‘Mogara Phulalaa’ emits the pleasant fragrance of mild humour
3.5
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During the 70s film makers like Hrishikesh Mukherkee and Basu Chatterjee offered some quality films generating mild humour, very successfully through their gripping screenplay. Perhaps inspired by the films of these two film makers, national award winning Marathi film maker Shrabani Deodhar has tried this experiment in Marathi through her latest released film ‘Mogara Phulala’. And well suited to the title of her film, she has successfully presented this film to emit the pleasant fragrance of mild humour.
Very effectively director Shrabani Deodhar tells you the emotional bonding between a 30+ typical most obedient ‘mama’s boy’ Sunil Kulkarni ( Swapnil Joshi) and his possessive mother ( Neena Kulkarni) . The dominating mother whose younger brother in law and elder son have married the girls of their choice, after her husband’s death, wants her younger son to marry the girl of her choice. And Sunil who is a software engineer does what his mother feels right for him.
But, after rejecting about 38 marriage proposals, Sunil finally falls in love with a woman Shivangi Gupte ( Sai Deodhar) who is almost of his age, but is a widow, who has a little daughter Reva. Shivangi works as Asst ,Manager in a co-op Bank , where Sunil along with his friend Mayur ( Sandeep Pathak) have set up a software programme for them. Both come closer, when Sunil’s bachelor uncle who is a and dramatist visits the joint family and happens to stage a play for Shivangi’s bank for competition, on the insistence of bank manager Dhaigude( Anand Ingale). When Sunil’s mother comes to know about the closeness of her son with Shivangi, she plays a game to separate them. Finally, all goes well after sequence of interesting happenings .
‘Mogara Phulalaa’ is certainly a well made film to keep the audience engaged from start to finish. The appealing story of Shrabani Deodhar supported by crisp screenplay and dialogues by Sachin Mote makes ‘Mogara Phulala’ more presentable . Music is not the base of this film, but Rohit Raut’s music is appealing for two background songs. Equally good is Amol Gole‘s superb photography. But, what appeals the most are the excellent performances of Marathi Superstar Swapnil Joshi ,popular TV star Sai Deodhar , veteran actress Neena Kulkarni , Chandrakant Kulkarni and a big team of artistes in supporting roles. Director Shrabani Deodhar has extracted the best out of all these versatile artistes, in almost all the scenes. All in all ‘Mogara Phulala’ has turned out to be a worth watch film for all.
‘Judgement’ presents daughter’s intense fight against her criminal father
3.5
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In the past, we have seen many cases of injustice on women fought in the court of law. Through the latest Marathi film ‘Judgement‘ you will see a unique case, where a daughter takes on her own father who brutally murders her beloved mother, only because she is not able to give him a baby boy. Little Rujuta is the only eyewitness to this ghastly murder of her Mother Neha( Shweta Pagar) by her high profile IAS officer father Agnivesh Satam ( Mangesh Desai) from Ratnagiri District.
Appa ( Madhav Abhyankar) who is well aware of the motive of his son in law in murdering his daughter, takes away his two little grand daughters to Mumbai where he lives his retired life. He wants his elder grand daughter Rujuta to keep quiet and not to speak about the truth to anyone and therefore the case of Neha’s death is closed, calling it an accidental death.
15 years later we find the two daughters of Neha grown up as well educated professionals. While elder daughter Rujuta ( Tejashree Pradhan) practices law, the younger Anayata( Shalaka Apte) practices in a counseling centre as an assistant to a psychiatrist. Rujuta, who is not able to forget the brutal murder of her mother, is now all set to take the revenge against her father, by reopening the case. It’s not an easy battle as Agnivesh is a very influential person, having remarried and having a son. But, determined and fearless Rujuta takes up the challenge to prove her father a cold-blooded murderer.
