‘MI SHIVAJIRAJE BHOSALE BOLATOYE’ REVIEW
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Rating: ★★★ ½
Presenter: Eros Intertainments Producer: Everest Entertainmets, Ashwimi Films Director: Santosh Majrekar Story: Mahesh Manjrekar Music: Ajit-Atul-Sameer Cast: Mahesh Majrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Suchitra Bandekar, Siddarth Jadhav, Makarand Anaspure, Priya Bapat, Abhijeet Kelkar Movie Review by: Kashmira Pawaskar |
We have seen many movies and serials on one of the greatest Kings of all times – The Great Shivaji, but this movie has presented this great King in a way never before. “Himmat asel tar adva” means “Stop me if you can’’ was a thrilling dialogue which made the whole movie revolve around. This movie is on the lines of a simple man of India and filters it to our Maharashtra – Marathi Manoos and his struggle and his inferiority complex.
Story is about a Marathi family, whose head, Dinkar Bhosale played by Sachin Khedkar is drained of his tedious life & “ghati” treatment by others. The movie then takes a turn around & that particular person fights the problems he faces with rational & very possible approaches with the help of Shivaji Maharaj. The film is having a very long canvas which revolves from the 16th century to the 21st century and that includes the current day scenario. It has a good culmination of Shivaji Maharaj’s history with present circumstances.
The movie is about self respect and respect of your community, culture, ethics, religion, caste,secular characteristic of the nation, bonding with your soil, love for your motherland and much more. It well enacted within a tight gripping script depicting anxiety within each Mumbaikar. The film has great message and it’s to the point and has been executed with great maturity. The issues of throughway people getting jobs, hotel business dominated by Punjabis and south Indians, government jobs by north Indians Real estate by Marwaris, Stock markets by Gujratis etc are handled perfectly well.
There are so many punching lines and effortless scenes that it shall raise blood in your viens. Also to mention dialogues got a round of applause from the audience many a times. Sachin Khedkar gave a breathtaking scene when he gets very frustrated by the scenario around him. It’s his chimera that he is speaking to the great Marathas of all time, Babashaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule, Veer Savrkar, Tilak etc.
All characters have played their role with full justice & the movie also has a strong story line. The best performance in this larger than life character is of Mahesh Manjrekar playing the role of Shivaji Maharaj. The dialogue delivery by Sachin
Khedekar playing the protagonist and Mahesh Manjrekar is so great that it keeps fully involved till the very end.
The story becomes somewhat predictable after the entry of Shivaji Maharaj and it might give an notion of Lage Raho Munna bhai, where in our Munna meets the Mahatma and that Mahatma guides him through. It’s on the same line but with a different view. The script is sharper and it carries a great balance and entertainment till the very end.
The ‘Powada’,Maharastra’s one of the traditional song which is happening to be cost around one crore.This song is played just before the climax to inspired the protagonist when he is tend to accept defeat infront before fighting.One cant forget the ‘Ji Ji’ song sunged by Sukwinder Singh creating an great impact throughout the movie.The cinematography is superb and the fort scenes with taken with full compassion. The best part in the movie is no doubt the screenplay.
Can say a very excellent & strong message conveying Marathi movie after a long time. Must Watch….!
latest marathi movie review: Chingi
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Rating: na
Presenter: Israni Productions Producer: Anita Israni Director: Raaj Israni Story: Ashok Patole Music: Ashok Patki Cast: Milind Gawali, Girija Oak, Ravindra Berde, Ila Bhate, Ujwala Jog, Harshali Zeene, Arun Basavade, Milan Shirke, Shweta Shinde, Sneha Wagh, Charushila Wachani, Nagesh Bhosale, Shubhangi Latkar, Dr Vilas Ujawane… Movie Review by: Kashmira Pawaskar |
Will the problem of female infanticide ever be solved? Sadly, this is a major issue faced by us still today. Even in 21st century where patriarchal societies are prevalent, the status of women is considered to be inferior to that of men. A preference for sons is built in the minds of the people from the very start. The practice is motivated by a variety of social causes that act as worms eating the society.
