‘Dubhang’- an action filled family social
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Rating: na
Producer: Shankar Mitkari Director: Mahesh Kothare Music: Bapi Tutul Lyrics: Shreerang Godbole Cast: Adinath Kothare, Urmila Kanetkar, Ajinkya Deo, Sonali Kulkarni Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
For the past 25 years, since he turned a director, Mahesh Kothare has been offering quality films in Marathi. No wonder, he has given box office hits. He brought a number of innovations in the technical quality of Marathi films; like introducing the anamorphic format (Cinemascope) through his film ‘Dhadakebaaz’. It may be recalled that he brought Dolby Digital sound to Marathi Cinema with the film ‘Chimni Pakhara’. He made the first Marathi film ‘Pachadlela’ with Digital Special Effects and later turned out to be the first Marathi Film Maker to produce Sci-Fi films. This time, with his latest film ‘Dubhang’, there was something special in the form of Dolby Digital 7.1.
Written by Abhiram Bhadkamkar and the Screenplay by Shekhar Dhavlikar, ‘Dubhang’ (division) revolves around a youngster Rohan Jadhav (Adinath Kothare) who has only one ambition, that is to win nationals and represent India at the Olympics to win a Gold. Like any other young upcoming sportsperson in India, Rohan too struggles in his life. On one side he has to make his coach (Bharat Dabholkar) happy by devoting full concentration to his game and on the other side, his beloved Vishakha (Urmila Kanitkar) is being forced to marry a NRI. So, Rohan takes a quick decision and elopes with his girlfriend, with the hope that his uncle would help him. But, that does not happen. His principled wife, suggests him to be self sufficient and prepares herself to take up a job.
The next few moths are real test of their patience, when it’s time for his wife to deliver a child. Rohan becomes tense, with the worry of managing a third one. However, his friend- Tapshya (Nilesh Sable) and Vishakha’s aunty (Seema Deo) extend moral support to the young couple. But, destiny has something else in store for the couple. When, one night Vishakha is rushed to the hospital, another couple (Ajinkya Deo and Sonali Kulkarni) also walk in there in a posh car. The delivery of both the females take place around the same time with both of them taking their own time to recover. It is during this time, that the big industrialist Sachit (Ajinkya Deo) and Rohan enter into a secret deal.
Both the couples live happily thereafter. In fact, Rohan’s life changes completely with a bungalow and and a car at his service. He also helps his friend in return , who is need of a loan for renovation of his hotel. With luxurious living and all the blessings in the form of new sponsor for his game, Rohan works hard to achieve his ultimate goal; but feels the guilt within him. Finally, he decides to reveal the truth to his wife. But, the wife does not take it in the right spirit and she leaves him and takes shelter at her aunty’s place. Now, Rohan has no other option but to break the deal, inviting more trouble for self. The clever director, however knowing the pulse of Marathi audience well , decides to conclude with happy end in the climax.
Going with his tradition, Director Mahesh Kothare has presented a form of entertainment with a difference. He has used this theme based on a Malyalam film, but converted it into a cinematic format suited to Marathi audience. Since this film was to decide the future of his son, he took all possible efforts to project him as young hero with an appeal. This also being the first film for the two good friends in real life now all set to get married next month, it also needed to work their chemistry well through the lead characters they played. In that respect, Mahesh Kothare has succeeded in his mission and the two youngsters have lived up to his expectations with superb performances. With his cute face supported by talent, Adinath should turn a chocolate hero in Marathi film industry.
One expected good performance from Urmila; but surprisingly Adinath also did equally well in most of the emotion filled scenes. Afterall, acting is in his blood. Ajinkya Deo, in that role of an industrialist does very well . His acting is worth watching in the climax. Sonali Kulkarni is at ease like a professional actress in those limited scenes, while Seema Deo, Sunil Tawde, Vijay Chavan, Ganesh Yadav perform their small roles effectively. Among youngsters, Nilesh Yadav and Aarti Solanki have little scope; but they do their jobs well. The other two friends are just namesake, with one of them trying to imitate Tushar Kapoor style of comedy. Music is just okay, with Mahesh using his favorite parody style in one of the songs. Photography is good and so is the editing work. Produced by Shankar Mitkari (Sai Shankar Films) with the sponsorship of Future Generally, the film, has turned out to be an action filled family social. Now, it all remains to be seen, how the Marathi audience is going to welcome this film and the new pair.
