‘Charandas Chor’ takes you on a roller coaster ride
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Movie: Charandas Chor
Rating:  Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio / Presenter: Uknit Productions Producer: Sanju Holmukhe DOP: Sumit Suryawanshi Director: Shyam Maheshwari Cast: Abhay Chavan, Sonam Pawar, Adesh Aware, Milind Oak, Mukund Wasule, Anuya Baiche, Ravindra Gurjar, Indubai Tambe Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Only last week, we saw a simple story developed into an interesting screenplay in the film ‘Gachchi‘. And now, this Friday we have another such film written and directed by Shyam Maheshwari , which takes you on a roller coaster ride, through its interesting humour filled screenplay. Having gained a lot of experience of small screen in Hindi with his popular ‘k’ series offerings of Balaji telefilms, this is Shyam’s debut Marathi film. So, proper care has been taken by him to entertain the Marathi audience.
Through ‘Charandas Chor‘ film the writer-director presents a journey of a thief Charan( Abhay Chavan) , who works as an assistant in production department of a Film company. In turn of events, Charan gets the possession of a colourful trunk containing Rs. 2 crore original cash and he decides to run away with it to his native place in Chiplun. On his journey, he encounters those people, who rob some money from this trunk. On reaching his hometown, Charan encounters few more people who are curious to know the contents in the trunk in his possession, but his innocent but intelligent nephew Vishnu( Aadesh Avare) along with his pet dog Moti protect his possession with new ideas. Vishnu also names the trunk as ‘Shyamrao bank’.
Soon Charan comes across a young girl Saloni (Sonam Pawar) from the village, who is from a business family. She involves Charan into some social work undertaken by her in the village, which brings two youngsters closer. On the advice of little Vishnu, Charan takes Saloni into confidence and tells her the truth about the trunk in his possession. What transpires in the concluding part of the film, is a surprise to the audience. From start till end, writer-director Shyam Maheshwari has succeeded in keeping the audience involved into the journey of Charan and the trunk in his possession, which is just like another character in the film called Shyamrao.
The selection of characters have been perfect, especially the lead hero played by Abhay Chavan and his nephew played by Aadesh Aware. Both together have generated lots of humour through all the scenes to their share. The young leading lady of the film arrives on screen after interval , but she too has impressed with her character of Saloni. Creative director Sanju Holmukhe makes his presence through the wonderful development of a simple story. Sumeet Suryavanshi’s cinematography has captured the picturesque Chiplun brilliantly. Good support comes from Sound designers and music team. All in all, ‘Charandas Chor‘ is certainly a worth watch, as it offers good entertainment.
‘Gachchi’ presents an unusual plot in a creative manner
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Movie: Gachchi
Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 120 min. Studio / Presenter: Landmarc Films, Nitin Vaidya Productions Producer: Nitin Prakash Vaidya, Vidhi Kasliwal DOP: Riju Das Director: Nachiket Samant Cast: Priya Bapat, Abhay Mahajan, Anant Jog, Asha Shelar, Mayureshwar Kale, Saiddhant Samant, Swapnaneel Jaykar, Tushar Tengale Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘Gachchi‘ which actually means terrace is defined in different ways in English language. Some call it a patio, while others call it an open area in front of the house. It could also be a sitting area next to the building. But, in Mumbai, where there is shortage of space in front of the house or in the backyard, it indicates open space on top of the building or bungalow. Now, this so called ‘Gachchi‘ could be used for various purpose. Though students living in crowded chawls, have used this place to prepare for their exams, some love stories have also taken birth at this place. For others, it is a place for breathing fresh air. At the same time, there are cases of suicides noticed at this place.
Perhaps, based on such happenings, Producer Nitin Vaidya and director Nachiket Samant thought of making a film on the backdrop of this place, which is presented by Vidhi Kasliwal. The story of this film ‘Gachchi‘ takes off, when we see young Shreeram(Abhay Mahajan) desperately trying to repay the debt to a money lender Jagtap( Anant Jog) who is trying to take charge of his small house in South Mumbai, mortgaged to him. With the help of his friend and a well wisher, who agrees to market the home products prepared by his mother ( Asha Shelar), he manages to repay part payment to Jagtap. But Jagtap puts a deadline till evening only to repay the entire amount.