After the success of Bhojpuri Film ‘Shreeman Driver Baboo’ Israni Production produces ‘Chingi’ based on a very sensitive subject on girl child. Anita Israni presents the film under banner of P.P. Creations is Produced and Directed by Raj Israni. Story by Shree Kurade, Script, dialogue and Lyrics by Ashok Patole, Music by Ashok Patki, Cameraman Rafik Latif Shekh, Editor Aroon Narvekar, Art Director Baba Patil, Choreography Narendra Pandit Vrashali Chouhan, Chief Asst. Director Rouf Bhungadawala and Exec. Producer is Mohit Israni.
Chingi is the story of a woman, who resists pressure from her in-laws, who demand a male child.
A lovable and happy Maharashtrian couple, Rohan and Arti Date played by Milind Gawali and Girija Oak respectively, living in Mumbai has been married since three years. They have preferred not to have children so far as both are working and busy with their lives. Rohan’s parents sometimes come over and stay with them. Unfortunately for Arti, Rohan’s parents start pressurizing her for a baby, which they insist should be a boy.
Arti’s mother family is basically middle class including her mother & father staying with her four sisters Priyanka, (Aditi Sarangdhar), Rinku (Sneha Wagh), Veena (Harshali Zine) and Salon (Swini Karvir) very happily. One boy from Rohan’s office Shyam gets suggested for Priyanka. However, when Shyam’s parents learn that Priyanka comes from a family of five sisters and no brothers, they refuse the alliance.
After this entire situation Arti gets nervous. Her in-laws demand for boy child disturbs her every moment. Meanwhile, Arti realizes she is pregnant. However, the constant pressure from her in-laws and her sister Priyanka’s quandary disturbs Arti.
Even though we have progressed tremendously, our thought process is still limited to the old customs & ethnicity that are been followed ever since. The biggest example is that till today we are not excited when a girl child is born. Today also we don’t like a girl child being born in our family. All this thinking affects Arti & she takes some important decision without consulting Rohan. All abnormal things are started happening in their normal life and the heart touching story of CHINGI starts from here…
The music of the movie by Ashok Patki is very touching and soothing, song ‘yenar yenar’ and ‘sonule’ will definitely love by mothers. The song ‘vadhu parikshe madhe’ defenitly has unusual lyrics but gives an idea of whats going in a girl’s mind before the program “vadhu pariksha” for the marriage. Girija oak performance is surely to be appreciated for fighting for an unborn girl child. The positive character of Milind who is against female infanticide and supporter for his wife will be prized by female viewers.
Before this released many directors has made the movie on this sensitive issue, so the doubt remains will it will create a huge impact on the people. Israni as said in an interview wanted to take the movie to the rural and interiors of Maharashtra so made it in Marathi and not in Hindi.
The film asks the society questions about the state of women and the girl child. With an angle of situational comedy Israni has well handled the issue of feticide making the movie interesting. He has also provided solution by proving why girls are needed for the society; what they can do for a person, a family and for the human race.
‘MADE IN CHINA’ REVIEW
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Rating: na
Movie: Made in China Director: Santosh Kolhe Producer: Kamal Khetan, Santosh Kolhe Presenter: Elixir Logical Thinkers Movies Pvt. Ltd. Music: Milind Joshi Cast: Sharad Bhutadiya, Upendra Limaye, Sandeep Kulkarni, Milind Gunaji, Madhura welankar, Mrunal Kulkarni Movie Review by: Sourabh Karnik |
There was already enough curiosity about Santosh Kolhe’s latest movie- ‘Made In China.’ The film is based upon controversial topic SEZ. It is no more a new concept for us. We are witnessed of disaster at Singur. We are part of society where localites of Raigad district are fighting against Reliance’s SEZ. Everybody is discussing whether it’s a boom or bam? Made in China covers all social, political, and cultural and many more aspects of SEZ and delivers a neutral view about SEZ. Though the subject suits to a documentary rather than film and director Santosh Kolhe is well known documentary maker, it is a complete bundle of all commercial aspect and that is the real success of movie. It is a complete socio-political movie.
The movie starts in a small village of Pimpalgaon where Appasaheb Jagdale (Sharad Bhutadiya) is quiet determine
to establish a special economic zone. His political rival Kailas Shinde (Upendra Limaye) and nephew Mohit (Sandeep Kulkarni) are not agree with his decision where as his daughter Parachi (Madhura Welankar) and other nephew (Milind Gunaji) are in favor of SEZ. Mohit has learned modern agricultural techniques from Israel and devoted lots of efforts for agricultural development of the region. It is hard for him to destroy his land for the sake of SEZ Appasaheb uses his political contacts and powers to break the movement of Mohit and Kailas. During this process Appasaheb was killed brutally. Further film moves around the trace of murderer and future of SEZ.