‘Don Ghadicha Daav’ inspired by Bollywood’s ‘Dhund’
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Rating: na
Presenter: Dhruv Film Production House Producers: Abhiraj Films, Screenplay – Director: Amol Shetge Story: Suresh Jayram Camera: Sudesh Deshmane Music: Nitin Hivarkar Cast: Makarand Anspure, Sayaji Shinde, Ajinkya Deo, Saie Tamhankar, Kanchan Adhikari Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Film maker Kanchan Adhikari’s new Marathi film ‘Don Ghadicha Daav’ has been released at a time when Single screen theatres are on strike besides the World Cup cricket fever going on. This suspense filled film is certainly something new to Marathi cinema and had raised lot of hopes, but unfortunately, it has been inspired by Agatha Christie’s play and 1973 Bollywood film ‘Dhund’.
‘Don Ghadicha Daav’ is the story of a young woman – Vaidehi Sarpotdar (Sai Tamhankar), whose invalid husband – Arjun Sarpotdar (Sayaji Shinde) is murdered. A stranger, whose car breaks down near Sarpotdar’s bungalow walks in and identifies himself as Saumitra (Makarand Anaspure). He comes to the rescue of Vaidehi, who is confused in such a situation and then he draws a plan , taking advantage of the night hour with lightening and heavy rains outside.
The finger of suspicion obviously points at the young widow- Vaidehi, Arjun’s step mother (Kanchan Adhikari), Arjun’s mentally challenged step brother Babul for property reasons and a person called J. P. whose son has been crushed to death under Arjun’s car. There is also one more suspect in the form of family friend Dr. Umesh Sontakke (Ajinkya Dev) , who befriends Vaidehi. Everyone has a different version on how the actual murder took place and that makes Police to go into details of investigation. Finally, the real murderer comes forward with his revelations and surrenders before the police, when they are about to arrest someone else.
Though originally based on Agatha Christie’s play ‘The Unexpected Guest’, the film is almost a remake of B.R. Chopra’s suspense filled film ‘Dhund’ starring Sanjay Khan, Zeenat Aman, Danny Denzongpa, Deven Verma, Madan Puri & Navin Nischol; which was also based on this English play. In short , one can say that ‘Don Ghadicha Daav’ is a scene to scene copy of ‘Dhund’, barring few changes here and there to suit the requirements of some of the characters. How could someone else claim it as his own story? Above all, Director Amol Shetge who is also a screenplay writer besides director, has successfully presented the screenplay on the lines of ‘Dhund’.
Makarand Anaspure, who plays the character of a stranger-Saumitra has a different type of role to play in this film and he does justice to his character that was played by late Navin Nischol in the original version. Sai Tamhankar plays the character of helpless Vaidehi with few sparks. Her role cannot be compared with Zeenat Aman’s Rani, as Vaidehi has displayed the real pains of a girl in misery in her own way. Ajinkya Dev plays the role of Umesh Sontakke in his own style but on few occasions he forgets that he is a doctor. Take for example that scene with cigarette smoking in style. Perhaps, he was confused whether he was a doctor or an advocate, as in the original version his character is an advocate played by Sanjay Khan and that is the only change noticed. In the role of a Step mother, Kanchan Adhikari, who has made a comeback into acting after a gap of 23 years, certainly needed some more scenes and she has done justice to her role. Rest of the characters such as the lunatic step brother Babul and the servant Narsu are the same, as we witnessed in Dhund, except for the female maid.
