Lalit to take Neha on a ride, to present a new TV show
Lalit Prabhakar the popular hero of small screen and Neha Mahajan the new sensation in Marathi films, are coming together for the first time. But, this is not for a film or a serial. They will be playing the host for Zee Talkies channel’s new programme ‘Talkies Light House’, which will be aired from Sunday 10th January 2016 at 4.30 pm. The repeat telecast of this programme can be seen following Saturday at10 am in the morning.
Through this programme, short films of well known filmmakers will be shown, with briefing about the making of the film, besides taking the viewers to the actual location, where the film’s story originates. So, it will be interesting to watch, how the chemistry of these two young hosts works, in the role of anchors.
Today, everybody, especially the viewers spread across small towns, is talking about the big game of ‘Saripaat ‘ to be played between Mhalsa and Banai( Banu), in the popular Zee Marathi TV serial ‘Jai Malhar’. While some women folks feel that Mhalsa is being cheated, while others feel that it is the only way, Banu can get justice. Anyway, the game of ‘Saripaat’ is not new to small screen lovers. As, we saw it in popular TV serial ‘Mahabharat’ about 29 years ago, when Pandavas lost everything in their possession, including Draupadi, in this gamble.
But, we now hear that the game of ‘Saripaat’ has popularized in small towns and villages in Maharashtra, where people have started playing this game as a competitive game, like Chess, carom or scrabble. But, it will not be surprising to see the popularity of this game spreading across the state soon, if someone really introduces the kit of this game, as a part time sport. Only care is to be taken that it is not used for gambling purpose.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
Now, ‘Aapla Talkies’ also joins to offer Marathi movies 24X7
We already have few TV channels like Zee Talkies & Maiboli , offering Marathi Movies round the clock. But now, there is addition of one more channel, to offer old classic and latest Marathi movies, 24×7 on Marathi television. At present, this channel is available on few service providers. But, it is expected to expand its network soon. Earlier, the name of this channel was different, but now, we understand that , they have finalized it as ‘Aapla Talkies’.
By the way, Zee Talkies will telecast world premiere of Marathi film ‘Carry On Maratha’ which was released just four months ago. And, that is a big news. But, Colors Marathi channel is also presenting TV World Premiere of another hit film ‘Balkadu’ coming Sunday i.e.13th December 2015 at 12 noon and 7 pm. Incidentally, ‘Balkadu’ was also released early this year. So, henceforth one thing is clear that the home viewers will get to see new Marathi films, within 4 to 10 months from their release date. However, home viewers are more keen to see some award winning films, instead of commercial films. Best example was that of ‘Zing Chik Zing’ which was recently shown on Maiboli channel.
Now days, there is lot of importance given to marriage ceremonies in TV serials. We have seen this happen in many TV serials in the recent past. Now, ‘Nanda Saukhyabhare’ on Zee Marathi, is getting ready to show the marriage of Neel and Swanandi , in a two hour long episode on coming Sunday. There is another marriage of Ishaan & Gauri also on the cards, in another TV serial ‘Tumcha Aamcha Same Asata’ non Star Pravah. And, how can we forget the most awaited marriage between Yash and Jui in ‘Asa Saasar Surekh Bai’ on Colors Marathi ? One thing is sure that both these marriages are sure to take place, as per the traditional practice followed by our serial makers. Now, how long they will take, depends upon the patience of the viewers.
The two Marathi serials, i.e. ‘Runji’ on Star Pravah and ‘Kamla’ on Colors channel, which started off well, are now tasting the patience of the viewers, with such events taking place , which are not at all convincing. Instead of watching such serials, it is better to watch some new subjects on social issues, presented by Doordarshan Sahyadri channel.
Zee Marathi are getting ready to introduce another love story, through their forthcoming serial ‘Pasant Aahe Mulgi’. However, which serial it will replace, is not known yet. Actually, it’s high time ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’ says Good Bye, after the delivery of Janhavi. But, we will have to wait and see, whether this will happen.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
‘Classmates’ premiered in style on Colors channel
Super hit film of the year, ‘Classmates’ was premiered on Colors channel, last Sunday. And, the manner in which it was presented, inserting the talk show amongst the team members, during the break, made it more interesting. It was nice to listen to the experience of all the artistes, during the making of this film. More than that, the telecast of this film was also enjoyable, considering its suspense filled screenplay and wonderful performances of the artistes. They all, really made a very good team.