How she fights the battle in court and how she manages the witnesses against him, is presented very effectively by director Sameer Surve through the gripping screenplay of this film. Every artiste in this film has given the best. And that is the plus point of this film. Versatile actor Madhav Abhyankar does very well through his limited role, while Mangesh Desai with his negative character has been impressive. The best comes from Tejashree Pradhan, who has been able to express her emotions very well through her central character. ‘Shree Partner’’fame Shweta Pagar has played the role of Neha with total conviction, while excellent support also comes from Shalaka Apte and Pratik Deshmukh.
Music doesn’t find much scope in this film, but still two songs in the background are well suited to the screenplay. Cinematography and editing work is handled with perfection. There are few lapses in this film, like showing the Appa played by Madhav Abhyankar almost of the same age even after 15 years, while Mangesh Desai is shown much older with his slow walking style in bent position after the same time period. However, barring these few minor lapses, ‘Judgement‘ is Certainly, a worth watch film. The good thing about this film is that it has respected the original story of Neela Satyanarayan by not deviating from the original subject.
‘Rampaat’ attempts a dream seller mixed with emotions
3.0
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Ravi Jadhav who directed Marathi films like ‘Natarang’, ‘Balgandharv’, ‘Balak Palak’, ‘Time Pass 1 & 2′, ‘Bioscope’, ‘Banjo’ and ‘Nude’ is back again with his latest offering in the form of ‘Rampaat’. Through this film, Ravi Jadhav attempts something different in the form of a dream seller which is mixed with emotions. We are all aware that Mumbai has become a main attraction for many aspiring youngsters who come to this place to make a career in acting. Some come with the support of their family, while others just run away from their house to try their luck.
‘Rampaat’ presents the struggle faced by two such youngsters Mithun ( Abhinay Berde) from Solapur and Vijaya alias Munni ( Kashmira Pardeshi) who leave their respective homes with big hopes to try their luck in the tinsel world of Mumbai. Though Mithun comes with the blessings of his mother, Munni flees against her Wrestler father’s wish, who wants his daughter to turn a wrestler. Both meet during audition and face the first worst experience . Dejected, they come across a stranger Fatafat (Kushal Badrike) who turns a good Samaritan for both the youngsters. But, that’s not enough for them, as much is expected from them in this good-bad world of entertainment.
How they face this struggle period and how they find their way towards success, is what director Ravi Jadhav has tried to show through this film. In the process, he has certainly extracted the best from the young lead pair and they too have responded with commitment. For Model turned actress Kashmira this has turned out to be a good debut in Marathi. Even those in the supporting cast, like Priya Berde as Mithun’s mother and Abhijit Chavan as Munni’s father, Kushal Badrike in the role of Fatafat have lent good support. There are many more, who have obliged through their short special appearance. But, is that all enough to present a quality film? And the answer is, ‘to a certain extent, Yes’. The music is just fine but costume designing is good.
But, there was much more expected from director like Ravi Jadhav, who has however limited his idea to show only the reality i.e. ‘All that glitters is not Gold’. But, he delivers a very good message in concluding part, i.e. ’What the Nature has given, we need to reciprocate.’
‘Kaagar’ attempts a conventional love story on the backdrop of Power politics
2.5
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Politics has always been a favourite subject of Marathi films since the time ‘Saamana‘ was released in the 70s. Directed by Jabbar Patel the film skilfully dramatized the conflict of wills between a small-town political racketeer and a morally upright schoolteacher. It had talked shown the power of sugar co-operatives of Maharashtra. Then in 1998, we saw ‘Sarkarnama‘ directed by Shrabani Deodhar on two political rivals. Both ‘Saamana‘ and ‘Sarkarnama‘ became famous for the powerful performances of Dr. Shreeram Lagoo & Nilu Phule (Saamana) & Dilip Prabhavalkar and Yashwant Dutt (Sarkarnama).
Now, writer-director Viju Mane has presented his latest Marathi film ‘Kaagar‘ on the backdrop of a small town Virainagar in Maharashtra, where we find a middle-aged school teacher, with higher connections trying to gain power through his choice of candidate. How he finally succeeds in getting his own young daughter into this political fight for survival, is what the film is all about. To succeed in his mission, Guruji (Shashank Shende) entrusts the most difficult job to his trusted so-called left hand Yuvraj (Shubhankar Tawde) a software Engineer from his small town. Yuvraj agrees to do anything for Guruji, as he trusts him and is also madly in love with his young college going daughter Rani(Rinku Rajguru).