The film has got huge starcast. Sharad Bhutadiya, Sandeep Kulkarni, Madhura welankar, Milind Gunaji, Upendra Limaye, Mrunal Kulkarni all are the well known actors and quiet persistant about their performance. A special character has been given to every actor and it is nicely presented by all the actors. Mohit- presented by Sandeep Kulkarni is simply amazing. He has own group of fans and he not at all disappointed them. His accent, expressions, and body language everything is great. He had actually covered all the different shades of character. It is nice to see another fascinating role of Sandeep after ‘Dombivali Fast.’ Since last few years Madhura Welankar is consistently delivering good performance and this movie is not exception to it. A daughter of enfluensive politician and queen of Appasaheb’s Political kingdom, her appearance suits perfectly. Milind Gunaji and Upendra Limaye are good as usual. Mrunal Kulkarni’s presence can be remembered easily despite her short role.
Santosh Kolhe has done great work as a director. He was involved from script writing till post production and that is the reason behind perfect synchronization. He had worked with some of the most popular Hindi serials like ‘Kusum’, ‘Kyonki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ and he has utilized his experience very nicely. The story covers different aspects like changing villages, modern agricultural techniques, media, politics and still it doesn’t distract viewers. Despite the social subject, movie never sacrifices with any of the commercial movie. Dhananjay Kulkarni has performed very well behind the Camera.
The whole movie has feel of a rural village and credit must be given to him. Sachin Natekar has done fabulous work as an editor and movie would have not been made so perfectly without his efforts.
The best thing about movie is it connects the viewers efficiently. Though story moves around rural background, here farmers are not like the old Marathi movies. It has adequately covered changing scenario of Indian villages. We can feel that these characters can be existing around us. That is why I have n doubt in my mind that the movie is going to attract eyeballs and going to another good Marathi Movie.
‘TYA RATRI PAUS HOTA’ REVIEW
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Rating: ★★ ½
Presenter: Shemaroo Entertainments, Gipsy & Janaki Productions Production: Shree Ganesh Marketing and Films Story- Screenplay – Director: Gajendra Ahire Music: Narendra Bhide Cinematography: Chandrashekhar Iyyer Cast: Amruta Subhash, Subodh Bhave, Sayaji Shinde, Sonali Kulkarni, Sandip Mehata, Milind Shinde Movie Review by: Namrata Thosar |
Socio-political criticism has remained no more a new thing. Many political satires and feminist issues were introduced in different films. What makes Gajendra Ahire always outstanding is the rich permutation –combination of story, plot, dialogue and direction present in his mind at a time. His treatment to traditional issues gives them novelty. This time, his ‘Tya Ratri Paus Hota’ gives us the treat of socio-political thriller.
Two travelers moving towards different destinations but sharing the same past-this theme has gained a new life in the hands of the director Gajendra Ahire. The movie starts with raining. It is a time of election fever. A journalist named Avinash (Subodh Bhave) raises a question before the politician of the area (Sayaji Shinde). Avinash is now kidnapped and sent to the guesthouse where he meets Raavee(Amruta Subhash). They recognize each other and the glimpses of their past are flowed. The interest should be maintained in experiencing the thrill in the movie, rather than telling the further story.
The artistry of the director lies in his successful creation of a breathtaking suspense. The recurring references to violin, to a train passing from a bridge, to the rain, to the ‘Sahebrao’ and to the murders he has committed-darken the suspense and underline the theme of past.
Every character stands in its individual light and as a human being. The same action is shown and justified from several point of views. Sayaji Shinde’s shrewd and cunning politician would serve as a landmark in the film industry. Amruta Subhash has marvelously portrayed a subtle blending of the world of a little girl with her soaked up life forcing her to get mature before time. Milind Shinde’s role of insane assistance to Sayaji Shinde’s cunning activities and the silver lining to it of his affection towards Amruta Subhash is heart touching. The accomplishment of master star cast Subodh Bhave, Sonali Kulkarni, Sandip Mehta has put the graph of action in the ascending order. Still, the use of limited setting, the termination of suspense before the interval fails to help the ongoing action.