To speak about the presentation part of the film, it has been presented well using latest technology of editing and sound effects to create that required ambience wherever called for. The locations are perfect but the background music turns loud on few occasions, as if it was a horror film. There is only one song in the film and that too an item number picturised on Dipshika and Sayaji Shinde, hence whatever scope the music director had was through background music only.
The film may invite the attention of collegians and fans of Agatha Christie stories, but it would certainly disappoint the real Marathi film lovers who are looking for original and sensational subjects. At a time when Marathi films are acclaimed at the national and international level, there were big expectations from this dynamic lady film maker, who gave us a sensible film like ‘Manini’; but, this time she preferred to go the Bollywood way.
‘Jeta’ is a strong answer to ‘Justice denied’
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Rating: na
Producers: Ramesh Deo Production (P) Ltd. & Lokmat Entertainment Director: Ajinkya Deo, Amol Shetge Story-Screenplay: Ajinkya Deo, Amol Shetge | Music: Vaishali Samant Lyrics: Vaibhav Joshi Camera: Dhananjay Kulkarni Cast: Ramesh Deo, Seema Deo, Ajinkya Deo, Manava Naik, Aniket Kelkar, Hemangi Mahabaleshwarkar, Atharva Undale, Sandeep Mehta, Prasad Oak, Aditya Shah, Ranjeet Jog, Kaustubh Diwan, Sharad Ponkshe, Ravi Patwardhan, Sanjay Kshemkalyani, Janardan Parab, Atul Joshi Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: “Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere.” Based on the ideology behind such thoughtful utterances, Ramesh Deo Productions and Lokmat Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., have come up with a strong answer to an existing situation in the society, where justice is denied to a father, who is the only witness to his daughter’s murder. “If the hands of Law were strong enough, no one would dare to commit a crime, says Prof. Yashwant Rajadhyaksha, (played by Veteran actor Ramesh Deo) a retired professor of law, in the concluding part of the film. ‘Jeta’ has such a strong subject that is pushed with equally interesting screenplay supported by sensible dialogues to create awareness in the society. In short, it is a message to law makers.
The film opens up with an old couple Mr. & Ms. Rajadhyaksha (Ramesh Deo and Seema) remembering their daughter Shweta (Manava Naik) , who is murdered by three youngsters of influential parents. Very cleverly the director has used the lyrics of the song ‘Ya Sukhano Ya..’ reminding both about their longtime association. Shweta, who is making a documentary film on a village –Kalambi, (as part of her project in college)which is being redeveloped in the name of SEZ, by exploiting the rural poor. She gets a strong support from a protagonist Prabhakar Pannicker (Sharad Ponkshe) a leftist, and other villagers. The three youngsters later murder Shweta while attempting to collect the evidence against them and that too in the presence of her father, who puts up a brave fight.
The case is heard in the court of law and the three criminals get away with the crime, for want of sufficient evidence. Helpless Professor is then encouraged by his wife to take revenge and the professor takes his revenge in his own style, by killing two out of three killers using his well planned methodology. An ACP Vikrant Marathe( Ajinkya Deo) steps in to investigate the murders. This is where the screenplay takes a new twist. Prof. Rajadyaksha does succeed in his mission for the third time, but he gets the timely support from another person. And, this time, his beloved wife is present to watch that scene. The next day, the couple take leisurely walk at the sea shore, having completed their mission successfully. But, this time, the professor has a message, “Come forward and fight injustice, be a ‘Jeta’, yourself. Have courage to fight your own battle.”
The film has the touches of popular Bollywood film ‘Andhaa kanoon’ and recently released Marathi film ‘Second Inning’. However, looking at the efforts put in by director duo- Ajinkya Deo and Amol Shetge, it is certainly a good presentation to create that desired impact on the audience. Screenplay and dialogues match well with the main theme, which is ‘revenge’. Every important scene is well supported by suitable sound effects and background music. Lyrics by Vaibhav Joshi and music by Vaishali Samant also go well with the screenplay. Both have also tried a song on RD style in a Disco with the help of suitable light effects. Editing by Sarvesh Parab is satisfactory, as you don’t feel bored anytime during the film. Photography by Dhananjay Kulkarni is also impressive.