It looks like that Colors channel is also getting ready to present the premieres of few more new films. The next one being another hit film ‘Balkadu’. But, we only hope that they don’t repeat these films every month, calling it second premiere or 3rd premiere and so on. By the way, the new mythological serial ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’ on this channel is yet to pick up; as there are many new faces. So, let us wait for few more episodes. But, little Ganesh and Parvati are doing well.
However, things are really not going well with their other serial ‘Kamla’ and entertainment show ‘Aali lahar kela Kahar’. Instead, the other serial like ‘Asa Saasar Surekh Bai’ and ‘Comedy chi Bullet train’ provide better entertainment. But, it’s high time, they replace their other serials with new subjects.
Now, talking about ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’ on Zee Marathi, after the big drama taking place in Janhavi’s house, now the focus is on Pintya’s newly wed wife Sunita. And, Komal Khamkar, who is playing this role, is making her presence felt, with a confident looking performance. Komal, who otherwise speaks good Marathi, has cleverly learned this village style accent, especially for this role. She is a very good dancer too and we hope to see her perform it, in this serial too.
Marathi music channels do help to popularize the songs of all forthcoming Marathi films. At the same time, they also help the new artistes. One best example, is that of Film ‘Urfi’. The songs of this film promoted on music channels, has helped the newcomer Mitali Mayekar. More and more people, especially youngsters, who have become her fans, are visiting nearby theatres, to watch her performance in the film ‘Urfi’ released last Friday.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’ – Mahesh Kothare’s new offering on Colors Channel
After achieving success through his Super hit mythological serial ‘Jai Malhar’ on Zee Marathi, Producer director Mahesh Kothare is now all set to offer his next mythological serial ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’, which will be telecast this time on Colors Marathi channel. This will be much bigger project, cost wise, than the previous serial, as the set cost of this serial has touched around 1.75 Crore. Even otherwise, while offering a serial based on mythology, there is lot of cost on art design, costumes and special effects and the well known film maker, has accepted all these challenges. Having gained a lot of experience through ‘Jai Malhar’, this time, we expect something big from him.
‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’ will be telecast from Tuesday 24th November 2015 at 8.30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Since, this serial is based on mythology ,with more emphasis on Mother –son relationship, it will be interesting to see the events involving Parvati and Ganesha. With women and children likely to shift to this serial, Zee Marathi’s ‘Majhe Pati Soubhagyavati’ will face a tough competition, at prime time 8.30 pm.
Actually, this serial witnesses overacting from Vaibhav Mangle, especially in his original male appearance, in all those scenes of excessive drinking in the company of friends and later abusing others. Even otherwise, Vaibhav Mangle taking his hair dresser for granted, to use her house, for his change over, that too in absence of her husband, looks odd and unconvincing.
Incidentally, Colors have also started an entertaining reality show for housewives, ‘Aamchya Gharaat Suunbai Joraat’, anchored by Harish Dudhade (‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ fame).With new team games for housewives, the show is likely to compete with Aadesh Bhauji’s ‘Home Minister’ on Zee Marathi. After dismal show in the initial episodes, their comedy show ‘Aali Lahar kela kahar’ seem to have shown some improvisation, taking up the local issues of Mumbaikars and especially Marathi people, through the skits in the recent episodes. But, in ‘Asa Sasar Surekh Bai’, they need to include some interesting happenings, rather than stretching on the problems faced by Yash’s uncle and his family. But, the saving grace of this serial is Mrunal Dusanis, whose presence on the screen, makes the viewers happy.
It is better not to talk much about ‘Star Pravah’ serials. It is high time, they replace their old serials, with outdated subjects with new offerings. Now, they are also facing competition from who have also started showing serials on social issues with better subjects, that too at prime time. And, we have already covered them last time.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
Marathi actresses make it big in Hindi serials
Marathi artistes working in Hindi serials is not new to home viewers. In the past, well known artistes like Nitish Bharadwaj, Varsha Usgaonkar have played prominent roles in grand TV serial ‘Mahabharat’. Then we saw, many more talented artistes in Marathi like Reema Lagoo and Supriya Pilgaonkar also establishing themselves, through popular serial ‘Tu Tu Main Main’. Recently, many Marathi artistes were seen in important roles in Hindi TV serials. And, prominent among them were Neena Kulkarni, Bharati Achrekar, Usha Nadkarni , Vikram Gokhale and others.
