‘Mission Possible’ Review
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Rating: 2.5
Presenter: Percept Picture Production: SSJ Films Story, Director: Pushkar Jog Screenplay:Shirish Latkar Music: Sai-Piyush Camera: Sanjay Khanzode Cast: Pushkar Jog, Manisha Kelkar, Saie Tamhankar, Niranjan Joshi, Astad Kale, Mohan Joshi, Sharad Pokshe, Ganesh Yadaw, Movie Review by: Sandeep Hattangadi |
Pushkar Jog- the youngest actor-director of Marathi film industry, who has already proved his ability with ‘Satya’ , now goes a notch ahead with the musical thriller ‘Mission Possible’ which is written and directed by him besides acting.
The story of the film begins with events like dance competitions, turf fights, rose days, drugs and rock-n-roll, leaked exam papers, canteen blues and endless coffee sessions of college campus. Yash Kirtikar (Pushkar Jog ) is an enthusiastic collegian who has a dream girl in his mind, but does not reciprocate the girl Saie (Saie Tamhankar), who really loves him. He has his group of friends funnily named Neil, Nitin, and Mukesh (nothing to do with the actors and singers of Bollywood). Tragedy strikes when Yash and Saie open the lid on a drug and exam paper leak syndicate running in the college. Further, Yash, who is really in love with a girl Pearl (his dream girl-Manisha Kelkar) is implicated in her murder during a dance competition and is sentenced to a jail term.
Yash with the help of a ‘Bhai’ (Ganesh Yadav) escapes from the prison and with the help of his friends, tries to reach the real killer.
The story and screenplay of Shirish Latkar does remind us of many Bollywood films in the past with similar sub plots. But, Pushkar does a wonderful job as an actor and director and also goes on to prove that he is a fantastic dancer. He has succeeded in giving enough scope to his young team of actors like Niranjan Namjoshi, Sai Tamhankar, Manisha Kelkar, Shantanu Moghe, Astad Kale, and Amrit. The dance sequences are slickly shot in snazzy music video style. The romantic song shot on the locales of Ladakh is comparable with any good Bollywood film picturisation.
The music and background music by Sai-Piyush is in tune with the youthful vibrancy of the film. The cinematography by Sanjay Khanzode is top-class especially in the musical and chase sequences. The film moves at a fast pace, required for a murder mystery and the editor does a good job. The senior actors like Mohan Joshi, Sharad Ponkshe,Ganesh Yadav, support well.
Basically it is a film by the youth and for the youth.
The highlight of the film is its slick presentation and style, a new benchmark in Marathi cinema.
Monsoon ‘Haapus’ tastes Sweet and Sour
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Rating: na
Presenter: Eros Entertainment, Everest Entertainment Producers: Sanjay Chhabria, Abheejit Satam Director: Abhijeet Satam Camera: Rahul Jadhav Story & Screenplay: Saurabh bhave & Subodh Khanolkar Lyrics: Sandeep Khare Music: Dr. Salili Kulkarni Cast: Shivaji Satam, Madhura Velankar, Makarand Anaspure, Subodh Bhave, Pushkar Shotri Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Finally, Sanjay Chhabria and Abhijit Satam’s much awaited ‘Haapus’ has arrived in Maharashtra on the day with wet spell of monsoon spread all over the state. But, the aggressive monsoon decided to take rest, at least in the city of Mumbai; so that people could come out and welcome the king of Konkan, in whose honour the film has been made.
‘Haapus’ which truly stands to its name, does sincerely speak about the exploitation of the poor mango growers from Konkan over the years by the money minded traders. But, keeping in mind the commercial success of the film, the film adds few sub plots to create that required humour and apprehension in the screenplay. The film is mainly filled with emotions of different characters and their reactions to every situation.
Anna Gurav (Shivaji Satam) the head of the family of one of the mango growers of a village in Konkan, is also a victim of this exploitation. He has no regrets, but tries to hide a past happening from his children. Like many others, happy with the price they get for their crop every year; he too is a contented person. One day Anna’s own son Ajit (Subodh Bhave) , who does his own research to grow a better crop, turns protagonist and decides to sell the product directly into market, without involving a middle man. He tries to persuade other crop growers, but the shrewd trader Chajed (Vidyadhar Joshi) blocks his plans, by playing the divide and rule policy. In the meanwhile, a school master from Marathwada – Digamber Kale( Makarand Anaspure) walks into the village on his new assignment and finds temporary shelter in Gurav’s house. He comes to the rescue of Ajit and the entire family of Gurav, including the auto rickshaw driver Subhya (Pushkar Shroti) who is in love with one of the twin daughters of Anna, support him in his mission against the trader.
