy
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Rating: ★★½
Genres: Comedy Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Studio 9 Entertainment Producer(s): Ashutosh S. Raaj Director: Ashutosh S. Raaj Music: Samir Saptiskar, Vivek Sanap Writer: Ashutosh S. Raaj Cinematographer (DOP): Vijay Mishra Cast: Bharat Ganeshpure, Sagar Karande, Abhijeet Chavan, Arun Kadam, Nikhil Wairagar, Ashutosh S Raaj, Girija Joshi, Manasi Naik Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Now days, we find many new directors attempting to offer something to Marathi cinema, in the name of comedy. However, in the new film ‘Jalsa’ we find the director Ashutosh S Raaj playing multiple roles as a film maker, an actor and also a writer, to offer this so called traditional comedy through his film.
Actually, ‘Jalsa‘ is the story of two youngsters Amar Patil ( Ashutosh S Raaj) and Prem Patil ( Nikhil Wairagkar) who are passionate about directing a film. Amar who is from a well to do family, becomes so desperate that he borrows money from people in their neighborhood and when he cannot repay the same, his father ( Mohan Joshi) drives him out of his house. Amar along with Prem then finds shelter in the house of his maternal uncle Bhaiyyasaheb ( Bharat Ganeshpure) in a village , where both of them find an opportunity to stage a play based on the old classic drama ‘Ekach Pyala‘ with local artistes, their two girlfriends ( Girija Joshi & Shital Ahirrao) and their Uncle, who is also an actor expert in performing the female roles .
The film’s screenplay literally drags in the first half, with most of the time wasted in showing all the important male characters consuming hard drinks and uttering all the non sense, by taking the audience for granted. Especially, the character played by Arun Kadam is shown drinking almost in all the long scenes to his share. The characters played by Sagar Karande, Abhijeet Chavan, Mohan Joshi have been wasted in this film. More scope has been given to TV comedian Bharat Ganeshpure, but his character hasn’t been developed properly, in the company of too many artistes, including the two youngsters played by director Ashutosh S Raaj himself , Nilhil Wairagkar, their two girlfriends Girija and Shital with their love stories etc. The much talked about ‘Bai Vadyavar…‘ song picturised on Manasi Naik has turned out to be the title song of the film shown at the beginning part of this film.
The director has been able to present only the last 15- 20 minutes of the film with some real comedy drama. Otherwise, the rest of the film fails to appeal, for presenting not so interesting plot and a poor screenplay. The film ‘Jalsa‘ may appeal only to some of the village folks, who are fond of local based entertaining plays. But, for real sensible Marathi film lovers, this film is a big disappointment. However, good art design by Vaibhav Shirolar and sound design by Manoj Mochemadkar and Sandeep Madkholkar are the only technical plus points of the film. Music by Samir Saptiskar for the two songs in this film is just fine. In short, ‘Jalsa‘ offers just an average comedy.
‘Ghantaa’ offers a casual adult comedy
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Rating: ★★½
Genres: Comedy Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Brahmapura Pictures, Dashami Studioz, Yellow Inc Producer(s): Shailesh Shankar Kale, Rohit Shetty Director: Shailesh Shankar Kale Music: Samir Saptiskar Cinematographer (DOP): Siddharth More Cast: Amey Wagh, Saksham Kulkarni, Aroh Welankar, Pushkar Shrotri, Anuja Sathe Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Till now, we have seen many Hindi films on betting in cricket and how some youngsters are lured to this biggest gambling racket, which is spreading across the country. Latest released Marathi film ‘Ghantaa‘ is also based on this subject with three youngsters Umesh Vaidya( Saksham Kulkarni), Raj Bhosale( Amey Wagh) and Angad Mohite( Aroh Velankar) getting trapped into this racket oraganised by Chintya ( Kishore Kadam) a local criminal.