Now, we find ‘Chala Hava Yeu Dya‘ fame Shreya Bugde Seth bagging lead role in the DD national serial ‘Albeli- kahani Pyar ki’ which has began its telecast recently on DD National channel from Monday to Friday at prime time. Shreya has found a very challenging role in Hindi and she is making her presence felt, displaying her ample talent.
Among others Neena Kulkarni has been doing well as a south Indian woman in Star Plus serial ‘Yeh hai Mohabattein’ , while Bharti Achrekar makes her presence felt in another Star Plus serial ‘Sumit Sambhal Lega’ telecast at 10 pm. But, it was surprising to find Bhargavi Chirmule performing the prominent role of Sunayna Devi, in new one hour serial ‘Siya Ka Raam’ which is Ramayana from Sita’s point of view. There are other important characters in this serial, also played by some Marathi artistes and one of them is Janhavi’s father in ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’, Mr. Manoj Kolhatkar.
This is a big honour for our Marathi artistes. Now, with all these popular Marathi artistes in hindi serials, our own Marathi serials will have to make their scripts interesting, as the Marathi audience is likely to shift to Hindi, to watch their favourite Marathi artistes.
During the week, we saw Asmita fame Mayuri Wagh performing rain dance on the Maiboli music channel. And, the song was from the Marathi film ‘Bandh Premache’, which had many big artistes in lead roles.
Madhuri Dixit will have a good exposure on Marathi TV, as the programme ‘Marathi Taraka’ will be telecast on Sunday 22nd November on Zee Talkies. By the way, though Madhuri was the chief guest for this show, she shook her legs, in presence of our Marathi taraka, who performed her dances, from different Hindi films
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
‘DD Sahyadri’ gearing up for Prime Time competition
In spite of competition faced from private channels, Doordarshan Sahyadri channel is trying to make its presence felt, among section of people, living in some cities and rural areas of Maharashtra. Till now, Doordarshan had not tapped the prime time slots for their serials, during the past several years. But, now they are all set to introduce nine new serials, on different subjects and with well known artistes, during the prime time 8pm to 10 pm.daily.
Among the new serials, prominent among them will be ‘Maati Kokanchi Naati Janmachi’ which is targeted at youngsters from Konkan. Then, there are other social issues presented through story based serials like ‘Pashanpati’ and period serial ‘Sushilecha Dev’ based on the novel of Waman Malhar Joshi. There will be family serials like ‘Vachanbaddh’, ‘Goshta Umaltya Manachi’ and ‘Sangarsh Milanacha’ to inspire the women. To entertain the children, there will be an interesting serial like ‘Bunty Television.
We also understand that actress Aishwarya Narkar will also be presenting series of stories through her new serial ‘Chitrakathi’, based on the literature of well known writers, under the banner of her new production company ‘Aishwarya Arts’. For those, who love to watch detective serials, DD Sahyadri will be presenting interesting murder mysteries, detected through their serial ‘Anakalniya’. Now, it will be interesting to see, how these serials will compete with other ongoing Marathi serials on private channels ? But, one thing is sure, that DD Sahyadri is ready for it, as the subjects they have picked up, are very interesting .
Now, talking about the new arrivals on private channels, there was big hope from Bharat Jadhav show on Colors channel. But, their initial episodes were not very appealing. They need to focus more on good scripting.
In ‘Majhe Pati Soubhagyavati’ there was a lot of time wasted in preparing Vaibhav Mangale in the make up of an actress, for the photo shoot. The scene, in which Vaibhav hesitating to be free, in presence of actor Ashok Shinde , for the photo shoot, wasn’t very convincing. Being a professional actor, there was no need to show him feeling shy, in front of another male actor. One could understand his awkwardness in presence of the hair dresser, but not the male lead actor. Moreover, it is observed that the exchange of dialogues between Ramesh Bhatkar and Ashok Shinde, are repeated several times, with the same expressions given by both.
What was interesting to watch during the week, was the gripping story split in three episodes, in ‘Asmita’ on Zee Marathi. But, showing the parallel investigation carried out by ‘Asmita’ to prove her ‘father in law guilty’ in the murder of her father, only diverted the interest from the ongoing case of fake Income tax Officers.