Director Abhijit Satam, who makes his debut as a director through this film, has handled the plot with sincerity, trying his best to show how difficult it is to break the traditional middle man business. With ‘United we stand’ policy of the family he shows sensible audience the way of direct marketing. ‘Haapus’ does take the help of humour with the director taking the advantage of the double role of Amruta-Ankita (played by Madhura, his wife) and offering some comedy scenes in ‘Seeta aur Geeta’ style. In fact, he concentrates on the main plot post interval, after entertaining the audience with a social family gathering.
Good thing about ‘Haapus’ is that there is no vulgarity in the screenplay as the film limits every character within a framework, not allowing anyone to overact or over react and offering enough space to one and all. Only unrealistic and predictable part in the film is the hospital scene in the climax, which has been influenced by some recent Bollywood films. In fact, every happening that takes place in the hospital, looks unnatural. Watch, when Pushkar Shroti walks into the hospital to inquire about Grandma’s health. It only creates laughter for no reason, among audience. But, the superb performances by all the artistes and the pace with which the screenplay moves, does help to surpass such scenes. Sunil Barve and Milind Pathak make special appearances at the right places to offer help to Gurav family during their time of crisis.
The picturesque Konkan has been shot well by Rahul Jadhav with his expert camera work. The director has also been more careful for the indoor scenes, to make them more realistic and hence has chosen the real locations in Kudal. The scenes of actual market place in Vashi have been captured well. Music of the film is just fine, with the title song more impressive than other two songs.
Shivaji Satam has given his best performance through this film in that tailor made role of Anna Gurav. Both Subodh Bhave and Makarand Anaspure are perfect choice in their respective roles. Madhura Velankar gets a chance to prove her ability as an actress offering variety. Sulbha Deshpande looks a perfect Grandma and gets due recognition. Mansi Maggikar (Anna Gurav’s wife) and Mrunal Deshpand e (Ajit’s wife) do not have much to their share, but they have done well. Swarsha Jadhav as the youngest member of Gurav family is good; but it is Pushkar Shroti, who outshines other co stars. Except for Shivaji Satam, there isn’t anyone else in the film, who could compete with him for using that typical Konkani dialect throughout the film. Prashant Damle, plays the Narrator with his voice over, to explain the situation at the beginning and end . In all, ‘Haapus’ is a package of straightforward family entertainer.
‘Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai’ in 106 minutes
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Rating: na
Producer: Mirah Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Presentor: Twinkle Group Exe. Producer: Sanjay Dawra Director: Satish Rajwade Story, Screenplay: Parag Kulkarni, Satish Rajwade Camera: Suhas Gujrathi Editing: Rajesh Rao Cast: Swapnil Joshi, Mukta Barve Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
A young modern girl dressed in Long Red skirt and white top (Let us call her Ms. Mumbai) moves all alone from Mumbai to Pune just to select her would be, on the request of her Mother. After passing from one junction to other searching for the address, she finally lands at the destination point, where some boys are playing gully cricket. She selects none other than the batsman (Let us call him Mr. Pune) to know exact location of the house; and as a result of which he is clean bowled. The young man (Dressed in Bermuda shorts, an overcoat and sports shoes) however directs her to the location but to her surprise, the door is locked. Ms. Mumbai is unable to contact the concerned person, as her cell phone battery is down. So, she proceeds to a grocery shop, only to call her friend and inform about the non availability of the person. Here again, Ms. Mumbai and Mr. Pune meet for the second time.