The film begins with a wrist watch containing mini diamonds delivered through courier to a local criminal turned politician Dighya Bhai( Pushkar Shrotri) .This parcel is delivered by default to a company owned by Sanjay Hegde ( Murli Sharma) a former suspended Police officer involved in encounters with criminals. Angad whose girlfriend Anagha( Shivani Surve) works for Sanjay Hegde’s company , visits this company with his two friends, to convince her over their break up. But, three of them encounter eccentric Sanjay Hegde. Dighyabhai’s men attack Sanjay Hegde to get their diamonds back, but Sanjay is injured, while Dighyabhai’s people are also killed in cross firing by the former sharp shooter.
Amey steals Sanjay’s watch, to get some money, but when the watch breaks, when Angad snatches it, while asking him to return and the tiny diamonds spill over. Amey takes them to his girl friend Komal Bhabhi( Anuja Sathe) , with whom he sleeps, while her Diamond merchant husband is away. She in turn calls an expert known to her, to valuates the diamonds @Rs. 10 lakh each. To sell the diamonds, he calls Dighyabhai, who sends his deputy for the deal. And, the youngsters are once again in trouble. The film concludes with not so impressive climax.
With so many characters, with some more played by renowned artistes like Viju Khote, Kanchan Pagare, Kishore Chougule, Abhijit Chavan, Arun kadam, late Razzak Khan and few others , the film has a big crowd, with almost no scope given to good artistes like Viju Khote, Abhijit Chavan and late Razzak Khan . The first half of the film is not at all impressive and fails to pick up, till the interval. In the post interval stage, there are few interesting moments, but they are all inspired by some Bollywood films. Some vulgar double meaning dialogues have been used to generate humour; but the film fails to take a firm grip on screenplay. The director has tried some animated and special effects even in one song picturised on three lead artistes, so as to be different from others, but that’s not enough to present a good package. Music is also just average.
The three lead artistes Amey, Saksham and Aroh have played their respective roles convincingly. Anuja has played a bold character for a change. Pushkar Shrotri is very much at ease playing a typical politician with criminal background, but Murli Sharma is more impressive. He seemsto have improvised his Marathi with his fluent and confident looking dialogue delivery. Some good comedy comes from a TV Marathi artiste playing the Gujarathi character, who is assistant of Pushkar Shrotri. Surprisingly, his name does not appear in the credit list provided by the makers of this film.
All in all, ‘Ghantaa‘ has turned out to be neither a family entertainer, nor a sensible film to fit into quality Marathi film. All that it offers is a casual adult comedy .
‘Family Katta’ – An emotion filled family drama
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Rating: ★★★½
Genres: Drama, Humour, Family Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Sister Concern Entertainment Producer(s): Vandana Gupte Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni Music: Mangesh Dhakde Writer: Prashant Dalvi Cinematographer (DOP): Mahesh Limaye Cast: Vandana Gupte, Sai Tamhankar, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Kiran Karmarkar, Prateeksha Lonkar, Gauri Nalawade, Alok Rajwade. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Very often we have seen Marathi film makers influenced by the scripts of popular Marathi dramas. Latest released Marathi film ‘Family Katta‘ is no exception. The film is based on Prashant Dalvi written and Chandrakant Kulkarni directed Marathi play ‘Celebration‘ .With no changes in the script and retaining the same director, Vandana Gupte and her sister Rani Verma under the banner of their ‘Sister Concern Productions‘ have made this multi starrer film, which is an emotion filled family drama.
The film begins with an old couple Mr. & Ms. Sabnis (Dilip Prabhavalkar & Vandana Gupte) based in Pune, busy with preparations to celebrate their 50th Wedding anniversary .This time, the third generation of Sabnis family comprising of Grand daughter ( Gauri Nalavade) a TV actress and her foreign based cousin ( Alok Rajwade) more keen on meeting their grandparents and celebrate the occasion. But for the two sons of Sabnis couple (Kiran Karmarkar & Sachin Deshpande) and their daughters in law ( Prateeksha Lonkar & Sulekha Talwalkar) it is just an occasion for a family get together. The third son of Sanis couple ( Sanjay Khapre) who is into social work and living in a village, is also on his way, to attend this function. The only daughter of Sabnis family ( Sai Tamhankar) , who marries against her father’s wish, an elderly person , after her divorce, is also on her way with her husband ( Adesh Shrivastav) to meet her parents after six years.
