Rating: ★★★★
Studio/presenter: PSJ Entertainment
Producer: Abhay Shevde
Directors: Girish Mohite (Bail), Gajendra Ahire (Dil a nadan), Viju Mane (Ek Hota Kau), Ravi Jadhav (Mitra)
Genres: Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 120 Min.
Cast:   Mangesh Desai, Smita Tambe, Sagar Karande, Uday Sabnis, Neena Kulkarni, Suhas Palshikar  Kushal Badrike, Spruha Joshi, Angad Mhaskar, Sampada Joglekar, Vidyadhar Joshi Mrunmayee Deshpande, Veena Jamkar, Sandeep Khare

We have been hearing the stories about the growth of Marathi cinema. But, we had not seen a collective effort coming from a group of film makers, to give a new dimension to Marathi cinema. Now, that work has been done by four creative film makers in Marathi, namely Gajendra Ahire, Vijau Mane, Girish Mohite and Ravi Jadhav. And, they have received the compliment from none other than the living legend from Bollywood , Mr. Gulzar. The legendary lyricist and film maker has gone one step ahead, to narrate the gist of each one of their creation, in all the four short films, through his poetic words. And, this has given a polished look to the film.

Indeed, the makers of ‘Bioscope’ deserve all the praise , for taking this bold step, of presenting four different stories, inspired by the poems of renowned poets right from Mirza Ghalib to Sandeep Khare. The film opens with a short story ‘Dil E Nadaan’, which is inspired by Mirza Ghalib’s famous Ghazal .It peeps into the life of two former classical music artistes, Singer Padmabhushan Nirmaaladevi Indori ( Neena Kulkarni) and Sarangi player Mianji Saarangiwale (Suhas Palshikar) , who are in live in relationship for past 30 years. Set on the backdrop of Indore city, director Gajendra Ahire succeeds in presenting their emotions and their simple living, by selling the dried almonds. Wonderful performances by both the veteran actors and beautiful music and photography are the plus points of this short. The usage of Hindi with Marathi goes well with the backdrop of Indore.

From Indore, we come to the city of Mumbai, in the 90’s era, where we find a hard working Motor Garage owner Swapnil (Kushal Badrike) in love with beautiful Pakali (Spruha Joshi) living in the neighborhood. Swapnil has inferiority complex, being dark complexioned and unable to express his love. It is a emotive love story, very inventively presented by director Viju Mane, with the help of his team of sound designer, music director and cinematographer. Above all , Soumitra’s poetry on rain, goes very well with this story.

Post interval , we find a very touching tale ‘Baiil’, happening in the present time. It is about the tragedy of an educated farmer Punjabrao (Mangesh Desai) from Amravati. Punjabrao( Mangesh Desai) comes along with his colleague to join the protest march, on behalf of cotton growers association in Amravati. How he lands into trouble later and what forces him to commit suicide, is a tragic story expertly presented by director Girish Mohite. There are other artistes in this short, comprising of Smita Tambe, playing his helpless wife, Sagar karande, his cunning friend and Uday Sabnis as police officer. Loknath Yashwant’s poem on this subject, does leave a strong impact, which is narrated from a Bull’s point of view.

Finally, Ravi Jadhav takes us into the era, little before India’s independence, to show the emotions in the life of a young collegian Sumitra , who is shown as a lesbian. The director has very cleverly shown, how such people are treated at home and why she prefers to come and live in a Women’s hostel of the college. In the role of her roommate Urmi, Mrunmayee Deshpande looks beautiful, even in that black and white photography. In the role of Sumitra’s good friend Vinya, Sandeep Khare makes a good debut in acting . Incidentally, he has written the poetry for this short, which is inspired by Vijay Tendulkar’s story. Good costume design and brilliant performance by Veena Jamkar makes this film more effectual. There is nothing vulgar in this story. In fact, it shows the struggle of such people for their independence, even 67 years after country’s independence.

Now, when it comes to evaluating the presentation of each one of these shorts, they are all unique in their own way. A must watch film for lovers of artistic cinema.