In a disturbed condition he walks out of Jagtap’s building to sip a cup of tea without sugar( as he is diabetic),when he notices a young woman standing at the edge of the terrace of that building. Suspecting a suicide attempt he goes to the terrace top and finds Keerti Sharda( Priya Bapat) a classical singer by profession, also in a disturbed mood. Initially, both of them don’t like each other; but as the time progresses, these two strangers start understanding each other. Writer Yogesh Vinayak Joshi and director Nachiket Samant have very creatively developed the an unusual happening during that particular day, into an interesting feature film of about two hours. The writer & director have also tried to show the connect between two elements of nature- Earth and Aakash through Gachchi ( terrace) the backdrop of this film.
There are not too many main characters except the few mentioned above, but still you don’t feel the monotony while watching the screenplay of this film on the screen, with the lead pair wearing the same clothes from morning till evening. Almost 90% of the film has been shot on the terrace of a multi storey building in Lalbaug area, which has now grown into a posh township with high rise residential towers and office premises. But still, DOP Riju Das, has made good use of his camera to capture every corner of the terrace and surroundings skillfully. There is not much scope for music by Murugan Mohan in this film, except for one song played in the background. Good support comes from technical team. There are very few errors noticed in this film, but looking at the ability of the writer director to make a film, arising out of such a situation, these few errors can be ignored.
Priya Bapat has played the lead role of Keerti very convincingly to display her disturbed state of mind, while Abhay Mahajan who after doing a successful web series, makes a confident looking debut in the lead role of Shreeram. There is not much scope for Asha Shelar, except for performing in few scenes, as a kind hearted mother of Shreeram. Similarly Anant Jog does well in hardly two scenes to his share. All in all, ‘Gachchi‘ is good film to watch.
‘Ghaat’ focuses on the plight of a Mother and son at a place of pilgrimage
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Movie: Ghaat
Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: UA Duration: 90 min. Studio / Presenter: Jare Entertainment Producer: Sachin Jare DOP: Amol Gole Writer, Director: Raj Gorde Editor: Sagar Vanjari Cast: Yash Kulkarni, Dattatray Dharme, Umesh Jagtap, Mitali Jagtap, Riya Gavli Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Alandi is a popular town in Maharashtra , known as a place of pilgrimage for being the resting place of the 13th century Saint, Sant Dnyaneshwar. With its population around 30,000 the town has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. But, still some people in this town are homeless and live on the banks of river Indrayani, which passes through this holy town. Latest released Marathi film ‘Ghat’ is set on the backdrop of this town and shows the plight of a mother and son, living on the banks of the river and dependent on the pilgrims, who come here to perform some rituals, as per their religion.
The story of this film revolves around the character of a little boy Manya(Yash Kulkarni), who with the help of his friend Papya( Dattatray Dharma) take a dip into the river to search for the coins thrown by pilgrims as an offering. He tries to help his mother Vimal ( Mitali Jagtap) with some earnings, as she is sick with liver disorder. Manya also has a little sister, whom he has to support, as his father Jaggu( Umesh jagtap) is an alcoholic and is in relationship with another woman. Whatever little the mother and son earn during the day, the father takes away the money forcibly, by beating them up.
Manya does find some well wishers around, who help him in the time of need. But, that’s not enough to meet the medical expenses of his ailing mother. So, he works harder to find his way out. But, every time, his selfish father comes in his way. Director Raj Gorde, who also plays one important character of a tea stall owner in this film, has tried to present the reality in the lives of such poor people. He has cleverly shown how Manya is forced to leave his school, to establish his own identity and also highlights the plight of a poor woman, who is exploited by her husband, who has no self respect and doesn’t want to earn for his family.