The film’s screenplay goes on well in the first half, with light humor arising out of the old couple’s arguments over small issues in their day to day life. But, little before the arrival of the family members, we notice a sudden twist in the screenplay. Thereafter, the film moves on with emotion filled happenings that follow in the second half, keeping the audience guessing, as to what would happen next. The film concludes well, with a timely social message.
‘Family Katta‘ is a well presented film, with wonderful performances coming from the entire team comprising of Dilip Prabhavalkar, Vandana Gupte, Kiran Karmarkar, Prateeksha Lonkar, Sachin Deshpande, Sulekha Talwalkar, Sanjay Khapre, Gauri Nalawade, Alok Rajwade, Sai Tamhankar & Adesh Shrivastav. They have shown perfect understanding and proper team work in every scene in this film. The jealousy between the two daughters in law, is cleverly shown through few humor filled scenes, while their young children are shown with a liberal attitude. Music isn’t much important in this film, except for background music. Good editing work by Jayant Jathar and finest cinematography by Mahesh Limaye, makes this film more appealing. Dialogues by Prashant Dalvi are also well written. But, the director hasn’t taken much cinematic liberties to present this original drama, perhaps cutting on the budget. But, his direction is good.
‘Family Katta‘ is the film for entire family and hence likely to be appreciated by all.
‘A Dot Com Mom’ – A sensible thought provoking film
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Rating: ★★★½
Genres: Comedy, Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Kayan Productions Producer(s): Jitendra Kulkarni, Rahul Bodas, Sanjay Shetye Director: Dr.Meena Nerurkar Music: Ashok Patki, Sudhir Phadke, Pratik Shah, Neel Nadkarni Writer: Dr.Meena Nerurkar Cinematographer (DOP): Hyder Bilgrami, Vinayak Radhakrishnan Cast: Vikram Gokhale, Vijay Chavan, Asha Shelar, Ram Kolhatkar, Dr.Meena Nerurkar, Makarand Bhave, Manasi Karandikar, Madhuvanti Bhat, Seeyali Singh, Dr.Deven Gabale, Dawn Scott, Carrie Sullivan Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Parents living in India and their children busy with their jobs abroad and not finding time to visit India, is not new to us. There is at least one such case in every housing society. Latest released Marathi film ‘A Dot Com Mom‘ is also a story of one such simple middle class mother Sulbhatai( Dr.Meena Nerurkar), from a small town in Maharashtra. Like all other Indian house wives, she too has worked hard to raise her only son Sunil alias Sunny( Sai Gundewar) , who later goes to USA and becomes a millionaire, attaining success with his dot com company. Sunil invites his parents to visit him and his wife to share his success. But, only his beloved mother manages to go to USA, while his father( Vikram Gokhale) prefers to stay back.
Feeling exited with his mother’s arrival, Sunil wants to make her happy, showing her all nearby places during week ends. But the mother is unable to cope up with the lifestyle of USA and gets into trouble on many occasions. Her daughter in law Seema( Apoorva Bhalerao) also cannot bear her mother-in-law’s presence in their house. Finally, instead of staying for 4 months, Subhatai decides to return back to India, only to be recalled again, when the daughter in law needs help, during the time of her delivery. But, this time, the mother in law goes all prepared, finding two months time to change herself.
Very cleverly the writer- director has handled the screenplay, to make it interesting with humour filled events. She has also shown the perfect lifestyle of NRI’s, besides showing some unexpected happenings little before interval and in post interval stage. The film is inspiring, as the central character has shown the way to thousands of such mothers in law, to bring in that required change in them, to move with the time and make their children happy.