As the sequence of events unfolds, Yuvraj- Rani love story takes a back seat and we find Guruji showing his true colours like a typical filmy villain to fulfill his dream. The film fails to present a strong conflict, due to limited content and lack of well-planned screenplay. As a result, this film has turned out to be neither a well-built love story nor an action-filled political thriller. Though Shashank Shende finds a lead role of a Guruji turned politician, he does not perfectly fit into that kind of canny character. Suhas Palshikar has also been wasted in that limited character of Guruji’s political rival from the same party. His character should have been stronger to show the conflict. Instead, more attention has been paid to Guruji’s changing political games, according to time. Except for one background song, the other song a Qawwali does not go well with the screenplay. Moreover, in the absence of renowned actors, the film fails to capture the attention of the audience.
If the filmmakers thought that using the card of Rinku Rajguru, they would invite all the attention towards the film, their assumption has gone wrong. As an actress, she has been typecast with the same style of dialogue delivery and her typical expressions noticed in ‘Sairat‘. Perhaps, she has her own limitations. In the role of Yuvraj, Shubhankar Tawde is fine but here once again, the protagonist in his character hasn’t been exploited much. In the supporting cast, Vitthal Kale as Bhavdya, Shantanu Gangane as Bhaiyasaaheb and Umesh Jagtap as Police inspector Nikam have offered good support. The work done by location sound recordist and sound engineer has been worth appreciating. All in all, there is something really missing from this love story set with a political backdrop.
‘Wedding Cha Shinema’ offers quality entertainment
3.5
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Over the years, we have seen many film makers trying different ideas to entertain the audience with a message. If the film maker is able to keep the audience engaged into his presentation, the film attains success. Latest released Marathi film ‘Wedding Cha Shinema’ presented by Everest Entertainment and directed by debutant writer-director Dr. Saleel Kulkarni has met with all these requirements to offer quality entertainment.
The film‘s subject deals with the new trend of offering a contract to event management company for making a film on the pre-wedding rituals, which also include shooting of romantic scenes of couple and interviews of all those near and dear ones to the couple. Obviously, the Sangeet ceremony is also a part of such a film. We have had the glimpses of it in the past movies like ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun‘ in Hindi and ‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai-2‘ in Marathi. However, ‘Wedding Cha Shinema‘ presents the coming together of two well to do families from two different regions of Maharashtra with diverse lifestyles.
While the bride Pari (Rucha Inamdar) and her parents( Sunil Barve & Ashwini Kalsekar) belong to Mumbai and are high profile medical practitioners, bridegroom Prakash ( Shivraj Waichal) and his parents( Shivaji Satam & Alka Kubal) belong to rich farmer’s family owning acres of farmlands and a huge Mobile shop in Saswad in Pune district, known for large fruit plantations. Prakash and Pari first meet at Prakash’s mobile shop when Pari after passing her MBBS is posted as an intern in a hospital in Saswad. With subsequent meetings, love happens between them and it is Pari who takes the lead to propose Prakash after noticing his shyness to express his love.
When the families of both agree for their marriage, incomes Urvi( Mukta Barve) the creative director along with her two assistants a DOP (Bhau Kadam) and a choreographer (Tyagraj Khadilkar) to shoot the wedding film on behalf of the event manager Raja (Sunil Abhyankar). During the course of this shooting schedule at Saswad and Mumbai and during their journey Urvi captures some misunderstandings between the couple and she becomes very close to the bride Pari while capturing her emotions.
The entire film’s screenplay has turned entertaining with humour filled scenes and well-written dialogues. Besides the lead couple and above mentioned characters, there are others like Prakash’s elder brother ( Sankarshan Karhade) and his sister in law ( Yogini Pophale), sister ( Prajakta Hanamghar) brother in law from Baramati ( Pranit Kulkarni) and last but not the least his close friend Mac( Pravin Vitthal Tarde) who have filled in energy with their good performances into this film’s entertaining screenplay. Rucha Inamdar has succeeded in portraying the character of Pari with bubbling enthusiasm. In fact, she has perfectly fitted into that role.