The entire film focuses on Manya and his efforts to earn money using his skills genuinely, instead of begging. He is also shown kind hearted, when he shares his food with his friend Pappya, who is an orphan. Besides Manya’s family members, there are few other characters in this film, but they don’t find much scope in the screenplay. The first half of the film, goes to show the real face of this place of pilgrimage. But, in the second half the director takes a firm grip on the main characters of Mother , father and their hard working son. It is a depressing story of a family, which has been presented realistically at the banks of river. So, there is no scope for entertainment in this film. The director, who is also a writer of this film could have created some humour to make this film more interesting, kike the way another film ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ had done in the past. Incidentally, ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ was also set on the backdrop of one such pilgrimage centre Pandharpur. However, ‘Ghat’ has been presented well .
In the lead role of Manya, Yash Kulkarni is highly impressive through his expressions and body language. Mitali Jagtap plays the role of his ailing mother very well. She doesn’t find too many scenes to her share, but in all those scenes, she has proved that she is an actress to be reckoned for awards. After all she is a national award winner actress. In the role of Manya’s father Umesh Jagtap has played an impressive negative character. Good support comes from few others around them in the film. Amol Gole’s cinematography is good and so is sound designing of Mahavir Sabbanwar. Perfect costumes have been designed to suit every character. All in all, ‘Ghaat’ presents a real picture of poverty, which still exists at such places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra.
‘Hampi’ shows the natural remedy for depression
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Movie: Hampi
Rating: ★★★1/2 Genres: Romantic travelogue Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio / Presenter: Amol Joshi Productions, Swaroop Recreation & Media Pvt. Ltd Producer(s): Yogesh Bhalerao Director: Prakash Kunte Cast: Sonalee Kulkarni, Lalit Prabhakar, Prajakta Mali, Priyadarshan Jadhav, Chhaya Kadam Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Two years ago the writer and director combo of Aditi Moghe and Prakash Kunte through their film ‘Coffee Aani Barach Kahi‘ offered a very sensible story of a young working IT woman, who takes her own time to choose her life partner. Now, both of them have returned with another Marathi film ‘Hampi‘ to show, how the environment and people around help a young girl discover herself, after visiting a beautiful tourist place ‘Hampi‘.
The film presents Isha( Sonalee Kulkarni ) who is undergoing depression, due to the divorce taking place between her parents, after 28 years of their marriage. So, she visits a place called Hampi in Karnataka, in search of happiness. On her arrival, she first interacts with an auto rickshaw driver R.Ranjit ( Priyadarshan Jadhav ), followed by a Young bachelor in the neighborhood of her hotel room, Kabir ( Lalit Prabhakar ) who after his break up, has fallen in love with this place and the people around. Kabir tries to come closer to Isha, by understanding her problem and suggesting her to change her attitude towards life. Isha also comes across two more people, Ashabai ( Chhaya Kadam ) who sells handicraft items and a Sadhu, who also understand the reason behind her loneliness.
Though Isha doesn’t respond to Kabir’s approach, she starts liking him, after the arrival of her friend Girija ( Prajakta Mali ) who comes all the way from Delhi, to join her for few days. Fun loving Girija openly admires Kabir. But, being her good friend, she wants Isha to choose Kabir as her life partner. One evening, we find a sudden twist in this film. What happens in the climax is anybody’s guess.
But, the film does leave an impact, with the superb handling of the screenplay. ‘Hampi‘ has many plus points. The characters penned by the writer, are developed very well by director Prakash Kunte, paying full attention on their point of view and more importantly their thinking process, which have been shown through their communication process with well written dialogues by Aditi Moghe the writer of this film. Be it, the communication between Kabir & Isha, Isha and Girija, Isha & R.Ranjit, Isha & Ashabai, Isha & Sadhu, they have turned out to be very natural , generating humor at almost every important sequence.