Their general argument to show each other’s attachment for their native, brings them together, when Mr. Pune offers courtesy to Ms. Mumbai by taking her for a ride during the day time, as the girl has a return ticket for an evening train and wants to pass her time. Together, they visit places like Saras Baug, Dagduseth Ganapati temple, crowded Tulshi baug and Sinhagad. They share their experiences about their past love affairs, but do not reveal each others name. Finally, Mr. Pune drops Ms. Mumbai at Pune station and both say good bye to each other. While she waits for her train, she receives a call on her cell phone, (which suddenly starts functioning) from the boy from Pune, whom she had actually come to see. But, when she comes out to meet him at the gate, as agreed, she finds Mr. Pune, still struggling to kick his scooter. Needless to say that Mr. Pune is none other than her would be. In the climax shot the girl is shown running to catch her train back to Mumbai, giving some indication to the boy about her approval.
Director Satish Rajwade directs this unusual love story in his own style trying to keep the audience engaged with arguments and counter arguments between the two characters. Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai, is more like an audio delight ( through timely dialogues) than visual impact, as you only notice the two characters in the same dress for about 100 minutes, except for the song-cum-dream sequence for 5 minutes, when they are seen in some designer costumes. It is only few outdoor locations of Pune darshan that brings in some change, but otherwise you see two of them just perform and express their emotions, while making their point. There isn’t much scope for music, but other technical areas have been handled well.
Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai(MPM), is thus an experiment to attempt something different. Such experiments are only acceptable in Marathi cinema. Precisely, MPM is a performance driven and communication based film with both Swapnil Joshi and Mukta Barve coming out with realistic performances. Except for few junior artistes, there are no other characters in the film. Targeted mainly at the young audience from Mumbai and Pune, the film does succeed in inviting the attention of elders besides the youngsters. But, this movie is certainly not for school going kids, as they are sure to feel sleepy or become restless during that total 106 minutes journey. For others, it is a light entertainer, for a change.
‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ – finds solution to Farmer’s Issues
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Rating: na
Production: Cogito Entertainment (I) Production Producers: Shishir Kulkarni, Shireesh Raut, Harini Kalmur, Pushpank Gawde Story, Screenplay, Dialogues, Director: Nitin Nandan Camera: Amlendu Chaudhary Editing: Raj Surve Lyrics: Shreerang Godbole Music: Rahul Ranade Cast: Bharat Jadhav, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Madhavi Juvekar, Sanjay Mone, Chinmay Kambli, Arti More Movie Review by: Sandeep Hattangadi |
Many films have been made on the pathetic state of farmers in Maharashtra, but Nitin Nandan’s ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ is a fine piece of cinema that throws light on the burning issue. The film not only highlights the reasons behind farmer’s suicides but also offers a solution to the problem.
Mouli Bhoir(Bharat Jadhav) is a small Vidharba farmer, who has two acres of not so fertile land but tries hard to get out of the debt trap by growing cotton which is not of good quality and which he has to sell to the co-operative sector for a far lesser price, which hardly suffices the daily square meal for him and his family- wife(Madhavi Juvekar) , daughter (Arti More) and son Shyam (Chinmay Kambli).
Shyam is a bright boy, but circumstances and poverty make him a rebel. His teacher (Sanjay Mone) has high hopes from him and encourages him to think positive in life and achieve his ambition to become a big man like a doctor. But his father’s debts land them in dire straits and the creditors make things difficult for them to survive. The mortgage on his house and land forces Mouli to take the drastic step of committing suicide by poisoning the entire family.
But, the children overhear the plan of their parents and like the ‘Children of Heaven (Majid Majidi) style try to gather the Rs.10,000 needed to square the debts off. Shyam enters into the sack race competition at school sports, which promises him a prizes worth Rs.10,000(which is actually Rs.1000 for the event) but Shyam unaware of this, tries hard and wins the race.
His sister too tries to borrow money from a boy who loves her, but fails. Shyam at the prize distribution ceremony refuses to accept his prize of Rs.1000 and demands Rs.10,000 in front of the entire school and the local leader.
The leader kindly lends an ear to Shyam’s parents suicide pact and with the help of the philanthropist (Dilip Prabhavalkar) in the village admonishes Shyam’s parents and promises them to lend money and government support for organic farming, which is the only answer for a good crop.
The film ends on a happy note but making the viewers shed tears at the sad state of the farmer, who is a victim of the vicious circle of the lender and the due interest.