Rating: ★★★★
Studio/presenter: MR Filmworks, JAR Pictures, Essel Vision Production
Producers: Madhukar Musale, Ajay Rai, Allan Mcalex
Director: Avinash Arun
Dialogues: Upendra Sidhaye
Cinematographer: Avinash Arun
Genres: Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 90 Min.
Cast: Archit Deodhar, Parth Bhalerao, Gaurish Gawde, Swanand Raikar, Atharv Upasani, Amruta Subhash

Today, Marathi cinema has reached that stage, where the new audience are expecting something more and different.  It does not matter, what subject a filmmaker is  presenting. All that is important, is to keep the audience engaged, with the screenplay that touches their heart and at the same time presents something realistic. Latest released Marathi film ‘Killa’ falls in this category. It has tried to offer both, with the right selection of artistes, ideal locations and excellent technical support.

Set on the backdrop of pictographic Konkan, that too during monsoon time; the film talks about the emotional bonding between mother and son, who are displaced from Pune , to arrive in Konkan, as the mother who is in Government job, is transferred to Konkan zone on promotion. Having lost her husband in the recent past, both mother and son feel isolated. Mother (Amruta Subhash), who is busy in her new office, , adjusts with the new environment quickly. But, she faces problem in her job, due to political pressure to clear certain documents. Son Chinmay (Archit Deodhar) is treated as an outsider by the four notorious children , namely Bandya, Yuvraj, Umesh and Omkar played by Parth Bhalerao, Gaurish Gawde, Swanand Raikar and Atharva Upasani,

Chinmay, who has been brought up with good moral values, does try to adjust with his new friends; but gets upset when they run away, leaving him alone, at the deserted fort. Thereafter, how he copes up with this notorious gang and thereafter prepares to go with his mother, at a third place , on her next transfer, is all that this film is about. But, the manner in which this limited story has been handled, makes a big difference. Cinematographer & director Avinash Arun, who has himself seen the transfers of his father from one place to other, knew his subject well. And, that perhaps made the task easy for him. The attitude of different people who interact with mother and son, has been captured very realistically.

Amruta Subhash is at her best, in the role of Mother of an innocent adolescent boy. In the role of Chinmay, Archit Deodhar seems to have worked very hard, to display his emotions. Watch his reaction, when he comes to know that his four friends deserted him at the fort, where all of them had gone for a day’s picnic.

It is not an easy job to extract such expressions from children in this age group. But, Avinash Arun has done a good job as a director. However, the boy who steals the show is Parth Bhalerao, who plays the role of mischievous Bandya in this film. He is simply superb! It seemed, the director had given him the responsibility to create humour, through well suited dialogues uttered by him. But, Parth has gone beyond it, displaying his gifted talent. Incidentally, this film was shot before he was selected to play the most important role in ‘Bhoothnath returns’.

The film also scores on account of wonderful photography by director himself, suitable background music by Naren Chandavarkar & Benedict Taylor and excellent sound mixing and sound design By Anmol Bhave & MohandasVP .

Produced by Essel Vision, Madhukar Musale, Ajay Rai, Allan Mcalex, this insightful ‘Killa’ will certainly take you down memory lane. Director Avinash Arun deserves a pat on his shoulders. He has handled a sensitive emotion filled subject, with a touch of humour , through the character of Bandya.  Certainly, a worth watch film, with entire family.

Rating: ★★★ ½
Studio/presenter: VRG Motion Pictures
Producer: Vijay Gutte
Co Producers: Bahul Choudhury, Anuarag Shrivastava.
Director: Rahul Bhatankar
Cinematographer: Rajesh Rathore
Genres: Action, Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 150 Min.
Cast: Bhushan Pradhan, Anand Ingale, Hrishikesh Joshi, Satish Rajwade, Nidhi Oza, Bhau Kadam, Siddharth Bodake , Sunil Pendharkar, Nupur Dudhwadkar, Rajesh Bhosale

About fifty years ago late B.R. Chopra made a film titled ‘Waqt’, which became a hit film. It spoke about the good and bad times seen by a family of big a businessman, as ‘Time’ plays havoc in their life and only the time, which brings them together.

50 years later , things haven’t changed. Everything is still under the control of ‘Time’. Man cannot rule over time, however rich or clever he may be. Today, a small happening somewhere in a country like USA, can ruin the life of a well to do person living in India. Latest released Marathi film ‘Time Bara Vait’ is based on this concept.