The cinematography of this film is another plus point with Amlendu Choudhari making all efforts to capture the picturesque beauty of this place in all those outdoor scenes. He gives glimpse of his creativity in the very first frame of the film, giving you a hint that this place called Hampi can be counted as one of the lively characters in the film. He finds good support from Poorva Pandit’s art work and Sayali Soman’s dress designs. Film’s background music is also very effective at every situation . Above all, the performances of all the artistes are impressive. Sonali and Lalit display a good chemistry between them. Prajakta Mali finds her entry in this film at the stroke of interval, but she does extremely well to invite the audience attention with her bubbly character for almost next half an hour. This role will surely help her to find better roles in Marathi films. Good support comes from other artistes.
All in all, though ‘Hampi‘ is targeted at youngsters , showing the natural remedy for depression, it also offers good entertainment with its good presentation. You get the feeling that you are on a sight seeing for 95 minutes,to this beautiful place called Hampi .
‘Chhand Priticha’ restores traditional Tamasha art in Marathi films
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Movie: Chhand Priticha
Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: UA Duration: 130 min. Studio / Presenter: Premla Pictures Producer(s): Chandrakant Jadhav Director: N. Relekar Cast: Subodh Bhave, Harsh Kulkarni, Suvarna Kale, Sharad Ponkshe, Vikas Samudre Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Tamasha art has always been the traditional form of Marathi theatre in the state of Maharashtra. It has also been the subject of several Marathi films, since 50s. There were many films based on tamasha art, offering plenty of scope for lavani dance and music. In 1972 Late V. Shantaram presented a Tamasha based film ‘Pinjra‘, which turned out to be a super hit film, as it had a very good story. But, after that no tamasha based film could achieve that success till 2010, when ‘Natarang‘ created new records, because of its script and popular dances based on Tamasha art . Later, there was a film ‘Bugadi Majhi Sandali Ga‘ in 2014, which was Miss Universe Manasi Moghe’s debut film, also based on tamasha, but it failed to appeal.
Now, Producer Chandrakant Jadhav and director N.Relekar have dared to present one such film ‘Chhand Priticha‘ based on tamasha art. The film is based on the Marathi play with the same name by the same writer and director, who has succeeded in presenting a different love story, starring a triangle of Subodh Bhave, Harsh Kulkarni & Suvarna Kale in the lead. The film is set on a village backdrop and during the era of 70s , where we find Shahir ( Harsh Kulkarni) from a well to do family and with a big heart, in love with Chandrika Chemburkar ( Suvarna Kale) who is known to her since his childhood. Chandrika is an orphan and daughter of a Tamasha artiste doing domestic work out of compulsion for her living.
When both grow up, Shahir’s Uncle ( Sharad Ponkshe) is opposed to his meeting Chandrika and therefore Shahir leaves the house and decides to start his own tamasha group by borrowing a loan. , He combines his lyrics with Chandrika’s performance. But, the group lacks good music, especially the Dholki, which forms the main instrument of tamasha. So, he goes in search of an artiste. After a long search, he finds a dholki player Rajaram( Subodh Bhave) and his handicapped partner who plays harmonium, who perform on the street corner and beg for their daily earnings. Both of them agree to work with Shahir’s group.They achieve big success. However, watching the talent of Rajaram, Chandrika falls in love with him and is willing to spend all her savings for his eye operation, which is possible only through a donor. Watching his beloved moving towards Rajaram, Shahir feels dejected and when he is insulted by Chandrika, he closes his group and walks away from her life.
The film concludes with an unusual climax. Director Relekar has presented his screenplay well, with very good support coming from all the artistes. Besides Subodh Bhave, who is in parallel hero’s role, the lead pair of Harsh Kulkarni and Suvarna kale have performed very well. Since the film covers the period film of 60s or 70s, Kolhapur boy Harsh Kulkarni has been given a look of former Marathi film hero Suryakant and the Pune girl Suvarna known for her Lavani shows ‘Shukrachi Chandani‘ has proved that she was the best choice for this role. Subodh Bhave does extremely well through his body language, as he plays a blind dholki performer in the film. Good support comes from Vikas Samudre, who has better scope in this film. Sharad Ponkshe is just namesake in this film.