It is a pity that in our country, the farmer, who provides food to the needy people remains hungry himself and is at the mercy of banks, money lenders, marketing co-operatives, and false claims of insecticide providers.
The performances in the film and the direction has been lauded universally, especially the young Chinamay Kambli who is a natural and exceptionally brilliant and Bharat Jadhav, who was earlier known only for his comic antics. His serious portrayal in the film is an eye opener and he rightly deserved the State Best Actor Award. Madhavi Juvekar as his wife Manda is amazing.Aarti More as the daughter gives a good account of herself. Dilip Prabhavalkar as the ‘kavi cum organic farmer’ is effective. Sanjay Mone’s cameo is clap worthy. Uday Sabis is menacing. The other parts in the film fit the bill. Amalendu Chowdhary’s cinematography is rightly subdued without any brightly lit frames or colors or any razzle dazzle angles. The camera follows the protagonists Shyam and Mouli.
The music by Rahul Ranade is in tune with the mood of the film and the lyrics by Shrirang Godbole are in good verse. The editor Raj Surve deserves a mention for the smooth transitions. In all, ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’ is a good film.
‘Pratisaad- The Response’ holds on to the truth
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Rating: na
Producers: Dr. Vijaysinha Amarsinha Nikam Co-Producers: Dr. Suchitra Nikam, Dr. Manish Nikam Ex-Producers: Y. D. G. Films ( Amey Lagwankar ) Director: Yogesh Dattataraya Gosavi Concept: Dr. Amarsinha Nikam Screenplay: Gautam – Tejas Music: Rohit Nagbhide Cast: Sandeep Kulkarni, Kishore Kadam, Neelam Shirke, Anand Alkunte, Siddheshwar Zadbuke, Jayant Savarkar, Suneel Tawade, Pragati Joshi, Nlilambari, Pratibha Date… Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘The tongue has no bone and it wiggles more against the celebrities than the common man.’ The more you are popular and a celebrity, you are bound to be targeted by your opponents by way of criticism. This is a common observation and the success of homeopathy treatment and their practicing doctors are no exception to such controversies.
Today, Marathi films are coming up with new ideas based on realities in life and the audience is ready for it. ‘Pratisaad-The Response’ the latest released film has come out with a revolutionary theme, which has been converted into a full length feature film by director Yogesh Dattatray Gosavi. In fact, it is the first film in the world on the backdrop of Homeopathy treatment and its success. Moreover, the film is based on a real life story of practicing Homeopath – Dr. Vijaysinha Amarsinha Nikam, who is also the producer of this film.
In the film, Dr. Aditya ( Sandeep Kulkarni) , a leading Homeopathy practitioner with his full fledged hospital, is challenged by a phone call in the midst of a live TV interview series. The caller – Sarjerao (Kishore Kadam) accuses him of using fraudulent means of treatment and the TV host on the suggestion of his Programme producer, flares up the issue by asking Dr. Aditya to react on the media reports quoting Homeopathy as ‘fake science’. Needless to say that the media furore follows, giving a new twist to this debate for higher TRP’s..
The law soon steps in and you find a Police officer investigating the case, on a complaint received from Sarjerao. In comes Ms. Renu( Neelam Shirke) posing herself as Journalist and she too carries her investigation, much to the satisfaction of the doctor, who at that point is feeling dejected by such allegations, in spite of his sincerity to his profession. His motivation at that stage is also his better half (Nilambari) who keeps on reminding him that ‘Truth always wins’. Finally, Dr. Aditya wins his battle, when Ms. Renu reveals the truth in a climax, during the second part of the live TV show.
The overall effort of the director to present this theme has been good. Very cleverly, he has tried to focus on the Doctor-Patient relationship i.e. more than treating the disease, the medicine treats the patient. The screenplay also highlights the role played by a committed doctor to convince effectively the close relative of the patient and that is the real strength of the film. After all, it is the attitude of the patient’s relatives that is to be handled well. However, in this film, in spite of his best efforts, the doctor fails to convince an adamant Sarjerao, for obvious reasons, which are disclosed at the end of the film.