The music director turned writer-director Dr. Saleel Kulkarni makes his presence felt through every important scene in this film, especially while showing the confusion and chaos sprinkled with emotional highs and lows in the minds of the couple, amidst preparations for the wedding. Very cleverly he has shown the contrast between the busy Mumbai lifestyle with less communication and the happy and friendly lifestyle of Saswad people. Technically it is a well-presented film with good music, with two nicely picturised songs. All in all ‘Wedding Cha Shinema‘ is certainly a good entertaining film for all.
‘Sur Sapata’ – Just an average sports based film
2.5
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Sports based films are not new to Marathi cinema. However, more than Marathi film industry, such films have done good business in Bollywood. But, the efforts are on to offer such films with new subjects on sports in Marathi. The latest released Marathi film ‘Sur Sapata’ which is on the background of the game of kabaddi has been released this week. Set on the backdrop of a village in Maharashtra, this film focuses on one such District run School, which won the Inter School state level trophy in the game of kabbadi 25 years ago.
Now, after 25 years, we find fresh talent in Kabaddi emerging in this school . But, they are all notorious boys and always involved in punishable acts. Time comes when a school teacher ( Anand Ingale) reminds the School Head master ( Govind Namdeo) about the forthcoming State Level Inter School Kabbadi tournament and insists that their school team should take part in it. The head master is not happy with these notorious students and therefore he suggests that the team can be sent for the competition without the names of these seven students.
How these seven Kabbadi passionate group manage to participate in this competition and how they find a former kabbadi player from their own village ( Anna Bhosale) as their coach, is what the story of this film is all about. The actual competition begins only in the post interval session but before that the audience is introduced to each and every important character including the seven students, their interactions with teachers and their parents to highlight the characteristics of each one of them.
The film does have a good subject and tries to emphasise on importance of Fair play in sports, but the presentation part is not so appealing, as it should have been for a good sports based film. In the first part a lot of time is wasted before arriving at the main theme. And when we see the actual competition in progress and the school team having lost the first two matches in the league stage, you find a former Kabbadi player who has won the same trophy for their school 25 years ago, turning up as their coach; to ensure their entry into finals. Generally, no such competition lasts for more than 10 days. So, the Coach Anna training the winning skills of this game in just a week’s time, fails to convince. The concluding scene of the film has been presented well.
Nevertheless, the performances of the artistes and the hard work put in by all the seven youngsters is to be appreciated . Some of them like Hansraj Jagtap, Chinmay Patwardhan, Chinmay Sant, Yash Kulkarni , Rupesh Bane have already proved their ability individually as child artistes in the past. Now, they combine together in a group, to display good team spirit. The entire film is on them. Though Upendra Limaye is projected as a hero, he finds better scope only in the 2nd half and he has given full justice to his character. Among the supporting artistes Govind Namdeo, Anand Ingale, Siddharth Zadbuke, Neha Shitole, Pravin Tarde and Sanjay Jadhav have done well, but the character of Sanjay Jadhav hasn’t been properly developed in the screenplay. Talented TV actress Abhidnya Bhave has been wasted in this film with an insignificant role. Music is just fine and the dialogues lack the required punch for such type of film. All in all, Sur Sapata has turned out to be an average film, which may be enjoyed by some ardent sports lovers.
‘Chhatrapati Shasan’ – a timely film with a social message
MMW Rating
3.0
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered as a great source of inspiration by people of Maharashtra. And therefore, today we find some of our politicians taking advantage of this situation, to exploit the sentiments of the people, when it comes to gaining or retaining their power. Best examples are caste politics and statue politics. But, is this what is going to benefit the new generation? This is what the latest released Marathi film ‘Chhatrapati Shasan‘ has tried to show with a timely message.