The film does have few flaws. It begins with a flashback from the point, where one jailer notices a doctor in the jail. But, fails to return to that scene. Even, Chandrika’s sudden shift of love from her beloved Shahir to Rajaram, looks somewhat unrealistic. But overall, the film has been well presented, with good technical support such as Jitendra Achrekar’s superb camera work, Santosh Phutane’s remarkable art work and above all Pravin Kunvar‘s wonderful music and background music. Two songs in ‘Chhand Priticha‘ film are picturised very well. The film is targeted at small towns in Maharashtra, but for tamasha music lovers it is a good treat.
‘Thank U Vitthala’ talks about self realisation
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Movie: Thank U Vitthala
Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: UA Duration: 130 min. Studio / Presenter: M G K Productions Producer(s): Govardhan Narayan Kale, Gaurav Govardhan Kale, Anjali Singh Director: Devendra Shivaji Jadhav Cast: Mahesh Manjrekar, Makarand Anaspure, Deepak Shirke, Kamalesh Sawant, Smita Shewale, Sunil Godbole, Pradeep Patwardhan, Kishore Chougule, Jaywant Wadkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In our day to day life we come across some people, who are not satisfied with their lives and they envy those, who possess money and power. Latest released Marathi film ‘Thank U Vitthala‘ presents one such character Haribhau Waghmare( Makarand Anaspure ) , who works as a Tiffin Carrier in the city of Mumbai . While delivering the Tiffins, Haribhau comes across many such people and feels that he should live like them. With the blessings of Lord Vithhala ( Mahesh Manjrekar) he gets three chances to experience the lives of three different characters. Not happy with any of them, finally he realises his mistake and decides to live as Haribhau . So, it’s all about self realisation.
This simple story of Haribhau is well presented by writer – director Devendra Jadhav with the help of M.Salim’s humour filled screenplay. There are many scenes which make audience think seriously about the happenings in our society, besides generating humour. At some places, the makers of this film have used the typical masala required for entertainment of masses, like the two item numbers inserted into the screenplay, which were not required for such type of theme in the film. But then, we have borrowed this style from Bollywood films. Few scenes in the film have been extended more than required communication between Haribhau and Vitthal. However, the overall film offers light entertainment with a timely message of ‘self realisation’.
Both Makarand Anaspure and Mahesh Manjrekar are the best choice for their respective roles in ‘Thank U Vitthala‘ film. Makarand in particular has excelled , while portraying variety of characters. Good support also comes from Mausami Tondwalkar, Abhijit Desai, Smita Shewale, Kamlesh Sawant, Purvi Bhave and many others. Music by Rohan Rohan is just fine. The film does offer light entertainment. In short, the theme of this film is good for a change.
‘Faster Fene’ takes you on a fast track
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Movie: Faster Fene
Rating: ★★★1/2 Genres: Drama Censor: UA Duration: 130 min. Studio / Presenter: Mumbai film Company, Zee Studios Producer(s): Genelia Deshmukh, Mangesh Kulkarni Director: Aditya Sarpotdar Cast: Amey Wagh, Parna Pethe, Girish Kulkarni, Dilip Prabhavalkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Detective stories are not new to Hindi Films or television. Even in Marathi few years ago, we saw a film like ‘Pune 52‘, which was based on a detective. Latest released Marathi film ‘Faster Fene‘ inspired by Late B.R.Bhagwat’s short stories and developed by Kshitij Patwardhan and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar is a detective story with a difference. It literally takes the audience on a fast track, while uncovering a biggest education scam.