‘Pratisaad-the Response’ is a path breaking film, which not only creates awareness about the treatment of Homeopathy but also goes beyond the traditional therapy, revealing certain facts. Sandeep Kulkarni as Dr. Aditya is very impressive. Watching his emotions in that climax scene at the TV studio, while admitting how much of faith his wife had in him, clearly proves his class. Kishore Kadam, another talented actor has supported him well in the role of Sarjero. Neelam Shirke as Ms. Renu, does an excellent job, with a good support coming from other artistes. All the hospital scenes have been captured well. One background song has been used at the appropriate place. Editing work is satisfactory. Photography is good, but there are too many close ups in the film and those repeatedly used are of the male TV host for no particular reason. Barring that lapse, the film is well presented with the hope of getting international recognition for dealing effectively with an universal theme.
‘Target’ designed for youth audience
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Rating: na
Producer: Jagdish Unecha, Rakesh Unech Presenter: J. K. Movies Director: Vivek Gore,. Rajesh Kolam Camera: Sandeep Patil Choreographer: Umesh Jadhav Music: Abhijeet Kawthalkar, Jeetendra Kulkarni Cast: Sanjay Narvekar, Ankush Chaudhari, Siddharth Jadhav, Swapnil Joshi, Kranti Deddkar,Tejaswini Pandit, Smita Gondkar, Vinay Apate, Sanjay More Movie Review by: Sandeep |
J. K. Movies new marathi film ‘Target’ is an action filled political thriller with a dose of youth angst. The story is about five idle friends Sanjubhai (Sanjay Narvekar) who thinks he is a ‘bhai’, Anky(Ankush Chowdhary) a builder’s son, who is a skirt chaser, Swapnil(Swapnil Joshi) -politician Vishwasrao’s (Vinay Apte’s) son, who is disillusioned with his father, the Home Minister of the state finding no time for his family,Sattar( Siddharth Jadhav)- a meat shop owner’s son with a penchant for the handycam and Paddy (Bhushan Kadu) -a pizza delivery boy.
These boys become friends with three girls played by Kranti Redkar, Tejaswini Pandit and Smita Gondkar after a lot of minor tiffs. Once, they attend a rave party in a farmhouse in a jungle, where a cop (Vivekanand Gore) tries to arrest Swapnil for drugs possession but then all the friends run helter shelter in the jungle and then they see a child sacrifice being performed in the jungle and then chance upon another boy who is kidnapped.
They rescue him but the bad guys are after them and whether they survive in the jungle and get the villains into jail and solve the ‘sacrifice’ mystery is the plot of the film.
The film moves at a brisk speed once the characters are established and the adventures captured in the jungle are really thrilling. Director duo Vivekanand Gore and Rajesh Kolan give the film a kind of ‘LOST’ series look and those umpteen teen campus drive-in movies that were a rage in the US in the 80’S. The political angle is a much repeated track.
The performances by the artistes are good, especially Kranti Redkar and Sanjay Narvekar. Swapnil Joshi plays a serious type of role with conviction. The cinematography by Sandeep Patil is slick, especially the jungle sequences. Cameos by Vinay Apte and Sanjay Mone are impressive. The item number by Manasi Naik was unnecessary.The music by Jeetendra Kulkarni and Abhijeet Kavthalkar is not up-to the mark.
The editor Sarvesh Parab could have used more pace in the first half. In all, the film will appeal to the youth and is good for a lazy evening hangout, when you need the air-conditioned ambience of a multiplex.
‘Kon Aahe Re Tikde ’- offers good entertainment
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Rating: na
Presenter: Cat n Mouse Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Abhay Shevade Production: Ambika Pictures, Dipak Bhosale Director: Tanagi Ghadge Story, Screenplay, Dialogues, Lyrics: Arvind Jagtap Music: Chinaar Mahesh Camera: Surendra Sinh Cast: Dr. Mohan Agashe, Subodh Bhave, Sharad Ponkshe, Sunil Godse, Mangesh Saatpute, Smita Tambe, Arun Kadam, Mangesh Desai, Shubhangi Gokhale, Hemangi Kavi, Bharat Ganeshpure… Movie Review by: Sandeep Hattangadi |
Marathi films are known for their comedy content but very few films can be really called total entertainers filled with comedy. However, Cat –N-Mouse Entertainment’s ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’ is a zany comedy which can be termed as one in the category of good entertainment.