This film narrates the principles on which the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj emphasized during his rule. The film does highlight some of the important issues, such as instead of worshiping symbols and idols or excitedly raising slogans like ‘Jai Shivaji’, it is important to understand the truth about the strategies of Shivaji Maharaj while establishing his empire through his wisdom, bravery and thoughts.
The first half of ‘Chhatrapati Shasan‘ film wastes a lot of time, explaining about the existing situation in villages where the so called leaders using Shivaji Maharaj as their strength, don’t know much about the great warrior and his ideology. But then, in the second half of the film we find the emergence of a protagonist, who wants to educate the people from his village towards progress, by starting their own company with active participation from one and all. There are many such scenes in the film, which hits out at the blind faith some people have in their leaders. But, at the same time, it shows how the mindset of young leaders can change, after realizing their own weaknesses.
The film also reveals some of the facts, which made Shivaji Maharaj so popular among the people of all castes and religions. At the same time it also removes the misconception that Shivaji Maharaj was anti-Muslim, citing examples from history, how many of his close associates and loyalists were Muslims, who helped him win many battles. ‘Trust’ was the key in his administration, which helped him to achieve success and become the first Management Guru. This is what the film highlights This is what the film highlights, as the perception differs from person to person.
Director Khushal Mhetre who has also written the screenplay and dialogues of this film, has been able to show his strengths, particularly in the second half. Through all the four important characters, namely Ranjit ( Santosh Juvekar), Amar ( Prashant Mohite), Samar Sir ( Makarand Deshpande) and a wanderer ( Kishore Kadam) he has tried to present his subject and all these artistes have responded well. There is no scope for female artistes in the film, as it is a male dominated film with a serious subject. However, few characters like a so called Don played by Abhijeet Chavan and others try to generate some humour for a change. The inclusion of dance seemed to be unnecessary in the screenplay. Photography is good but the music did not appeal much. Kishore Kadam has impressed through his meaningful poems. All in all, ‘Chhatrapati Shasan‘ is a timely film with a social message.
‘Ti and Ti’ takes you on the tour of England
MMW Rating
3.0
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Bollywood film maker Yash Chopra always believed in shooting his romantic love triangle stories in Europe. Then we saw Karan Johar following his path. And now, the latest released Marathi film ‘Ti and Ti’ has also followed their path. Shot at some of the picturesque locations of London and its suburbs, the film presents the story of a newly married couple from Pune Anay Pandit ( Pushkar Jog) and Sai (Prarthana Behere Jawkar). It’s an arranged marriage for Anay, whose close friends Sudhan & Kavya register his name with a dot com marriage bureau. And they find a suitable match in Sai with 96% compatibility.
Soon thereafter, the couple is on their honeymoon to London. But, on landing in London, Anay meets his classmate Priyanka (Sonalee Kulkarni) on whom he had a crush during his schooldays. Having found his real love, Anay pretends that he is a bachelor and starts flirting with her. Having been left alone, Sai also finds a helpful friend in Shekhar (Siddharth Chandekar) a divorcee of Indian origin, who helps her to visit the places of her interest. The time comes, when both feel the guilt and they decide to live happily. But, as we have been watching in our films over the years, it is the man who always commits a mistake and the woman is made to suffer. No wonder, the film has been released on international women’s day. So, there is more drama to witness till the climax, which concludes with a happy end.
Though the story idea of the film has been influenced by the present lifestyle of the youngsters, it does have the touch of Bollywood, when it comes to repeated mocking and dialogues of Shahrukh Khan from lead character Anay. Though the screenplay in the first part has been presented well, it lacks the required momentum in the second half. Editing is not so impressive and so are the dialogues which also fail to make an impression. However it is the wonderful work by DOP Harshavardhan Patil which makes the film presentable. Watching this film, is almost like getting an experience of a package tour of London with the team ‘Ti and Ti‘. Music is just fine to suit the theme of the film. Costume designing is also good, if you observe the technical sides of the film.