In this film Banesh Fene( Amey Wagh) a youngster who comes to Pune to appear for Medical Entrance Exam, takes halt at Old Writer Bhagwat ‘s ( Dilip Prabhavalkar) house known to his family and is required to extend his stay there to detect a biggest education scam. Actually, at the exam centre Fene comes across another student Dhanesh Lanjekar , who seems to be all prepared for the exams. But, next day, when Fene is about to leave for his home town, he reads a newspaper story about the sad news of Dhanesh committing suicide. Out of curiosity, he decides to stay back and with his hobby of detecting the strange happenings, starts investigating the cause of Dhanesh’s death.
In his endeavor he finds support from his childhood friend turned trainee journalist Aboli( Parna Pethe), an auto rickshaw driver Ambadas ( Siddharth Jadhav ) and a street child Bhu Bhu ( Shubham More )who is offered shelter by Mr. Bhagwat. There are many interesting happenings in this film, while Fene encounters the most dangerous middle man involved in the biggest education scam Appa ( Girish Kulkarni ) . Screenplay and dialogue writer Kshitij Patweardhan and director Aditya Sarpotdar have very cleverly succeeded in uncovering the scam with the help of their main character of Fene. What is more appreciating is the subject dealt in this film, which is very timely.
There is no doubt that Amey Wagh who has all round experience of stage, television and films has given his best in the lead role, but Girish Kulkarni as a villain in this film is highly impressive. But, his role has been extended more than required in the second half of the film, especially in the scene while travelling in a PMT bus. Good support comes from artistes Dilip Prabhavalkar, Siddharth Jadhav, Parna Pethe, Shubham More, Shrikant Yadav and others. This film does not have a single song, but the background music by Troy Arif is remarkable and so is the sound design by Pramod Chandorkar and Pranay Pansare. Art Director Nikhil Kovale and photographer Milind Jog have also helped to make this film more presentable. Certainly a worth watch film. Don’t miss it.
‘Halal’ highlights the plight of a divorced Muslim Woman
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Movie: Halal
Rating: ★★★1/2 Genres: Drama Censor: UA Duration: 130 min. Studio / Presenter: Amol Kagne Films Producer(s): Laxman Eknathrao Kagne, Amol Laxman Kagne Director: Shivaji Lotan Patil Writer: Rajan Khan Cinematography (DOP): Ramani Ranjan Das Cast: Pritam Kagne, Chinmay Mandlekar, Priyadarshan Jadhav, Vijay Chavan, Chhaya Kadam, Amol Kagane, Vimal Mhatre, Sanjay Sugavkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
We have heard about the cases of divorced women reuniting with the same husband with mutual understanding before or even after the court judgment. But, in Muslim religion, this is not that easy. According to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, a man cannot remarry a woman after triple talaq, unless she has already consummated her marriage with another man and then that new husband dies or divorces her. In this case, the marriage (Nikah) of the woman with her new husband is called ‘Nikah halala‘.
Incidentally, in a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India barred Instant Triple Talaq on 22nd August 2017 and asked the Parliament to make a law on this matter. Latest released Marathi film ‘Halal‘ directed by National award winning film director Shivaji Lotan Patil is based on this controversial talaq.
Film ‘Halal‘ has chosen the subject of sufferings of a divorced Muslim woman. In this film, we find Halim ( Pritam Kagne) a young Muslim woman divorced by her husband Kuddus ( Priyadarshan Jadhav), through triple talaq procedure, only to relive her from the harassment by his mother at home. So, he drops her back to her parents.
Two year’s after the divorce, Kuddus, who otherwise loves his wife Halim, approaches Halim’s parents, after his mother’s death, to take her back home. But, Halim’s father ( Vijay Chavan ) and other villagers in the neighborhood remind him about the procedure in their religion. However, keeping in mind the good intention of his son in law, Halim’s father approaches Maulana of the Village (Chinmay Mandlekar) . Since there is no one coming forward for ‘Nikah halala‘, the Sarpanch ( Sanjay Sugaonkar) suggests the Maulana to be Halim’s second husband and the Maulana agrees for the temporary marriage to reunite Kuddus and Halim. But, Halim has to live with Maulana for three months, to complete the divorce procedure.