The selection of artistes, whether Indian or foreigners is perfect. Playing herself as the central character, Dr.Meena Nerurkar has given full justice to her role. Vikram Gokhale as Sunil’s father and Vijay Kadam as shopkeeper are just namesake in this film. Sai Gundewar plays the young handsome bald hero, who not only looks smart and handsome, but has also performed very naturally. In the role of his wife Apoorva Bhalerao is just fine. But, excellent performance comes from popular TV artiste Deepti Lele, who has played an important character in this film. She is so lively, with her foreign accent. But, another versatile TV artiste
Asha Shelar has very limited scope and has been wasted in this film.
Perhaps, this is the first Marathi film shot in USA, besides using proper indoor locations, to give a realistic look to the film. Film’s title is very apt and goes well with the story. Technically, it is a well made film, with suitable music.Excellent cinematography and art direction has also helped to give a polished look to this film. All in all, ‘A Dot Com Mom‘ is a sensible thought provoking film.
‘One Way Ticket’ journey begins well but disappoints at the end
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Rating: ★★½
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Mekbrand, Video Palace Producer(s): Komal Unawane Director: Kamal Nathani, Amol Shetge Music: Gaurav Dagaonkar Writer: Amol Shetge Cinematographer (DOP): Roopang Acharya Cast: Amruta Khanvilkar, Neha Mahajan, Sachit Patil, Gashmeer Mahajani, Shashank Ketkar, Roger D’Costa, Asha Shelar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
We have heard about the progress of Marathi films going global, with their unique subjects, through international film festivals. Now days, even some of the Marathi film award functions are held abroad. So, there isn’t big surprise, if any Marathi film is shot on a big cruise, offering something new to the audience. In the recent past, we have seen some Marathi films shot in Mauritius, Bangkok and so on. Latest released Marathi film ‘One Way Ticket‘ produced by Komal Unawane, presented by Video Palace and directed by Kamal Nathani & Amol Shetge has exactly tried this experiment, covering some parts of Europe on a cruise.
So, the film begins with a smart young man Samar Raj( Sachit Patil) who introduces himself as photographer, narrating the tale of Aniket to the audience, with the help of his charming young assistant Urvashi( Neha Mahajan) . Then, we actually see Aniket ( Shashank Ketkar) from Chinchwad, Pune, pleading before his mother to fulfil his desire of proceeding to Genoa , Italy on a job assignment and asking for Rs. 5 Lakhs, to transfer the same to a recruiting agency. Mother( Asha Shelar) sells her ornaments and land to raise the amount to help accomplish her beloved son’s dream. Aniket does land in Italy, but comes to know that he has been cheated. With no money with him, the writer of this film, shows him the way. Aniket travels back on the passport in the name of Aditya Rane( Gashmeer Mahajani) and also his money presuming that he is dead.
On the cruise, he comes across Shivani ( Amruta Khanvilkar) who is in search of her boyfriend Aditya Rane. On the same cruise, he meets Samar Raj and Urvashi. Soon, the news of Aditya Rane’s identity as a gangster and his death is released on television news and dejected Shivani later finds a good friend in Aniket. At the stroke of interval, one more elderly person identifying himself as D’costa joins the group and the film’s story takes a turn. But, the writer director could not carry the story further, as skilfully as they did in the pre interval session and wind up the plot hurriedly in a predictable manner.
‘One Way Ticket’ thus fails to deliver in the post interval session, what it promised in the first half. And therefore, this less than two hour long film fails to capture the audience in the later half . The film however scores on account of its good cinematography Rupang Acharya, who has captured the limited exposure of Europe skilfully, including the scenes on the deck of the huge ship. Background music of Troy Arif is also appealing, especially in the first half. The music is just fine. There are also some flaws noticed in the film. But, the performances of all the artistes are really good.
Those who haven’t tried a voyage on a big ship, may feel, as if they are also taken for a ride along with the young team of this film. Some of the scenes in few cities of Europe have also been captured well, with limited scope. But, there is something missing in this film, which the shrewd audience notice, as the film comes to an end. Film’s promo was very appealing. But then, All that glitters, is not Gold. The film has turned out to be just a casual pass time for a change.