The songs are also written by Gajendra Ahire. Their rich meaning is preserved by Narendra Bhide’s soft and subtle music and given voice by Asha Bhosale, Roopkumar Rathode, Milind Shinde, Ravindra Sathe, Nandesh Umap and Amruta Subhash. Throughout the movie, we feel like actually sitting in the rain. The effective music whether it is drizzling, rains with thunderbolts, with lashes or the heavy downpour; it adds meaning to the every incident and emotions of the character. Still, the effect could be further enhanced.
The shades of feminisms are effectively articulated, though there are only two female characters. It may be the courageous, independent social figure of Sonali kulkarni in the beginning or a craving mother and wife for her happy family life in her or the drug-addicted girl-Amruta Subhash-who is governed by her own morality. The last speech by Sayaji Shinde comments on the contemporary politics as well as the mal practices for dictatorship beyond time and space. In this way the movie puts the socio-political reality under its atistis microscope.
The Marathi main stream film industry is jam packed with comedy films. But even in the era of commercialization, few directors are making the efforts of going with good scripts, social message and ethical values. Their main object is to provoke the society rather than making profit. Gajendra Ahire’s ‘Tyaa raatriPaus hota’ keeps the same essence alive and stands out strongly in the trend of so called comedy movies.
‘Mulga’- An Issue Based Film
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Rating: na
Producers: Keshav Sherigar Ex-Producers: Rajiv Satam Director: Devendra Supekar Editor: Prakash Jadhav Company: Fotolite, Keshographic Features Music: Madhu Bhosale Cast: Deepa Parabh, Tejaa Deokar, Fayaz Shaikh, Ragini Samant, Anjali Ujawane, Maithili Jaokar, Dr. Amol Kolhe, Raju Revandekar, Ravi Patwardhan, Dr. Vilas Ujawane, Sharad Ponkshe, Shubhangi Sawant, Kriti Sherigar Movie Review by: Sandeep |
Siddesh Entertainment and director Devendraa Kr Supekar handle the sensitive issue of married girls and their families opting for a male child who will continue their generation rather than a girl child who is a burden to the family, as she has to be married off to some other family.
The film laments the declining ratio of girls as compared to boys and the various illegal sonography tests being conducted to determine the sex of the baby in the pre-born stage.
Deepa Parab plays a homely wife who lives with a flirt husband (Sharad Ponkshe)and a cruel mother in law played by Fayyaz Shaikh. There is also quiet in the background father –in-law played by Ravi Patwardhan .
Deepa is expecting a child and the entire family is hoping and praying for a boy but to Deepa’s bad luck she has a baby girl and then begins her inhuman torture by her mother-in-law and husband who drive her out of the house and she has to seek solace in her brother’s house, that too facing many insults from her sister-in-law, played by Maithili Javkar. Deepa’s parents too refuse her shelter. Her only support is her brother in law played by Dr.Amol Kolhe. Deepa is pregnant again but unfortunately loses her child much to her mother-in-law’s ire.
A socially committed couple Dr.Vilas Ujavne and Anjali Ujavne try to rehabilitate Deepa and also steal a boy child to help out Deepa. But unfortunately they are caught by the police and they are presented in the court where they tell the judge about the problem in the society about the sad fate of the girl child.
The director handles the socially relevant subject with the right amount of sensitivity and draws out a winning performance from Deepa Parab. Sharad Ponkshe as her husband is menacing. The cruel mother in law is ably portrayed by Fayyaz Shaikh. The rest of the cast specially Teja Devkar as Deepa’s sister and Dr.Amol Kolhe as the supportive brother-in-law are impressive.
The rest of the cast fit the bill.The film is technically sound with competent cinematography by Jitendra Achrekar. The editing should have sniped off some uninteresting sequences. The music by Madhu Bhosle is uninspiring. The item song seems to be filmed just for the catcalls.
A topical issue handled well in the film besides good performance by the leading lady Deepa Parab.
‘Be Dune Sade Chaar’- A Funny adult comedy !
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Rating: na
Presenter: Video Place Production Producer: Nanubhai Jaisinghani Director: Girish Mohite Story: Aniruddha Potdar, Abhay Darvane Music: Anand Menon, Ajit Parab Cast: Mohan Joshi, Atul Parchure, Sanjay Narvekar, Vandana Gupte, Sai Tamhankar Movie Review by: Sandeep Hattangadi |
Nanubhai Jaisinghani (Video Palace) is a well known producer in Marathi(VCD’s and DVD’s and his first film production ‘Be Dune Saade Chaar’ is a lavish comedy with great production values.
