‘Classmates’ displays excellent team work
 Rating: ★★★★
Genres: Drama, Romantic, Musical, Suspense Censor: U/A Duration: 130 min Studio/presenter: Video Palace, S.K. Production Films Producer: Suresh Pai Director: Aditya Ajay Sarpotdar Writer: Kshitij Patwardhan, Sameer Vidwans Lyrics: Guru Thaakur, Kshitij Patwardhan, Manndar Cholkar, Satyajeet Ranade Music: Amitraj, Avinash-Vishwajeet, Troy-Arif, Pankaj Padghan Cinematographer (DOP): K.K. Manoj Cast: Ankush Choudhary, Sonalee Kulkarni, Sai Tamhankar, Sushant Shelar, Sachit Patil, Siddharth Chandekar, Suyash Tilak, Pallavi Patil, Sanjay Mone, Kishori Shahane, Ramesh Dev. Movie Review by: Jitendra R More |
Every parting indicates a big loss; but, every reunion is a reminiscence. Based on this philosophy is ‘Classmates’, the latest offering from Aditya Sarpotdar. No matter, this film is an authorised remake of a South film, with the same name, Aditya has used his past seven years experience, to skilfully captain his team of talented performers. Set on the backdrop of a college life during 90s, the film begins with a scene 20 years later, when the classmates of 1995 batch reunite for a purpose, in their college. So, we witness the seven batch mates comprising of Satya (Ankush Chaudhari), Appu(Sai Tamhankar), Aditi (Sonalee Kulkarni), Rohit Bhosale, now a MLA (Sachit Patil), Pratap, now a Police Inspector( Sushant Shelar), Amit(Suyash Tilak), now husband of Appu and Heena ( Pallavi Patil), a Muslim woman and close friend of Aditi; attending the opening ceremony of the Music section in memory of their departed friend.
They are all welcomed by the lady principal (Kishori Shahane Viz), mother of late Ani (Siddharth Chandekar). As they are about to meet late in the evening, after the function, an unfortunate accident takes place in respect of one of their classmates. This being a biggest twist in the story, the film progresses with the investigation of the accident and at the same time, taking the viewers into flashback, to show the happenings twenty years ago, while they were in the college. So, we witness the acts of ragging, which prevailed those days, the rivalry between two groups, with the entry of politically backed youth wings, dance n music and of course the love affairs. In short, it is all in one contribution of action, saga, friendship, music and revenge.
Best thing about the film, is its well written screenplay by Sameer Vidwans and Kshitij Patwardhan and suitable dialogues by Kshitij, to meet the requirement of the realistic college lifestyle, during that period. But, above all the director Aditya Sarpotdar shows his presence through many important scenes. Watch the scene, where ace swimmer Sachit Patil folding his call letter from foreign university for admission, to support one of the tilting legs of the side table in his house.
This clearly displayed the gravity of the situation, where his father who is in deep trouble in Politics, requiring the support of his son and the son offering the same, through this act. Very cleverly, he has managed to unfold the mystery, in the screenplay. Though he gave a Marathi feel to this film, the two songs have a south Indian flavour. Even otherwise, barring two songs, the music is not very impressive. Perhaps, too many cooks couldn’t match well, with each other. But, the background score is simply fabulous. Good support comes from impressive camera work and sound design.
In the acting department, three actors have shown maturity in their acting, while portraying their respective characters. They are Ankush Choudhary , Sachit Patil and Siddharth Chandekar. All three of them stole the show, displaying diversity . The director has exploited their full potential. Among the females, Sonalee Kukarni has also shown lot of improvisation, in the role of Aditi. Sai Tamhankar suits well in the role of possessive Appu, but her performance is more dependent on the dialogues offered to her. Sushant Shelar and SuyashTilak are convincing, but Pallavi has been wasted in the role of Heena. Not much scope was given to this promising new find actress, who was picked up from the talent hunt programme of 9X Jhakas. Veterans like Kishori Shanane, Ramesh Deo and Sanajy Mone offer good support. But, the ultimate winner is Aditya Sarpotdar. He really stands tall, for his effective presentation style, in this story based and suspense filled film.
Aditya Sarpotdar – Bringing that desired change in Marathi
Aditya Sarpotdar is a young film maker, who is trying bring that quality change into Marathi films; with improvisation on technical aspects to make it look like any standard Bollywood film. His latest film ‘Satrangi Re’ is the best example of his work. Marathi Movie World spoke to Aditya Sarpotdar on the eve of his film’s release. Excerpts from his interview:
Q: How did you opt for direction ?