‘Yaari Dosti’ offers a good subject but lacks proper presentation
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Rating: ★★½
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Bipin Shah Motion Pictures Producer(s): Bhavana Bipin Shah, Sarika Vinod Tambe Director: Shantanu Anant Tambe Writer: Shantanu Anant Tambe Cinematographer (DOP): Raj Kadur Cast: Mitali Mayekar, Hansraj Jagtap, Akash Waghmode, Sumit Bhokase, Santosh Chaupade, Akash Gharat Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Stories on the subject of street children have always inspired Marathi film makers. ‘Well Done Bhalya’ and ‘Half Ticket’ are the recent examples. Now, Shantanu Anant Tambe, who had earlier made a film ‘Majhi Shala’, presents two such street children Gatar ( Hansraj Jagtap) and Nala( Akash Waghmode) who work for a local Gangster in city of Mumbai. Actually, they have a group of four friends, the other two being Chaddi and Pari. One day, when Nala fails in his duty, the Gangster beats him up, having suffered a big loss. Gatar who is close friend of Nala, bangs a water pot on the Don’s head and both of them run away from that place.
They land in Chiplun ( Konkan) and find shelter in a Boys hostel of a local school. Initially Prasad ( Ashish Gade) and Rahul (Sumit Bhokse)hesitate to offer them shelter next day, as the house keeping people clean the rooms, while the boys are in class. So, Nala prefers to watch the cricket net practice, while Gatar attends the class, along with Prasad and Rahul, wearing school uniform of one of them. Nala impresses cricket Coach Arjun Sir( Sandeep Gaikwad) , who after hearing his past story, goes out of his way to help him and also his friend to attend class unofficially, taking the class teacher Sonal madam( Neesha Parulekar) into confidence. So, we find Nala & Gatar attending class along with Prasad and Rahul in the same class.
What really happens when the school principal Wanzode Sir comes to know about their plan, has been shown in a dramatic way, in the post interval session of the film. The story of Nala and Gatar has been narrated by one of the characters in this story to his co passenger, during the flight of a plane.
The makers of this film had good intention of showing how the street children could be brought into mainstream, if offered proper education and grooming them into activities of their interest. But, their presentation part in the screenplay fails to appeal. A lot of time has been wasted in taking liberties to show Nala and Gatar into all such bad habits of smoking and drinking alcohol in the school premises and even offering the same to their so called friends Prasad and Rahul. This sends a wrong message to young audience. To bring their friendship more closer, they haven’t done anything special, except for Gatar helping Prasad to express his love to his 9th standard classmate Rani( Mitali Jagtap) and both of them teaching a lesson to a boy called Rane, who is blocking their love.
The success story of Nala in the game of cricket, is almost identical with the story of a young cricketer in the Marathi film ‘Well Done Bhalya’ released in the recent past. The director has paid more attention on bad words spoken by Nala and Gatar instead of focussing more on their body language. Instead, he could have paid more attention on their reforms, in the company of Prasad and Rahul. In the screenplay, this film has done the same mistake, what the makers of ‘Well Done Bhalya’ had done, by selecting the non student of the school to play for the school’s team. There are many more unconvincing scenes, which have failed to appeal the audience.
Only good part about the film are the performances of Hasraj Jagtap , Akash Waghmode and Mitali Mayekar. Good support comes from Sandeep Gaikwad, in the role of cricket coach and also from Aashish Gade , Sumit Bhokse and others. The only good song in the film is shown at the end of the film. Background music of Sachin-Dipesh is fine and so is the cinematography of Raj kadur. ‘Yaari Dosti’ has turned out to be Just an average entertainer and a dream seller for the underprivileged children. But, can they afford to see this film in theatres?
‘Kanha’ does another ‘Morya’ with change of guards
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Rating: ★★½
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Vihang Group, Youngberry Entertainment Producer(s): Pratap Sarnaik Director, Music: Avadhoot Gupte Writer: Sachin Darekar, Avadhoot Gupte Cinematographer (DOP): Rahul Jadhav Cast: Vaibhav Tatwawdi , Gashmeer Mahajani, Gauri Nalawade, Sumedh Wani, Kiran Karmarkar, Prasad Oak Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
It seems that film maker Avadhoot Gupte has taken the patent of making Marathi films, with Govinda and Ganapati festival background. Earlier, we saw him doing a film ‘Morya‘, which was set on the backdrop of community festivals like Janmashtami and Ganapati, which are very popular fests in Mumbai and in some parts of Maharashtra.