The film revolves around Anant Kitturkar (Mohan Joshi) who leads a double marital life with two wives and children in two different cities. The first one is Manorama(Vandana Gupte) with daughter Rashmi(Sai Tamhanker) and the other being Anjali (Mugdha Shah) along with son Rahul(Sushant Shelar).
How Anant handles both the families, is a hilarious situation in the film , especially when his son and daughter celebrate their birthday on the same day. Anant’s secret is known only to his good friends played by Sanjay Narvekar and Atul Parchure. And these friends in one tight situation are forced to reveal Anant’s secret , that leads to many funny situations.
The story by Anirudh Potdar and Abhay Dakhne is nothing novel, as films like David Dhawan’s ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’, ‘Gharwali Baharwali’ and the recent Marathi hit film ‘Hay Kay Nay Kay’ find similarity to their plot. It also has shades of Goldie Hawn’s Hollywood hit ‘Deceived’.
The film is watch able only because of the creation of funny situations and dialogues. The entire cast performs well, with Mohan Joshi leading the pack. Atul Parchure is hilarious and Sanjay Narvekar is impressive.
It’s a trendsetting film, as Mohan and Atul have sung a song for the first time. The highlight is Resham Tipnis’ sizzling dance number. Director Girish Mohite has handled the comic subject very well. The music by Ajit Parab and Menon(Ishq Ishq ) is tuneful. Technically, the film is first rate and a slickly made like any big budget Hindi film with dazzling cinematography by Santosh Shinde.
See this film, if you like yourself to be entertained by a mindless comedy.
Bedhund, Presented by Shri Charbhuja Films
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Rating: na
Company: Shri Charbhuja Films Producers : Mahesh Padalkar,Sanjay Borude Director: Dyanesh Bhalekar Writer: Sachin Darekar Cast: Sandeep Kulkarni, Mugdha Godbole, Santosh Juvekar, Sushant Shelar, Niranjan Namjoshi, Ajinkya Joshi, Mahesh Subhedar, Mrunmayee Lagoo, Prajakta Datar, Snehlata Tawde. Movie Review by: Kashmira |
After nearly more than sixty years of our nation independence we are still struggling with many problems which were faced by people in pre independence era. Even there is no proper definition of freedom youngsters today take the freedom of our country for granted. For them, it means the freedom to do whatever they please that matters. History lessons were only in school books and best forgotten in real life. And where the problem is arises. This is the base of the Shri Charbhuja Films Bedhund.
The story of this revolutionary movie goes like this Major A. S. Marathe has voluntarily retired from the military force after bagging several awards for his achievements on the battlefield. He now wants to bring awareness amongst the youngsters of today about the importance of India’s freedom and the trouble our
Bedhund freedom fighters took to accomplish it. For this, he joins a military school as a trainer. The film begins with five guys, Paddy, Sameer, Nikhil, Amey, Jignesh and three girls Anushka, Mitali and Manva amongst many others on their way to the training school during their vacation. Their meeting with the teachers is followed by meticulous training and group discussions. After all this autocrats they are all on the verge of running away from the month-long meticulous classes. They cannot come to terms with the preaching of the Major. But something happens to change their mindset and they are helped by their ‘sir’ in their endeavor.
Sandeep Kulkarni as Major A. S. Marathe is convincing as the factual, very impressive and does justice to his character. But it is time that he changes his style of acting and dialogue delivery, as he seems to be getting typecast. Of the eight youngsters, only Santosh Juvekar as Paddy leaves an impact. This is because the other characters are not well plausible and don’t get cataloged in the viewer’s mind. Though the film has been shot at Nasik’s Bhosale Military School, it would have been much better with cinematography. While music by Ajay-Atul is worth a mention, there is just one song film on the youth which comes out of the blue in the film. The direction is satisfactory. It’s a very interesting topic but not well-handled and slow-paced. It could have been a better fare.