A: I have done my M.Com. from Symbiosis College, Pune. But, while I was studying my 11th , I did a short course in Film making from Pune’s FTII. Thereafter in Jr College, I did a short film in English, which was sent for International film festivals. Those days, I used to assist my father in direction. I also made 10-12 ad films later. After completing my college education, I joined ETV at Hyderabad and worked as a producer there. But, when I returned from there, I began my work on ‘Uladhaal’, which was my first independent film. This was possible because of the encouraging atmosphere at home.
Tejaa Devkar
Q Watching the promos of ‘Satrangi Re’ indicates that it’s a polished film like ‘Uladhaal’. What do you have to say ?
A: Basically, my background is from ad films. Therefore, when my Marathi film is released in a multiplex, I feel that there are other screens at the same place showing Hindi and English films with good production quality. Therefore, I decided to pay more attention on technical areas of my film. Whatever may be the subject, but I didn’t want my film to be falling short in these areas of post production. Highlight of the film is that we have engaged the colorist Mr. Rob Lang, who is an expert in DI . This is his first Marathi film and before that he worked for Bollywood films like ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Aarakshan’. We have used the best technical support, which makes a big difference.
Q: How did you manage the shooting schedule and how the locations were finalized?
A: Right from the days of script writing, we were thinking about Goa, to be an ideal location for the film’s script. We needed a backdrop of an urban touch, with youth passionate about music. And, Goa was the right place, with sizable Maharashtrian population. Having planned a 32 days schedule, it wasn’t possible to complete the entire shooting there. So, we planned outdoor shooting there and the indoors at Pune and Mumbai. But, you will not notice that change, while watching the film.
Q: How did you select the artistes ?
A: While casting, we had in mind that the artistes should look like real collegians and felt that Adinath, Siddharth and Bhushan, who were recognized faces would have a finest opportunity to prove themselves as natural actors through this film. To select an artist to play a real musician, we opted for Saumeel Shrungarpure, who is the nephew of Shankar Mahadevan and actually plays music in his team. This is his debut film as an actor. The other artistes had to undergo special training for three to four months and then we began the shooting. To say something about casting Pooja and Amruta, we felt that they were popular and well connected with youth and we also needed new fresh pairs.
Q: Would you like to share any particular incidence which took place, during the shooting ?
A: Oh, sure. This being a young team, they really had a great time during the shooting. This enabled them to have a fine tuning for their ‘on screen’ chemistry. One incidence that I can’t forget was when Adinath was shooting for a scene on a Scooter . We were shooting long shots, when suddenly he had head on collusion against a vehicle. We thought, he had major injury and may have to go for replacement. But, luckily, he survived with minor bruises .The next day, he removed his bandage and started shooting. Since the camera was rolling during this shot, we have retained it in scroll on. at the end of the film.
Q : Tell us, why should people watch ‘Satrangi Re’ ?
A: People from all age group should see this film, because it is not a youth film; but, it talks about the tuning between parents and their children. When the children complete their graduation, a time comes when they have to decide their future. At this juncture, parents have their own dreams about their child, while the child wants to pursue his passion. At this stage, what the parents should do ? So, from parents point of view, we have also paid more attention. In Marathi we have less youth films, compared to Bollywood and regional films. Therefore, we tried this experiment . And, to see that, people should watch this film.
Condolence Meeting for late Ajay Sarpotdar
A meeting of Marathi film industry association members of Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal will be held on June 8, Tuesday at Ravindra Nataya Mandir Mini Theater,3 Floor, to offer condolences to Mr. Ajay Sarpotdar, the erstwhile President of the Mahamandal who passed away recently.
All actors and technicians who wish to offer condolences to the bereaved family can attend this meet
Filmmaker Ajay Sarpotdar passes away
Chairman of Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal, Ajay Sarpotdar died in a city hospital in Pune , after a prolonged illness. He was 51.
Sarpotdar himself a filmmaker, had produced many documentaries and was also associated with film distribution. He had also directed a film titled ‘Painjan’.
As the chairman of the apex body of Marathi film makers, he had facilitated substantial financial assistance at government level for the movie producers. Marathi Movie world shall always remember him as a good friend . Paying sincere tributes to the departed soul.
‘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.