In ‘Morya‘ we saw the fight for power between two groups led by Chinmay Mandlekar and Santosh Juvekar. But, in Avadhoot’s latest film ‘Kanha‘ produced by Pratap Sarnaik and presented by Zee Studios, he has opted for youngsters like Vaibhav Tatwawdi and Gashmeer Mahajani, representing two rival groups. When it comes to forming human pyramids with maximum heights during Govinda festival, they compete with each other.
Actually, the film has tried to voice the concern of hundreds of such Govinda groups, who have been prevented from crossing the height of pyramids more than 20 feet or and not crossing five layers and not permitting children below 18 years of age to take part, while breaking the dahi handi. The film has also tried to show, how the politicians encourage the Govindas to defy the court orders. So, in this film we see two politicians played by Prasad Oak and Kiran Karmarkar , representing political parties and leaving it to the audience to decide, whom do they represent. It is anybody’s guess.
The problem with this film is that it is not as gripping, as ‘Morya‘. Moreover, handling similar type of subject with interference of politicians in exploiting the sentiments of Govinda teams, fails to generate interest. The screenplay could have been more gripping. Even the music is not very appealing, except for one ‘Zagmag..‘ song. The other songs have the flavor of Avadhoot Gupte’s previous film songs. But, the good thing about this film are the performances of the artistes. Vaibhav Tatwawdi suits well in the role of Malhar Bhosale, displaying his emotional side well, while Gashmeer Mahajani has proved that his selection as angry young man Raghubhai was perfect. But, he hasn’t found much scope for acting, except for the climax, as he is shown under the obligation of aspiring politician Madhubhai played by Kiran Karmarkar . By the way, it is Kiran Karmarkar, who steals the show, with his superb performance in this film. Good support comes from Prasad Oak in the role of a local MLA, Gauri Nalawade as Gym Instructor and friend of Vaibhav and Omprakash Shinde ( Khulta Kali Khulena serial fame), who has played Vaibhav’s close friend and Kiran Mane as Police officer..
The makers of this film have cleverly used this film as a platform to send across a message to the administrators and law makers , voicing their point of view. But, at the same time, they have shown how so many Govindas lose their lives in this adventure sport, after being lured with attractive prizes offered by Politicians. The film ‘Kanha‘ may therefore appeal all those, who enjoy this sport. For others, it is just another Avadhoot Gupte film.
‘YZ’ offers quality entertainment despite its odd title
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Rating: ★★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Everest Entertainment, Pratisaad Productions presents Producer(s): Sanjay Chhabria, Anish Jog Director: Sameer Vidwans Writer: Kshitij Patwardhan Music: Hrishikesh, Saurabh, Jasraj Cinematographer (DOP): Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti Cast: Sai Tamhankar, Mukta Barve, Sagar Deshmukh, Akshay Tanksale, Parna Pethe Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
The title of the film ‘YZ‘ may sound weird, but don’t confuse it for something offensive. The makers of this film, writer Kshitij Patwardhan & Sameer Vidwans have described the meaning of the title as ‘attitude’ of a person in this film. The writer and director duo have already given us films like ‘Time Please‘, which was inspired by their own play ‘Nava Gadi Nava Rajya‘ and last year’s hit film ‘Double Seat‘ , inspired by old Marathi film ‘Mumbaicha Javai‘.
Through their latest film ‘YZ‘ they have presented a humour filled story of a 33 year old bachelor College professor Gajanan Kulkarni ( Sagar Deshmukh) from Wai, who suffers inferiority complex, when it comes to selection of a suitable bride. One day, he is asked by his college principal to go on six months deputation to a college in Pune. After arrival to this new place, he faces a big challenge, as the students from his class are more advanced and mischievous. But, Gajanan finds a good friend , philosopher and guide in one of those students Shyamsunder Prajapati, popularly known as Battis, who helps him to bring in that desired change in his personality.