‘Zenda’ sends a strong message to fanatical party workers
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Rating: na
Presenter: Black Gold Films, A square Entertainments Director: Awadhoot Gupte Story : Awadhoot Gupte Dialogues, Screenplay: Sachin Darekar Cinematographer: Rahul Jadhav Music: Awadhoot Gupte Cast: Pushkar Shotri, Rajesh Shrungarpure, Santosh Juvekar, Sidharth Chandekar, Sachit Patil, Chinmay Mandlekar, Tejashree Pradhan, Neha Joshi, Shubhangi Gokhale, Ujwala Jog.. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
You may be a dedicated worker of any political party having blind faith in your leader, but when your leaders take you for granted; the day is not far when your conscience will not permit you to continue with them further. With this theme, Avadhoot Gupte’s much awaited political thriller ‘Zenda’ is all set to release on 8th January 2009. Set on the backdrop of the situation that had arisen in Maharashtra, due to split in a regional party over the issue of their chief handing over the leadership to his own son. Rather than glorifying the party leadership and the internal family affairs, the film maker has tried to emphasize on the impact of such political crisis on the dedicated party workers.
Surprisingly, the film which has uncovered the selfish motives of two leaders trying to show their strength at the cost of their fanatical followers; hasn’t received much opposition prior to its release, except for a delegation belonging to one upcoming party, lodging their protest over few scenes. It is very difficult to predict the success of this well presented film, but one thing is clear that Marathi cinema has taken up a bolder and sensible theme to create that required impact on the target audience affected by blind faith in their leaders.
‘Zenda’ does not openly show the senior political leader and founder of the party in this film, but only his shivering hands holding the Rudraksha string, indicate his presence in few scenes. The entire screenplay tests the patience of three fanatical youths who are affected by the changing political scenario in the state politics with the change in stance by their leaders. On the other hand, how the fourth youth who is a shrewd consultant of an Event Management company benefits out of this political battle, has been cleverly shown through this film.
Director Avadhoot Gupte has tried to touch upon so many other relevant issues covered by the story and screenplay writer Sachin Darekar. One of them is obviously the selfish attitude of the leaders,
while playing the hand in glove game with opposition party leaders to protect each other’s interest; and the other being the modus operandi behind the postings of corrupt police officers to mobilize the funds for the party. Very clearly the film goes on to show how a Home minister of a ruling party is in touch with his opposition party leader to derive maximum benefits for him and his party. In the climax, the director has shown as to how the change in stance by their leaders at the last minute, make them lose their dedicated workers. And at the same time, it is shown as to who ultimately benefits.
‘Zenda’ is an action packed thriller based on a serious issue that ultimately affects today’s youth; but it is a more a serious tale rather than an entertaining film. It is altogether a different cinema showing the dark side of Maharashtra’s politics and how the local Maharashtrians ultimately suffer. Those who love to watch films on realistic subjects, will surely like ‘Zenda’. Besides good music, excellent photography at outdoor locations; the other plus points of the film are good editing and performances of the artistes, who look so natural. Watch Santosh Juvekar as a college drop-out and fanatic party worker. His body language and spontaneous reactions speaks a lot about the dilemma of all those who fall into his category. On the other hand, Siddharth Chandekar, who plays his close friend and his sister’s boy friend; has a different image of a well educated young man, who takes his decisions as per his conscience. He too has played his character with authority. Chinmany Mandlekar, the young party worker from Kolhapur perfectly fits into his character of an educated youth who is very ambitious of making it big in Politics, step by step.
Among others in the cast, Pushkar Shroti and Rajesh Shringarpure fit perfectly into their respective characters, well supported by Sachit Patil, Tejashree Pradhan, Neha Joshi, Shubhangi Gokhale and Ujwala Jog.
Carrying on the tradition of entertaining the audience by tickling their funny bone is the movie ‘Ek Daav dhobi Pachad’
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Rating: ★★
Presenter: Zee Talkies Producer: Shree Mangesh Films Director: Satish Rajwade Story: Girish Joshi Camera: Suresh Deshamane Cast: Ashok Saraf, Subodh Bhave, Prasad Oak, Kishori Shahane-veej, Movie Review by: Jitendra More |
Comedy has been an inevitable element of Marathi Cinema since centuries. Carrying on the tradition of entertaining the audience by tickling their funny bone is the movie ‘Ek Daav dhobi Pachad’
Produced by Ashok Saraf and presented by Zee Talkies, the movie revolves around the life of Dada Dandke (Ashok Saraf), a crook whose business involves controlling and opening new beer bars and casinos. The so-called gunda of the village, he is fondly called as dada by his associates. Dada is notoriously known for capturing polling booths and doing vasooli from people. However, a transformation comes about in his life when he meets his long lost love, Hema (Asawari Joshi-Saraf). Dada puts a marriage proposal which Hema rejects saying that he is not the same person she had met years back. She comments on his language, clothes and way of living.