While Kuddus is busy preparing to welcome his wife back home, the helpful Maulana who is respected by the village community, also wants to keep his word. However, sudden developments take place in the screenplay and Halim has her say in the climax. The film certainly throws light on the plight of a helpless divorced muslim woman from a poor family. It is a timely subject and has been presented very well by the national award winning director Shivaji Lotan Patil. Some of the scenes involving villagers gossiping about Halim’s second marriage to maulana, don’t look natural. But, one should appreciate the subject , which is based on writer by Rajan Khan’s original story ‘Halala‘ and the efforts of producers Laxman and Amol kagne, who thought of giving cinematic look to this story.
Director Shivaji Lotan Patil has very effectively presented all his characters in the film. Priyadarshan Jadhav in the role of Kuddus does well to display his bold stand. Chinmay Mandlekar has been effective while portraying a respectable Maulana, but, he speaks only Hindi mixed with Urdu, in a Marathi speaking village. Surprisingly, in the entire film, he has not uttered a single Marathi dialogue. But, the surprise performance comes from Pritam Kagne, who has given a memorable performance in the lead role of Halim. She has not only expressed her emotions well in all the scenes, but has done remarkably well in the climax. Good support comes from other artistes like Vijay Chavan, Chhaya Kadam, Vimal Mhatre and others. Screenplay & dialogues by Nishant Dhapse are well presented.
The technical sides of the film are also worth appreciating, which include good cinematography by Ramani Ranjan Das, brilliant art by Santosh Samudre and superb make up for all the artistes by Laxman Jadhav. Music doesn’t have much scope, but Vijay Gatlewar has been able to give that required feel suited to this film through one song in the background. The film has already been screened at various International film festivals and has also won many awards. All in all, ‘Halal‘ is a timely film, which highlights very effectively, the plight of a divorced Muslim Woman.
‘Zindagi Virat’ offers casual entertainment
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Movie: Zindagi Virat
Rating: ★★1/2 Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio / Presenter: Anjaneya Sathe Entertainment Producer(s): Anjaneya Sathe Director: Sumit Sanghamitra Writer: Sumit Sanghamitra Cinematography (DOP): Satyajeet Shobha Shriram Cast: Bhau Kadam, Om Bhutkar, Atul Parchure, Kishor Kadam, Usha Naik… Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Presentation of script on the rural backdrop have become common now days in Marathi films. Latest released Marathi film ‘Zindagi Virat’ produced by Anjaneya Sathe (Grandson of Late Amrish Puri) and written and directed by Sumit Sanghamitra is no different than many such rural based films released in the recent past.
The story of this film begins with the death of Dattoba Ahiwale (Kishore Kadam) who is father of film’s young hero Santosh alias Santya ( Om Bhutkar) living in a village. Dattoba who is alcohol addict and working in a factory as night watchman dies in strange circumstances. Santya, who works as a construction worker performs all the rituals as per the tradition, to rest his father’s departed soul in peace. But, the crow doesn’t eat the food offered.
This disturbs Santya, who is reminded by his father’s ghost to fulfil his last wish i.e. of celebrating his birthday, by cutting a cake. This puts Santya in a dilemma, as he does not remember his father’s birthday. So, with the help of his close friend Asif alias Asfya ( Sumit Sanghamitra) from the same village, he goes in search of his father’s birth date. The rest of the film is their search for the same. And, this has been presented with a touch of light humour, with unfolding of the mystery in the climax.
The film could have been more interesting with more humour filled happenings, but the director who is himself a writer, has created more scenes for him, almost equal to the film’s hero, clearly indicating that he plays a parallel role. There is no doubt that both Om and Sumit have performed their respective roles with full commitment, but it is Kishore kadam, who steals the show, with whatever he finds to his share. In other important roles Usha Naik and Bhau Kadam are also impressive. It was not necessary to show the character of Usha Naik smoking Bidi in almost all her scenes in the film, with the caution message for tobacco smoking appearing all the time on the screen. Good support comes from Atul Parchure and others.