The story of the film revolves around Shirke family, who still live in the kingly eras of the Maratha history. The chief of the family- Jhunjharrao Shirke (Dr.Mohan Agashe) is one such ‘historical’ monument who is fighting with the authorities and his step brother Balasaheb(Sharad Ponkshe) to regain control of ‘Veergad fort’ which he considers as his family possession. Jhunjararao has already spent a fortune on lawyers and his ancestral property is dwindling and so is their royal lavish lifestyle with only one servant- Kumar (Bharat Ganeshpure) who is paid by the Shirkes with pieces of their land and other princely objects like the royal sword, in return of his services.
Jhunjararao has one son- Malhahrrao(Subodh Bhave), who is an artiste(a painter) and is a happy go lucky person. But, his father has vowed not to arrange his marriage until he gets ‘Veergad’ back.
But, Fate intervenes and Malhararo falls in love with Devaki (Hemangi Kavi) at a marriage ceremony of her brother. They promptly get into bed before marriage and within a month Devaki declares that she is pregnant. What follows thereafter is a roller-coaster of amusement with every character in the film misunderstanding the other. The real pregnant person, however remaining a mystery, which finally turns into a ‘comedy of errors’
Devaki’s father(Mohan Joshi), their maid Savita (Smita Tambe), her politician brother Udayrao (Mangesh Desai) and his wife (Suhas Paranjape) are all part of this drama and most of the comedy part is situation based with funny dialogues .
The film is ably directed by Tanaji Ghadge and is well scripted by Arvind Jagtap. The performances are good from all, with Dr.Mohan Agashe putting in a stellar performance as Jhunjarrao Shirke. The shy but flexible Malharrao Shirke has been portrayed in his own style by Subodh Bhave. Hemangi Kavi looks simple but good and acts well. Mangesh Desai, Mohan Joshi, Smita Tambe,Sharad Ponkshe, Bharat Ganeshpure , Suhas Paranjape, support well. Shubhangi Gokhale as Mrs.Shirke is impressive. Arun Kadam as a watchman and Vijay Patwardan as a doctor, are hilarious cameos.
The title song is sung well by Hrishikesh Kamerkar and composed well by Chinar-Mahesh. The cinematography by Surendra Singh is brightly lit with the interiors of the ‘wada’ and the ‘fort’ captured well. The editing by Rupesh Patole succeeds in the film, to get that required momentum for the film. In all, this film is a good entertainer.
Marathi Film Anandi Anand Review
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Rating: na
Presenter: Phenomenal Group Producers: N. K. Shih Director: Purushottam Berde Story & Screenplay : Purushottam Berde Lyrics: Sandeep Khare Music: Dr. Salil Kulkarni Cast: Anandraj, Priya Bapat, Rajan Tamhane, Latika Gore, Chinmay Kolhatkar, Vikram Gokhale, Suhas Joshi, Mohan Joshim, Vandana Gupte, Mangesh Desai, Paddy Kamble, Akshya Bhingarde, Sumit Pawar, Swamini Wadkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘Anandi Anand’ directed by Purushottam Berde is now running into fourth week in Mumbai and that certainly invites the attention of those who missed this film during the first three weeks after its release that almost coincided with big banner Hindi films. It is a simple tale of a young girl Anandi – a college drop out; who prefers to live with her Grandparents in a picturesque village in Konkan, rather than migrating to US with her parents. The reason being simple; she does not approve the present system of education and also hates the modern city lifestyle. Instead, she prefers to educate herself with traditional values from her grandparents, learning music and spending most of her time with nature along with a group of few friends in the neighborhood.
When time comes closer for her arranged marriage to a US returned youngster – son of a music company owner, she flatly refuses the proposal; but, at the request of her beloved grand parents, she agrees to marry this boy on certain conditions. The boy, who is highly impressed by her voice, is very keen on using the same for his next assignment. After marriage, Anandi moves to Mumbai. But, the nature loving girl, not happy with city environment, goes into depression and is advised to return back to her village, on the advice of the doctor. With few moments of ups and downs, she finally sings for her husband’s own music album. With happy ending, Anandi and Anand reunite. Priya Bapat, Vikram Gokhale, Suhas Joshi in Anandi Anand
Director Purushottam Berde, has paid more attention to show the contrast between a busy city lifestyle and a village with natural beauty. How could a person used to living a free bird’s life in an open environment, be happy in a cage type of flat system? He has specifically hinted at the life within four closed walls, restricted to dinner table and television. Also the excessive noise and air pollution on the streets, which would annoy any peace loving person, has been shown in a tricky manner. There are other similar issues, he has tried to emphasize through the film’s script. But, he has used an outdated ploy to show Anandi and her friends harassing and scaring Anand and his friend, during their first visit to their village. Barring such few scenes, the film has been presented well.