Madhuri Out, Tejashree In
Television commercials are also watched by the home viewers, with keen interest, during the break of the popular serials, provided there are popular models endorsing the product. In the recent past, we have been observing many commercial ads, with our Marathi artistes promoting the consumer products. Ankush Choudhary, Pankaj Vishnu, Sachit Patil, Girija Oak Godbole are regularly seen in many commercial ads. Recently, we also saw two actresses from ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ serial, advertising for a consumer product.
But, the home viewers were surprised during the week, when Tejashree Pradhan, who plays the popular character of Janhavi in ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’, was seen advertising for a dish washer bar, along with another Marathi actor Adinath Kothare. Incidentally, she has replaced popular bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who was earlier advertising for the same product. So, it is almost like ‘Madhuri Out, Tejashree In’ to impress the Marathi audience.
The inclusion of more and more Marathi film and television artistes to endorse commercial products, has clearly indicated that their presence on screen, can make a big difference, to market a product. It is mainly because, the Marathi viewers closely relate themselves with actresses like Tejashree, Girija or Swanandi, rather than Bollywood actress like Madhuri, who is not considered as Marathi actress, by viewers in Maharashtra. Madhuri should therefore think seriously, about her Marathi image and accept some offers on Marathi television or films, be it, anchoring of a show, or acting in a Marathi film.
In the coming week, from 2nd November, Colors Marathi will present new comedy show of Bharat Jadhav, at prime time. Earlier, we were not aware of the other performers in this show; but, now it has been revealed that Kranti Redkar will also be part of this show, along with few other popular television artistes. However, it remains to be seen, whether Bharat Jadhav will succeed in pulling the viewers to his show. One thing is sure that Bharat’s mere presence will not work. The script of this show and its presentation will play an important role. By the way, Colors is a also gearing up to present their new serial ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’, perhaps to compete with other period serials based on mythology.
During the week, we noticed complete dominance of negative characters in most of the Marathi TV serials. Janhavi’s mother in ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’, Mothi Aai in ‘Runji’, Neel’s mother in ‘Nanda Saukhyabhare’, ‘Jui’s sister in ‘Asa Sasar Surekh bai’ were given more than required importance, in every episode. And, there was lot of overacting, noticed by the artistes, performing these roles. On some occasions, they were simply irritating. In the process, the presence of lead artistes the these serial is totally ignored. Hope, it doesn’t go against the serial, as popularity of the serial is always based on positive thinking, as noticed in some of the serials like Asmita’, ‘Duniyadari’ or the laughter shows, which are purely entertaining.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
It’s high time that we have common TV serial awards in Marathi
Till now, we find that only a particular channel hosts TV serial awards, restricted to serials aired on its channel. But, why can’t we have such awards open to Marathi serials, aired on other channels too ? If this happens, it will be a good competition to watch. When we can have awards instituted by different Groups and sponsors for Marathi films and Marathi stage, why there is injustice to Marathi serials, which has been offering talented artistes ? Few years ago, an event management company, which hosts TV serial awards in Hindi, had come forward with the proposal of hosting awards for Marathi serials too; but, that proposal remained on papers only, for want of sponsors.
Now days, we observe that popular TV artistes are in big demand for Marathi film and stage award functions held abroad, for performing dances or for anchoring shows. So, why can’t these Organisers also include awards for Marathi TV serial artistes and their makers? If these awards are added to the existing awards, they will help increase the popularity of these awards.
If such awards are introduced, it will create good completion among different channels and their producers, to offer their best creation. It will also be interesting to see Mrunal Dusanis competing with Dipti Ketkar , Suruchi Adarkar and Santosh Juvekar competing with Suyash Tilak and so on. Today, we find many TV serial makers, taking the viewers for granted. In many serials, we find the popular characters repeating the same dialogues again and again, with the same expressions on their face. To make a serial interesting, it is very necessary to have good communication among the characters, with quality and effective dialogues. There was a time, when we noticed good dialogues in past serials like ‘Damini’, ‘Vadalvaat’’, ‘Avantika’, ‘Agnihotra’, ‘Ya Sukhanno Ya’ & ‘Asambhav’. Why can’t we have such quality dialogues in the present day serials ?