The story of this film, revolves around the life of Rahul (Bhushan Pradhan), a young computer engineer who loses his job, as its owner in USA donates all his proceedings to charity, only because his wife divorces him for a silly reason. Rahul’s girlfriend Priya ( Nidhi Oza) believing in him; stands by him, in this difficult situation, but her father ( Sanjay Mone) tells his daughter to break this relationship. Since, his sister’s marriage is almost fixed, Rahul, borrows money from a local Don – Bhai Raja (Satish Rajwade), who agrees to give him loan , at his friend’s request and guarantee; but sets a deadline for repayment.

Rahul is unable to repay the loan on the last day of repayment. He asks for time.  But, Bhai Raja sets a deadline of 5 pm for Rahul, on the same day, to arrange for the entire amount and warns him that if doesn’t pay, he would kill him. It is during this period i.e. from morning till 5 pm, all the important events happen in this film. Besides these three important characters of the film, we witness the entry of many other characters, with whom Rahul interacts, including the obstacle race to catch the thief, who steals his money. At the same time, we witness Priya encountering some strangers, on her way to meet Rahul. The film ends with a curious climax.

In this film, Bhooshan Pradhan has found the most appropriate role of an action hero, which would certainly help him, getting better roles in future. He is at his best. Satish Rajwade has portrayed the local Don, very effectively, more through his body language, than through his dialogues. Nidhi Oza does not find much scope in this film; but she does invite attention, through her slim and fresh looks. Hrishikesh Joshi finds a better role of a Police officer, to generate humour in this action filled film. Good support comes from Vishwajeet Pradhan , Bhau kadam , Sanjay Mone, Anand Ingale, Siddhant Bodake, Rajesh Bhosale, Nupur Dudhvadkar and others.

‘Time Bara Vait’ is a remake of Tamil-Malyalam bilingual film ‘Neram’ released in 2013. But, director Rahul Bhatankar, being an editing expert, has managed to present this film skilfully, selecting the appropriate outdoor and indoor locations. The action scene of Bhooshan chasing the thief, has been shot very well through the expert camera work of Rajesh Rathore. In the entire film, Rajesh Murugesan’s originally composed soundtrack has been recreated .

Music by Sameer & Ajit also goes well, with the film’s screenplay, which runs into 2 hours and five minutes, with wonderful editing work done by director Rahul Bhatankar himself. Though, there is no originality in film’s script ( being a remake) , the director has broken the conventional style of traditional Marathi film makers, while presenting this gripping action packed film, which holds the audience to their seats.  All in all, it is a good action filled film .

Rating: ★★★★
Studio/presenter: Sacchi Entertainment, Raunak Bandelkar
Producer: Arti Sachin Chavan
Director: Jaypraad Desai
Dialogues: Mahesh Keluskar
Cinematographer: Devendra Golatkar
Genres: Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 130 Min.
Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Dr. Shriram Lagoo, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Milind Soman, Devika Daftardar, Sulabha Deshpande, Neena Kulkarni, Viju Khote, Rajesh Sharma

We all know that, these days media houses are controlled by big industrialists. Therefore, more than genuine news coverage, we find them paying more attention on advertisements and protecting the interests of their clients. Even in print media, there is lot of pressure on the genuine reporters, who are prevented from reporting the truth, which exposes politicians and industrialists. In short, media houses have become tools, at the hands of such people.

Under such circumstances, a committed journalist has no other way; but to resign from the job and work as a freelancer or starting his own blog, to voice his concern for the society. Latest released film produced by Aarti Sachin Chavan and directed by debutant Jayprad Desai shows the fight of one such committed and fearless journalist Shyam Jagdale ( Sachin Khedekar), who takes on all those involved in playing a dirty game, with the lives of innocent people, for their personal gains.

The film shows how the Politicians and media houses take the people for granted; but forget that one committed journalist can expose them, when time comes. In spite of ill health of his wife ( Devika Daftardar) , Shyam Jagdale resigns from his job from a popular newspaper group of Mumbai, when the editor warns him, not to expose the cruel plans of an industrialist, who regularly issues advertisements to their newspaper.