Magnificent Outdoor photography at beautiful locations of Konkan, particularly Pawas & Mhavalange off Ratnagiri; supported by good music by Dr. Salil Kulkarni, adds extra flavour to the film’s script. Priya Bapat as Anandi is highly impressive as she gets a lifetime role Playing the central character. Very good support comes from popular co artistes like Vikram Gokhale, Suhas Joshi ( who play her Grandparents), Mohan Joshi, Vandana Gupte, Rajan Tamhane, Comedians – Mangesh Desai, Paddy and others. The hero- newcomer Anandraj, however is a mismatch into the cast. Moreover, in the company of all versatile actors around, he was only exposed, though he wasn’t that bad. It is surprising that the director with solid stage background, could not find a newcomer suited for that role of a foreign returned youngster; if at all they wanted a newcomer. If there was any other talented youngster in his place, the film would have been a hit, with the help of other positive points.
Realistic but incomplete ‘Wavtal’
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Rating: na
Presenter: Aragade DS Entertainment Producer: Balasaheb Argade-Patil Exe. Producer: Nitin DInkar Shelar Director: Shivaji Lotan Patil Story: Anant Samant Screenplay, Dialogues: Nitin Dixit Cast: Ashok Samarth, Tejaswini Pandit, Vinay Apate, Mukesh Tiwari Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Marathi films are opting for more and more realistic and bolder subjects, which is certainly a welcome change. The latest released film ‘Wavtal’ has been shot on the backdrop of post Babri Masjid demolition riots, that rocked Mumbai. Based on the novel ‘K-5’ written by Anant Samant, ‘Wavtal’ narrates the tragic tale of a newly married housewife, who becomes a victim of the sudden break out of violence in Mumbai.
Ms. Mankar (Tejaswini Pandit) is on a visit to Mumbai along with her husband from Konkan district of Maharashtra and the couple arrive as guests at CM’s bungalow. Needless to mention that her father in law and CM are having their close political connection. After the check up at a clinic, while the couple is returning back home, their car travels through the lane affected by riots and they are attacked by a group of terrorists who beat up the husband and kill the driver. Ms. Mankar is abducted by the leader of the attackers- Rehmat Khan (Mukesh Tiwari) who takes her to his hideout and uses her as his keep. He tortures her so much by inflicting injuries on her feet that she is restricted to bed only for his sexual pleasures.
When Rehmat Khan plans all his terrorist activities with the help of influential people in public life, the helpless woman is a mute witness. She does make an attempt to escape with the courtesy extended by the servant who attends to her, but she does not succeed.. When the pre plan of major riots is foiled by the police, with raids carried out all over Mumbai, Rehmat khan manages to flee to Pakistan leaving behind Ms. Mankar in the custody of his colleagues, who are advised to bring her along with them via Rajasthan border . Ms.Mankar who is carrying the child of Rehmat Khan in her womb, delivers the baby at the hideout of terrorists in a remote border village of Rajasthan.It is only when a Border security force team led by K-5( Ashok Samarth) on a tip off from a villager, raid their hideout and kill all four terrorists, she is rescued and brought to the camp hospital.
Then begins the formality to make her speak about the terrorists with whom she lived almost for a year. Ms. Mankar agrees to reveal everything only in presence of the hero who rescues her. So the Commandant ( Vinay Apte) persuades the commando K-5 and gets all the information from the woman. When the time comes for the woman to return home, the Commandant receives a letter from her father-in-law about their inability to accept her. He also receives an order from his chief to send the woman to a rehabilitation centre at Delhi. K-5 who is proceeding on leave to his home town, is given the job to drop her at Delhi . But, he takes her to her home only to remind her father-in law about his duty. But, when he sees no hope, he himself proposes her to accompany him to his own house.