It was nice to watch the veteran couple together after a long time. And, both Ramesh Deo and Seema have performed well. Seema in particular was at her best in that sequence where she encounters ACP with battle of words. Even the interaction between Sharad Ponkshe and Ajinkya Deo during investigation process, extracts the best from these two talented artistes. Manava naik and other artistes in the film support well.
The film has successfully managed to present a theme, which is so relevant in today’s time, when some of the dreaded criminals are making a mockery of our system, finding the loopholes. Is it a right thing to kill such dreaded criminals in a fake encounter? And, the film has the answer. Hopefully, such a film with a sensational theme should receive a good response from Marathi film lovers.
Ringa Ringa – An Exciting Psychological Thriller !
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Rating: na
Presenter: Nishad Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd. Producers: Kanchan Satpute, Shiva Baba Naik & Suresh Pai Camera, Director: Sanjay Jadhav Story: Amol Shetge Lyrics: Guru Thakur Music: Ajay Atul Cast: Sonali Kulkarni, Ajinkya Deo, Bharat Jadhav, Ankush Chowdhary, Santosh Juwekar, Aditi Gowitrikar Movie Review by: Sandeep Hattangadi |
Looking at the way he handles the film technically, Sanjay Jadhav is today the most perfect cinematographer- director in the Marathi film industry. Through his first film ‘Checkmate’, as a director he showed promise and now with his second film ‘Ringa Ringa’ , he has proved that he is a master of films with suspense genre. Producer Kanchan Satpute’s ‘Ringa Ringa’ can thus be called an excellent edge -of- the seat thriller.
The film is set in Goa with a political backdrop projecting Rangrao (Ajinkya Dev), who is all set to become the Goa CM in spite of his nexus with terrorists. But, his security chief played by Bharat Jadhav (in a total macho makeover) spills the beans of Rangrao to the Party chief (Uday Sabnis) . He is assigned the task of getting the evidence against Rangrao. In the meantime, a small time goon Anthony is bumped off by Rangrao’s hit-man (Santosh Juvekar).
The files, tapes and the photos of Rangrao, which are with an inspector (Kamlesh Sawant) turns dirty on Rangrao’s ‘odd job man’(Ankush Chowdhary’s ) offer of money. A deal is made and Rangrao hands over the money to the inspector but then Rangrao’s hit-man kills the inspector too. Now, the files and the tapes are with Bharat, who runs away from the crime scene and calls his beautiful wife (Sonali Kulkarni) to the bus stand but is chased by the hit-man. So, he hides the evidence at a safe place. In the process he is killed and dies in his wife’s arms but reveals to her about the evidence and the whole story of crime.
Then begins the cat and mouse game between Sonali and Rangrao and his henchmen, which ends with Sonali landing up in a mental asylum along with her aged father (Jayant Savarakar). But, before that there is a twist in the tale and it would be unfair to reveal the same. The film is a racy thriller and the director seems to be influenced by Hitchcock’s ‘Gaslight’, Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’, Sergio Leone’s ‘All his Sphagetti westerns’ (especially the liberal use of nursery rhymes) other classic thrillers like ‘To Chase a Crooked Shadow’ and ‘No Way Out’.
But the final product is a worth watch with slick frames and excellent music by Ajay-Atul, with a good beat like the ‘Bai Ga Bai Ga’(Kunal Ganjawala) song which has been choreographed well in a carnival like atmosphere. The screenplay and dialogues by Amol Shetge deserve praise. The editor Amit Pawar has done a good job, with quick inter-cutting of frames, especially the sepia toned sequences.
The performances are exemplary by the entire cast. Sonali Kulkarni, delivers her career best performance and is likely to win all major awards this year. Bharat Jadhav has a ‘never-seen-before’ kind of role and does well. Santosh Juvekar and Ankush Chowdhary are good but their characterization could have been better. Ajinkya Dev in a negative role sets the screen on fire. Sanjay Mone’s cameo as Dr.Shanbhag leaves a mark. Uday Sabnis, Jayant Savarkar lend good support. Aditi Govitrikar lends oomph to the film.