After taking lessons from Battis, we do notice a big change in Gajanan, as he becomes smarter to understand who could be the right choice for him. During this period, first Parnarekha ( Sai Tamhankar) comes to his life, as proposed by his aunt living in Pune, so that he should settle down in his life, by marrying this 29 year old woman who is too religious. Then comes Antara( Parna Pethe) , his sister’s friend, who is just 20 years old. Antara, who is highly impressed by Gajanan’s Knowledge of Sanskrit and falls in love with him, after taking special tuition of this language from him.
In the meanwhile, he also meets his childhood friend Sailee, who is a divorcee with a little daughter, but in relationship with her friend. When Gajanan is in a dilemma, he consults Battis, who suggests him to take his own decision. Finally, Gajanan does take his own decision. The film has been presented very well, except for becoming little lengthy, in the second half. But, the sequences during Gajanan’s stay in Pune have been made interesting, by the writer and director. The use of Kalidasa’s Shakuntala has been used very well in the Sanskrit song picturisation on Sagar and Parna. Music has therefore played an important role in two songs.
Both Sagar Deshmukh and Akshay Tanksale have proved their class through their respective characters. Sagar in particular has shown his transformation in him, very well through his body language. The credit should also go to his make up artist and dress designer. The scenes picturised on Sagar and Akshay do remind us about the humour created by I.S.Johar and Joy Mukherjee in the 1967 Bollywood Super hit film ‘Shagird‘ Sai Tamhankar has done well through her sober kind of character, while Parna Pethe has proved that she could be the choice of Marathi filmmakers , for Mod-type of roles. The director has also exploited her dancing skills. Mukta Barve has limited role in this film, but, she has made her presence felt, through that lively character of Sailee.
Good support comes from other artistes. Sudhakar Reddy’s cinematography is appealing and so is the sound design of Anmol Bhave, while capturing the life of Wai and liveliness of Pune. The film ‘YZ‘ is targeted not only at the young collegians; but also at married couples and elders. In short, it offers quality entertainment, despite its odd title. Don’t miss it.
‘1234’ attempts something different to offer an unusual thriller
Marathi film makers are applying new techniques through their films, to make them more presentable. Latest released Marathi film ‘1234’ falls in this category. Directed by Milind Arun Kavde, this film is a action filled thriller, which presents happening of four different events around the same time, on a particular day and the connection of different characters with each other.
The film begins with a song picturised on Rahul ( Bhushan Pradhan) and his girl friend Priya ( Priya Marathe), to indicate their love affair, little before Rahul sets his journey , to report as a Junior Doctor at a Mental Hospital. Then, we notice how he is trapped after reporting there, in the company of starangers. The worried brother of Rahul ( Pradeep Patwardhan) and his sister in law ( Vishakha Subhedar) go to the police station to lodge a complaint about kidnapping of Rahul and demand of a huge sum for his release. It is almost the same time, we notice a helpless Dhanajyay( Sanjay Narvekar) pleading before the Hospital Dean( Yatin Karyekar) to save his father’s life, who is to be operated. In another incident, Super star Abhijit is worried about his wife and little child, as he receives a threat from Underworld and at the same time, there is trouble faced by film maker ( Sanjay Mone) as his production controller Aziz bhai is in love with the film’s actress ( Teja Deokar), who is actually in relationship with another person.
Very skilfully through the film’s screenplay, the director has managed to present the events, turn by turn; but in the process, a person who comes to watch the film, with the sole intention of entertainment, is likely to get confused, if he is not alert throughout the film. But, for action film lovers, ‘1234‘ is a treat to watch. The film does pass a social message, about the exploitation of the people by the administration, in the name of development. It does throw light on compensation, which has not been paid to the displaced people and firing by Police, on the mob demanding their right. Towards the end of the film, we find social activist Anna Hazare making a statement on injustice to the people displaced, in the name of development. In the end, the film maker also gives a hint that there will be a sequel of this film.