The film ends with happy ending, which is predictable but it fails to fulfill the desire of Ms. Mankar who while talking to K-5 expresses her last wish to kill Rehmat Khan. And that wish remains unfulfilled, as being a helpless woman she cannot on her own take up a battle for the head of a terrorist who shatters her life. Instead, she has to satisfy herself for having got the most courageous man to support her and her child in the rest of her life.
Produced by Balasaheb Argade- Patil and directed by Shivaji Patil, the film does succeed in creating a realistic horrifying incident in the life of a woman but nowhere in the film her character is offered the courage to defend herself. The film only narrates the pathetic tale of a woman instead of inspiring the audience. At one point of time, the director does give an indication that she may once again come across Rehmat Khan while she and k-5 are shown waiting at the deserted platform in Rajasthan village, to board the train. It would have been better, if the film had shown his return and K-5 killing him in the climax.
Looking at the performances of the artistes, they have all done well. But, the script has given more importance to Ashok Samarth playing K-5. His interactions with his Commandant – Vinay Apte and the woman’s father –in-law Sunil Shende, clearly indicate the importance given to this character. There is no doubt that he has played his role well. Mukesh Tiwari’s character has also been given unnecessary importance for all those cruel acts. Tejaswini Pandit has given a wonderful performance but her character is shown helpless throughout the film. The technical areas of the film are well managed. Photography is too good, especially the locations shot in Rajasthan. Background sound effect is also good. There is not much scope for music but the background score is good in few sequences. The film is realistic, well presented but still looks incomplete.
‘Irada Pakka’ – One more brainchild of Kedar Shinde
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Rating: na
Production: Meghe Entrtainment Pvt. Ltd. Director: Kedar Shinde Screenplay: Nimish datt Dialogues: Iravati Karnik Lyrics: Ashvini Shende Music: Nilesh Moharir Cast: Siddharth Jadhav, Sonalee, Mohan Joshi, Smita Jaikar, Kamlakar Satpute, Shalaka Pawar… Movie Review by: Kashmira Pawaskar |
In today’s busy lifestyle the main problem with most of the married couples is the ‘communication gap’, which creates lot of issues in their life. This is one of the common reasons why divorce rates are increasing day by day. And this is what Kedarh Shinde is trying to explain the audiences through his new light hearted romantic comedy movie ‘Irada Pakka’.
It’s a story about a couple Rohit (Siddharth Jadhav) who owns a Software Company and Aadhya (Sonalee Kulkarni) a pre-school teacher. They are bored of having their married life being very goody -goody with full of love and romance. And so one fine day they decide to fight with each other for a week, so that they could add a little spice into their life. This spice gets too hot after a week’s time, as they get into trouble by fighting continuously. This ultimately leads to a situation, where both of them actually decide to go for divorce. So the story is pushed till the end, to show how they come out of this trouble to be a happy couple.
The beginning of the movie is inspired by the opening scene lifted from a successful Hollywood movie ‘Mr.and Mrs Smith.’ It does create suspense in the minds of viewers who are surprised to see this kind of scene in a comedy flick. Some part of the film even reminds of Kedarh‘s previous film ‘Yenda kartvya Aahe’, which also has a similar story revolving around newly married couple. But, as predicted, it’s totally Kedarh’s movie. The movie can be very well remembered for its amazing cinematography, especially used during the songs.
Siddharth Jadhav has worked very hard and has given full justice to the role with the support of Sonalee Kulkarni, whose character of being a lovely innocent wife, makes a notion. The other characters of the movie have also given their best. They are : Smita Jaykar as Aadhya’s divorced and independent mother , Kamlakar Sathputhe who plays the role of a ‘bhai’and Mohan Joshi as Aadhya’s father.
Music for this film is provided by a young duo Nilesh Moharir & Pankaj Pushkar and their song ‘Bhijun Gela Vara’ leaves behind good impression. The USP of the film is a song at the end of the film, featuring 21 celebrities with Ramdas Padhye, Atmaram Bhende, Shreyas Talpade & others on the Lyrics by Ashwini Shende & Sumati Wankhede. Also the art direction is superior, in comparison to other marathi movies.