The film’s music by Suraj Dhiraj is just fine in few songs incorporated in the screenplay. But, Umakant Jagtap’s sound design and Satyajit Shobha Shriram’s cinematography appeal the most. All in all, ‘Zindagi Virat’ offers casual entertainment.
‘Tula Kalnnaar Nahi’ presents emotions mixed with humour
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Movie: Tula Kalnnaar Nahi
Rating: ★★★ Genres: Drama Censor: U Duration: 130 min. Studio / Presenter: Saksham Filmz, Gseams Producer(s): Shreea Yogesh Kadam, Swwapnil Joshi, Arjun Singh Baran, Kartik Nishandar Director: Swapna Waghmare Joshi Writer: Sameer Arora Cinematography (DOP): Prasad Bhende, Sandeep Dhumal Cast: Subodh Bhave, Sonalee Kulkarni, Sushant Shelar, Neetha Shetty Salvi, Anuradha Rajadhyaksha, Uday Tikekar, Siddharth Chandekar, Rasika Sunil Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Presentation of Love stories of young lovers are favourite subjects of Marathi film makers. Stories of Break ups before and after marriage are also not new to Marathi film lovers. Looking at the latest trend, there are many cases of divorce pending before the court for decision. Latest released Marathi film ‘Tula Kalnnaar Nahi‘ is about a young well to do married couple Rahul and Anjali Mankame, which is on the verge of divorce.
So, in the beginning of the film, we notice the cold war happening between Rahul and Anjali blaming each other for every small happening, when both of them are at home together. They correspond through notes made on a piece of paper. Both of them are seen busy with their own professions. While Anjali is creative photographer in an ad agency, Rahul works for a real estate company. When both are about to file their divorce, they leave for Goa, for their respective individual work. In a typical Bollywood film style, Rahul leaves in his own car, but on the way, a private car driver requests Rahul to drop his client, due to breakdown of his vehicle. And, the client is none other than Anjali. After, a tussle, Rahul agrees to take Anjali along with him, as Anjali still claims her right, being his wife.
On reaching Goa, the film ‘Tula Kalnnaar Nahi‘ takes a new turn, with a new girl Meneka joining Rahul on return journey, at the request of his Mumbai friend Sachin, who suggests him to try his new formula of ‘One Night Stand’. On seeing the new girl in Rahul’s life, Anjali also joins Rahul on return journey, claiming her right once again. But, this time Rahul has to reach Mumbai via Nagpur, where he wants to finish his work. So, the audience is taken for a ride with their road journey Goa to Mumbai via Nagpur. At this stage of screenplay, we find director Swapna Waghmare Joshi turning the film filled with emotions, with a new twist in the story, with addition of few more artistes in special appearance. And, we wonder why the film’s name was not ‘Mumbai- Goa-Mumbai via Nagpur’. Finally, it is happy end towards the climax of the film.
Presentation part of ‘Tula Kalnnaar Nahi‘ film till interval is interesting with humor filled happenings. But, in post interval session, we find the director using a typical Bollywood formula of combining emotions mixed with humour. Both Subodh Bhave and Sonalee Kulkarni have performed their roles convincingly doing full justice to their respective characters. Fine support comes from Neetha Shetty Salvi through her glamorous role and Sushant Shelar as Rahul’s close friend Sachin. There are few other artistes in the form of Anuradha Rajadhyaksha, Uday Tikekar, Siddharth Chandekar, Rasika Sunil and others , who offer good support through their small roles. Music by Nilesh Moharir, Amitraj is satisfactory and goes well with the film’s story and so is the fine camera work by Prasad Bhende & Sandeep Dhumal, capturing especially the outdoor locations very artistically. Young lovers and adults will surely enjoy this film. No wonder, Mumbai’s PVR- Growell witnessed a full house show on Sunday. And, this is certainly a good news for Marathi film makers.