There are many twists in the screenplay, which surprise the audience. But, it would not be proper to disclose the same. This experiment has been tried in one of the Bollywood films few years ago. Camera work is superb. Not much scope for music, except for the first song on Bhushan and Priya. But, back ground music is appealing. Camera work is superb. To enjoy this film, the viewer has to follow the sequences with full attention on every happenning. The lead pair Bhushan & Priya don’t find much scope in this film, as there are about 26 important characters, who also find limited roles to their share. But, some of the artistes have tried their best to entertain the audience. New camera technique has been tried for the first time in Marathi, for which the efforts of the film maker are to be appreciated. The film has about 26 important characters, who are part of four different events. Barring few errors, ‘1234‘ is certainly a worth watch film, for those who love action filled thrillers.
‘Lost and Found’ has good content but lacks realistic approach
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Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio/presenter: Golden Gate Motion Pictures Producer(s): Vinod Malgewar Director: Ruturaj Dhalgade Writer: Ruturaj Dhalgade Music: Shubhankar Shembekar Cinematographer (DOP): Ramesh Bhosale Cast: Spruha Joshi, Siddharth Chandekar, Vinod Malgewar, Dr.Mohan Agashe, Mangesh Desai, Tejasvi Patil, Gauri Konge Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Known for their ‘out of the box’ subjects, Marathi films have already established their identity as story based films, all over the world. Latest Marathi film ‘Lost and Found‘ produced by Vinod Malgewar and directed by Ruturaj Dhalgade also falls in this category. The film does begin well, with its focus on finding a solution to drive away loneliness from the lives of people from different age groups, living in cities.
‘Lost and Found‘ begins with Manas( Siddharth Chandekar) a youngster running a small provision store in the city of Aurangabad, facing a break up from his girlfriend Mugdha( Gauri Konge) who prefers a well to do partner for her secured future. Dejected Manas does open his mind to a senior citizen Shrirang Kaka ( Dr.Mohan Agashe) living in his colony. Shrirang Kaka who is also living a lonely life, suggests Manas to form a group to voluntarily help people living in loneliness, by sparing some time with them. Another dejected person Maruti( Mangesh Desai) who has lost his family in an unfortunate accident , also joins the group, along with Naina( Spruha Joshi) a young lady, whose husband has left her a month after her marriage, for no reason. Few more youngsters also join the group.
The volunteers do succeed in their mission of counseling all such people; but in the process, Manas understands Naina better and Naina falls in love with him. Maruti who goes for counseling a young lady ( Tejasvi Patil) suffering from a serious ailment, likes her company. Shrirang Kaka encourages them all to spread their network beyond Aurangabad and we find them crossing the city limits to make their ‘Anti Loneliness Programme'(ALP) effective. And, they all succeed in their mission.
‘Lost and Found‘ is a sincere effort by director Ruturaj Dhalgade, but, he could have made it more interesting. At few places, he fails to go into details of the victims of loneliness. A young girl, who has a break up with her boyfriend, over a small issue, speaks her mind to Manas for the entire day till late evening. But, nothing is clear about her family, as she lives in a bungalow. Also, the episode of a Bengalee lady living a lonely life, is left incomplete. There was no need to show the episode of a struggling non Marathi actor from North. Instead, it would have been better to show a youngster from Aurangabad, struggling to become an actor in Mumbai. That would have brought the audience more closer to this character. The film hasn’t shown how the volunteers generate income to do their selfless service to the society. Moreover, it set on the backdrop of Aurangabad city, but you don’t get to see the much of city life, captured by camera.
Music by Shubhankar Shembekar is just fine to go with this kind of film and so are the lyrics of Spruha Joshi. Cinematography by Ramesh Bhosale is good. All the five important artistes in this film have given their best through their respective characters. But, Dr. Mohan Agashe invites all the attention. He has given an energetic performance, bringing lots of humor, through almost all the scenes which have come to his share. The film scores on account of its different subject and good performances.