An ambitious industrialist Vikas Patil( Milind Soman) who is aspiring to enter active politics, with the help of an equally ambitious Tourism Minister Manikrao Bhosale ( Dilip Prabhavalkar) , a Minority leader Ali Miya Mirashi( Madhav Abhyankar) and a selfish big builder and a private TV channel owner Yashpal Chaurasia( Rajesh Sharma) chalk out a plan, to topple the existing chief Minister ( Viju Khote). They succeed in their mission. But, a veteran politician Nana Chitnis ( Dr. Shreeram Lagoo) exposes the plan of Vikas Patil , who is planning a communal violence. And, then begin the plans of the group to lure Shyam Jagdale with big offers, including his entry into politics. But, Shyam turns down all their offers, during their meeting over drinks.

Shyam starts his own blog with the name of ‘Nagrik’, which is widely read by his well wishers. How, Shyam succeeds in his mission, is all that ‘Nagrik’ shows through its gripping screenplay. The film creates a strong impact, through its content, which has hard hitting dialogues uttered by the protagonist Shyam, while interacting with all those big names in Politics. Through the characters of social activist Nilimatai( Neena Kulkarni) fighting for the rights of the workers, the director has tried to show the sincerity of committed leaders, while on the other side through the characters of Rama a former activist , a construction worker arriving from a village to the city along with his wife and two small children, he clearly shows how the rich exploit the poor for their growth. The presence of Dr.Shreeram Lagoo and Sulbha Deshpande in the film, has raised the status of this film to a higher level. Though Jayprad has used all his skills as a director, he seems to have been influenced by the style of Film maker Govind Nihalani, whom he assisted little before, he did his film making course in USA.

Besides excellent performances from all the artistes mentioned above, the film has strong substance, to inspire committed journalists, showing them the way, to live with dignity. The film is also technically well presented, with good photography, excellent sound design and suitable background music. Even two songs are picturized well, not disturbing the continuity of the story. Certainly a worth watch film for all those, who are looking for better and clean administration and non bias journalism.

Rating: ★★★ ½
Studio/presenter: Orangen Entertainment
Producers: Vishwajeet Gaikwad, Mandar Keni
Director: Atul Kale
Writer:  Atul Kale, Ashish Raikar and Subodh Khanolkar,
DOP: Ajit Reddy
Editor: Sarvesh  Parab
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 126 Min.
Cast: Sumeet Raghvan, Bhargavi Chirmule, Sharad Ponkshe, Rahul Mehendale, Arun Nalawde and Brandon J. Hill

There have been many Marathi period films, set on the backdrop of pre independence era. And, now latest released Marathi film ‘Sandook’ adds to that list. But, ‘Sandook’ directed by Atul kale has a different theme, though it is set on the backdrop of pre independence struggle , sometime during 1940s. The film revolves around a protagonist Wamanrao Ashtaputre ( Sumeet Raghavan) , a simple honest man from a village Sambhalgadh in Maharashtra. Though Wamanrao’s ancestors were actively involved in India’s freedom fight, right from the days of Shivaji Maharaj, he himself works in a post office of the village. Actually, he is scared to actively participate in freedom movement, though some of his friends have joined it.

After witnessing the atrocities of British Raj, when Wamanro expresses his willingness to join the group; his friends refuse to admit him, as Waman is a married man with a nagging wife Rukmini ( Bhargavi Chirule) and school going son Bharat ( DiveshMedge) . As the film progresses, we notice the new strict Police station- in- charge Gen Scott ( Brandon Hill) taking over , only to eliminate all those behind the murder of the previous station in charge. Trouble begins for Wamanrao, when one of his colleagues from Post Office- Bhatkhande( Rahul Mehandale) is killed in an encounter, while he is on a secret mission to kill the Gen.Scott. His another childhood friend Banya( Shantanu Gangane) , who is also the son of a Policeman Dinkarrao( Arun Nalawade) is also wanted in the same conspiracy.