Unable to face the rejection, Dada decides to change himself and win Hema’s heart again. His attempts to improve make him appoint a Marathi teacher for his language, a fashion designer to stitch international and help all the loved ones in trouble. His journey to be a good man in Hema’s eyes, keeps his enemies wonder that he is planning to come up a new plan this time.
Saraf, as an authoritarian father and a man of honour suits the role well. However, his unreasonable comedy does not go with his image. Again keeping the image of a good actor intact is Subodh Bhave as the Marathi
teacher. Seeing Bhave into a sober role after the brutal role in Uladhaal is amazing and Bhave has made the transformation well. Pushkar Shrotri as Babya, the right hand man of Dada seems to be wasted and so are the acting talents of Prasad Oak (Trimbak Joshi), an accountant madly in love and Madhura Velankar (Saylee) as his lady love. Mukta Barve as Dada’s daughter in her role as Sulochana gets on the nerves of the audience.
With such a huge star cast, directed by Satish Rajwade has not been able to give justice to even one character. However, even after losing the plot of the movie, he comes out good in the end. Music by the two greats Ajay-Atul suits the theme of the movie, however, the audience would have expected a few more songs to keep with the mood of the movie. Nivedita Joshi-Saraf makes a good screen presence even after so many years.
A good movie overall but certainly not reaching the heights set by movies that have brought about a metamorphosis of Marathi movie industry.
‘ULADHAAL’ REVIEW
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Rating: ★★1/2
Producer: Vishwas Films Director: Aditya Sarpotdar Script, Screenplay, Dialogues: Rajesh Kolan,Vijay Patwardhan, Aditya Sarpotdar Camera: Sanjay Nair Music: Ajay-Atul Cast: Makarand Anaspure, Bharat Jadhav, Ankush Chaudhari, Siddharth Jadhav, Lokesh Gupte, Subodh Bhave, Madhura Movie Review by: Jitendra More |
Have you ever watched a Marathi movie with a perfect blend of all the genres of cinema? Well, veteran actors and directors concerned with the future of the industry do not have to worry anymore when there are directors like Aditya Sarpotdar coming up with debut movies like Ulaadhal.
The plot might look simple on paper but the way in which Sarpotdar connects the actors with the storyline is something that shapes up the movie.
Sayajirao’s (Makarand Anaspure) 250-year-old dhaal (shield), which has been safeguarded by generations is stolen by Guru (Subodh Bhave). Guru is helped by Sayajirao’s men after they are promised a share in the money that would come after selling off the dhaal. Guru, however, has other plans. He kills Sayajirao’s men but Baban (Lokesh Gupte) manages to save himself. He chases Guru, who is on his way to Goa to sell the dhaal.
When Sayajirao finds out the betrayal by his men, he determines to kill those who have been disloyal to him.
In Goa, Baban hires small thieves Vickey (Ankush Chaudhary), Bharat Jadhav and their partners in crime, Neha and Preeti (Aditi Sarangdhar and Madhura Velankar) to steal the dhal from Guru. While Sayajirao and his men get hold of Baban, Vickey and his partners fight out their nerves against the brutal Guru. Unable to find Baban, they decide to sell the dhal themselves. They ask Sikandar (Siddharth Jadhav), a dealer in selling stolen items to find a prospect buyer for the dhal. Sikandar ends up narrowing down on Guru. This is where the entire Ulaadhal or commotion begins.
The elements of a commercial cinema like the designer clothes and exotic locations of Goa and Mauritius take the movie a step ahead of the everyday movies. Scriptwriter Rajesh Kolan has maintained the seriousness, humour, and thrill that keep the logical element of the movie in place.
The lead actors Makarand Anaspure, Subodh Bhave, Bharat Jadhav and Ankush Chaudhary have given strong performances. Anaspure has moved nicely from his usual comic roles to a serious man-of-honour, who is proud of his family heritage and is ready to give his life to save the dhal. Bharat Jadhav and Siddharth Jadhav, as a Hydrabadi Kabadiwala add to the comedy element in the story. The appearances of Mahesh Manjrekar as an ‘item number’ and Nirmal Pandey as Tony are unnecessary but add to the glamour. What scores is the music by Ajay- Atul, the lyrics that have a fusion of Marathi, Hindi, and English words and the direction of Sarpotdar. All kudos to the Ulaadhal team.