As a director, Mrinal Kulkarni has tried her best to extract the best out of the four main characters and therefore full marks go to Pushkar Jog, Prarthana Behere & Siddharth Chandekar for giving their best. But, it is Sonalee Kulkarni, who grabs all the attention with her superb performance. All in all, this so-called RomCom follows the path of those Bollywood films and takes you on the tour of England
‘Dombivli Return’- A psychological experience of a common man
3.0
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In ‘Dombivli Fast‘ released in 14 years ago, we saw the story of a middle-class bank employee, Madhav Apte, an ordinary, law-abiding and honest citizen who faces constant frustration with the injustice and corruption that pervades in all walks of his life. Now, Sandeep Kulkarni who was the lead actor of ‘Dombivli Fast‘ makes his comeback after about 5 years through ‘Dombivli Return‘, in which besides playing the lead role, he has also turned producer. Directed by Mahendra Teredesai this film is also set on the backdrop of Dombivli and the middle-class family. It displays the psychological experience of a middle-class Government servant Anant Velankar( Sandeep Kulkarni), who is honest; but lands into trouble when he discovers a secret of his most respected Boss, who is the minister.
How it affects his personal life, the director has shown it very cleverly; keeping in mind the set rules of middle-class morals. But, what would happen, if someone like Velankar tries to break these rules? Will his conscience permit him to do so? This is what director Mahendra Teredesai has tried to show through five important characters, in this film.
Sandeep Kulkarni in the role of Anant Velankar has given his best through this role. Being one of the producers, he has put in extra efforts in many emotion filled scenes. In the role of his wife, Rajeshwari Sachdev has offered very good support. Watch her in one of the scenes, where she is shown turning hysteric. In the supporting role, Amol Parashar has done a good job, while playing Anant’s younger brother. Hrishikesh Joshi is also one such actor in this film, who has given a wonderful performance, in the role of Anant’s close friend; while little Tanishka Shinde, looks very natural while playing Anant’s daughter.
Music by Shailendra Barve is apt for this kind of film, while Udaysingh Mohite’s photography, has given ‘Dombivli Return‘ film a special look. There is one good message offered by this film, ‘If you want to judge one’s character, bestow him with power.’ All in all, ‘Dombivli Return‘ is a kind of film, that will make you think.
‘Anandi Gopal’ – a truly inspiring realistic biopic with a social message
4.0
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Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi was one of the earliest Indian woman physicians in the 19th century, when India was under British rule. She was the first woman who graduated with a two-year degree in western medicine in the United States. Now, a biopic on her has been presented through latest released Marathi film ‘Anandi Gopal’. Anandibai as she was addressed by the American Medical College during the convocation, lived a very short life of 22 years. But, she inspired many young Indian women to pursue higher studies, at a time when the male dominant society did not permit their daughters to pursue higher studies . Anandi made it possible, only because of the encouragement from her husband Gopalrao, who was a reformer and served in the postal department.
The film ‘Anandi Gopal’ directed by Sameer Vidwans presents Bhagyashree Milind & Lalit Prabhakar in title roles. Though the film is based on a real story, the manner in which the screenplay and dialogues have been written, it does create a strong impact on the audience. The hurdles faced by Gopalrao from his hometown, while educating his younger wife, clearly shows how women were treated during 19th century. The film covers the period around 1880, when Yamuna who turns Anandi after her marriage to a widower Gopalrao, who believes in offering education to women.
In spite of facing the opposition from the neighbourhood and his own community, Gopalrao first sends his wife to a Christian missionary school. But, when she faces trouble there too, he decides to send her abroad for higher education. After cleverly showing the strengths of these two lead characters in the first half of the film, very systematically director Sameer Vidwans has presented the sequence of events in the second half to show Anandi’s impressive success story. There are many emotion filled scenes which touch the heart of the audience. Moreover, few important scenes are also likely to appeal the universal audience and therefore the film certainly stands a chance to find its entry from India for the prestigious Oscars.
The technical departments makes it presentable giving a realistic look to this period film, with superb cinematography by Akash Agarwal & Apoorva Shaligram. Certainly a worth watch film for all sensible film lovers.