Before going underground Banya hands over the small chest, which is the key to the secret storage place of arms and jewellery in a villa, which is taken over by the General, on his arrival. So, in the post interval session, we notice Wamanrao holding the custody of the chest, while the general and Police personnel, keeping a close watch on him. One expected the film to end with an interesting climax; but, it has ended like a typical bollywood style of climax, showing Wamanrao with the help of his few friends, killing the General and his few associates. But, what after that ?

As a director, Atul Kale has tried his level best to present the story of that period, selecting the right locations in Bhor village. Through the screenplay, he has also tried to generate interest with the help of some humour filled scenes, supported by good dialogues. Some of the scenes do tickle your funny bone. But, he could have made it more interesting in the pre interval stage too. The film has taken little longer, while establishing the link of Wamanrao with different people in the village. However, the suspense about the identity of Madhavrao , the leader of the freedom movement, has been well maintained till the concluding part. Good performances by Sumeet Raghavan, Sharad Ponkshe, Ramesh Wani, Arun Nalawade, Shantanu Gangane, Bhargavi Chirmule, Firdaus Mewavala and Rahul Mehendale add to the film’s advantage. Sumeet Raghavan certainly stands tall amongst them, with his stand out performance .

Few songs in this film, on the music of Ajit –Sameer, are just good enough. A lavani song on Tulika , needs a special mention, for its suitable music. But, the back ground music and sound design is impressive, to present the realistic village ambience. Mahesh Kudalkar’s art work, Mahesh Sherla’s costumes, Ajit Reddy’s cinematography, dialogues by Hrishikesh Joshi and editing work by Sarvesh Parab are other plus points of the film. Certainly, a worth watch for the entire family.

Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Censor:  U/A
Duration: 120 Min.
Studio/presenter: Anushka Motion Pictures & Entertainments, Kedaar Shinde Productions
Producer: Narendra Firodia
Director: Kedar Shinde
Writer: Dilip Prabhavalkar, Kedar Shinde, Omkar Datt
Screenplay: Omkar Datt
Cast: Sonali Kulkarni, Surabhi Hande, Bharat Jadhav, Dharam Gohil,Prasad Oak, Madhav Deochakke

Sometimes, superstition does help a filmmaker to create the required humor, to entertain the audience . Kedar Shinde’s latest released film ‘Aga Bai Arechha -2′ is inspired by actor-writer Dilip Prabhavalkar’s one such story, which is based on superstition. Set on the backdrop of Goa, the film presents a story of a woman Shubhangi Kudalkar (Sonali Kulkarni) , who experiences strange happenings in her life, whenever she falls in love with a boy.

The film begins with a writer Vikram ( Dharam Gohil) approaching  Shubhangi, to share her strange experiences in life, to enable him to write a book. As Shubhangi narrates her every love affair, the audience is taken into flashback .This goes on till interval. And, we notice lots of humor generated through the screenplay of the film.

Director Kedar Shinde has very skillfully used all these men in the life of Shubhangi . More than Prasad Oak’s character of Pralhad Kismise, offering  a popular branded toffee, the characters played by Madhav Devchakke, a cricketer and Bharat Jadhav, an  insect lover,  offer good entertainment. The episode of the cricketer, meeting his beloved, played by Surabhi Hande (shown as college going Shubhangi) reminds us about the controversy on  Virat Kohli meeting his girlfriend Anushka during the break.

However, the film fails to impress much, in the post interval session, with not many interesting happenings noticed. Though the director has tried to give a twist in the climax, it has a predictable end. There was enough scope for the director to make the post interval session more interesting. But, he has taken a long time, dragging the love story of Vikram and Shubhangi .

Needless to mention that all the artistes have played their roles with total commitment, though the story  revolves  around the   central character played by Sonali Kulkarni.  Sonali  is sure to find her nomination for best actress award for the year 2015. She really looks gorgeous in most of the scenes with her slim and fit appearance. But, her thick make up gets clearly noticed, in few scenes, especially when she is shown infuriated. Siddharth Jadhav is in a guest appearance, playing an actor himself, performing at a  marriage event.

Kedar Shinde, who has always given scope to well known music directors, this time offers another promising music director Nishaad, who certainly  displays variety.  All in all, ‘Aga Bai Arechha-2′ is an entertaining film, which has cleverly combined superstition with humor. Nothing extraordinary; but, still a worth watch.

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