To offer a good Marathi serial, there has to be a complete script ready, with dialogues. A popular TV serial director once said that he preferred to make a serial, which would be over within six months. But, today, we find many serials dragging on for more than a year. Sometimes, two years or even three years, with some of the artistes and even the director being replaced. And, that’s not fair.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
Varad Chavan is new addition to ‘Runji’
After completing 300 episodes, TV serial ‘Runji‘ on Star Pravah channel, seems to be going for a change. Now, the makers of this serial have found Varad Chavan to play an important role. And, this tall talented youngster, known for some of his negative roles in the past, has made his presence felt, on his entry into this otherwise lifeless serial. No wonder, they have also shot a Dandiya dance sequence on Bollywood actress Aliya Bhatt , on the occasion of Navaratri festival. Aliya has performed along with two actresses in the serial. And, this episode will be telecast soon. Needless to mention that it must be promotion for Aliya’s next film.
Even otherwise, Colors channel is trying to make it big, through their forthcoming Bharat Jadhav reality show, which is being advertised heavily. This show will go on air soon, during prime time. Bharat being a big name in Marathi entertainment industry, the show is likely to pose competition to programmes on other channels. By the way, on Colors Marathi channel, we saw a film of Makarand Anaspure ‘Asa Mee Tasa Mee’, which had a 70s traditional Hindi film style story. The other artistes of this film were Rahul Mehendale, Shweta Mehendale & Shruti Marathe in a negative role. Surprisingly, Shruti’s voice didn’t seem to be her own voice. Was it dubbed by anyone else?
Last week, Maiboli channel presented some good Marathi films . They were, Ajinkya Deo’s ‘Jetaa‘, Subodh Bhave’s ‘Ranbhool‘ . There was also a good Marathi drama ‘Hasat Khelat’ starring Ashok Saraf, Nivedita, Puushkar Shrotri, & Smita Tambe, shown on 14th October.
During the week, the awards for the Zee Marathi serials have been announced in a function. And, we understand that ‘Ka Re Durava’ has bagged nine awards in different categories, including ‘Best Serial’ award. And, Ketkar kaka and kaki bagging best Father and Mother’s awards. The best actor and actress awards have been won by Khandoba , Mhalsa and Banu respectively. ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ was declared as best family and so on. The telecast of this awards function will be on 1st November 2015.
By: Shweta Khot © MMW Network
Talented Dnyanada Panse finds scope in ‘Asmita’
Many a times we find new talented stage artistes performing in a story, extending up to three to four episodes, in detective serial ‘Asmita’ on Zee Marathi. Some of them are just passable; while few of them, really leave an impact on the home viewers, with their memorable performances. Those, who are really talented, for them, even an episode is enough to get noticed. One such actress is Dnyanada Panse. This young brilliant actress has already won the hearts of Marathi theatre lovers, through her wonderful performance in the ongoing popular Marathi play ‘Tya Tighanchi Goshta’, which has completed 100 shows, within a year.
In the latest episodes of ‘Asmita’, Dnyanada is playing a character of a newly married young woman, who wants Asmita to detect, as to why her father in law behaves strangely with her, in absence of her husband, who is away on a job assignment. With her father in law also making a similar allegation against his daughter in law, ; the case has turned interesting. But, this is only because of the superb performance of Dnyanada, which has brought the case to an interesting stage. We are sure that Dnyanada would find a suitable role in any forthcoming serial, as this performance will surely get her noticed, as a talented actress.
In ‘Ka Re Durava’ on the same channel, we find Jai slowly opening out, to make his point clear, in front of his father in law; but, the dialogues uttered by his father in law, are in the same style and with the same words, used by him, several times in the past. Even at home and office, we find the same conversation repeated again and again. If you notice their expressions, there is no change observed in close up shots. And, this is very monotonous. Why can’t they have new situations created? Simply finding one new character, will not help, to generate interest in this serial.
In ‘Asa Saasar Surekh Bai’ on Colors channel, so far Mrunal Dusanis invited all the attention, with her spontaneity in acting; but, for the past few episodes, Santosh Juvekar has made his presence felt, through some important scenes; be it convincing his Uncle or encouraging his cousin to do what she is happy with. Is it because, his film ‘Biker’s Adda’, is all set for release ?
One doesn’t really know, whether the contest ‘Daba Bot Milva Note’ on Zee talkies channel has attained popularity? But, the hosts have claimed that they have received overwhelming response, with 40 lakhs phone calls, from participants, from 21st September, the date of beginning of this contest. The contest is open till 18th October 2015. So, those interested, can try their luck, to win prizes.