Watch this film for some exciting thrills and wonderful performances!
‘Ringa Ringa’ nearing completion
Nishad Audio Visual Pvt Ltd are almost on the verge of completion of the shooting of their new film ‘Ringa Ringa’, which is an action packed thriller. After the success of ‘Chekmate‘ and ‘Bokya Satbande‘, producer Kanchan Satpute has paid more attention on making this film more entertaining suited to today’s audience. She has made a right choice in Sanjay Jadhav, who will be directing this film based on his own script. Sanjay, a talented cinematographer, who has recently won V. Shantaram Award for best Cinematography for ‘Jogwa’.
‘Ringa Ringa’ has been shot on the backdrop of picturesque Goa, where the film’s script revolves around a character Rangrao, with criminal background who turns a politician. The film picturises the ups and downs in his journey to politics. With Ajinkya deo playing a totally different role in this film, the other popular star cast comprise of Sonali Kulkarni, Bharat Jadhav, Ankush Choudhary, Santosh Juvekar, Sanjay Mone, Udhay Sabnis, Jayant Savarkar, Kamlesh Sawant and Aditi Govitrikar. Art direction by Mahesh Salgaonkar, Sound by Mandar Kulkarni, Choreography by Umesh Jadhav & Rajesh Bidwe, Editing by Amit Pawar, Screenplay-dialogues by Amol Shetge, co-producers Shvababa Naik and Suresh Pai , Lyrics by Guru Thakur and music by Ajay-Atul are the other credits of the film. The film will be ready for release during next two months time.
‘VASUDEV BALWANT PHADAKE’ REVIEW
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Rating: na
Producers: Ramesh Deo Production & Maharastra Govt. Director: Gajendra Ahire Music: Hridaynath Mangeshkar Art Director: Nitin Desai Cinematography: Krishnamurthy, Rajen Kotharis Background Score: Amar Mohile Dialogue: Ashish Deo Cast: Ramesh Deo, Ajinkya Deo, Sonali Kulkarni, Rahul Singh, Shrikant Moghe, Kamlesh Sawant, Vijay Kadam, Vijay Patkar, Smita Gondkar… Movie Review by: Nisha Garud |
Ajinkya Deo gives a mesmerizing performance as Vasudev Balwant Phadke in the much awaited movie of the year. The movie depicts the journey of the life of a great revolutionary and takes one from the green fields of his birth place in Shirghon (Raigad district) to the deserts of Eden where he takes his last breath.
Working as a assiduous clerk with military accounts department in Pune, Vasudev is denied a day’s leave to meet his ailing mother, an incident which becomes a turning point in his life and he takes up the task of liberating his Mother Land. He tours the country giving lectures; motivating and urging people to stop serving the British and break the bonds of slavery. He takes the help of the lower classes and forms an army to fight against the British. He and his army looted rich zamindars to fund their activities. His knowledge of working with military and handling their accounts helps him to know the hideouts of the arms and ammunitions of the Britishers. Touched by the condition of the farmers in Maharashtra, he rises to the cause of becoming their savior. Cause of his surpise attacks on the tyrant British officers he was known among the British Officers. British Officers announces reward of Rs 4000 to whoever got Vasudev Balwant Phadke in their notice. But this man has dare to place ‘wanted’ posters offering a reward of Rs 5000 for capturing same british officers. against that Rs. The Govt. is compelled to send more army officials to capture him and put an end to the terror he has caused among the Officers. To continue to carry his task forward, he is asked to go into hiding as Kashikar Bhooaa by his colleagues. A losing battle against the British takes him to Andhra Pradesh where he initiates ties with Ismail community and they decide to employ people as army officials and make a new army of their own to fight against the Britishers. Deteriorating health, ending rainy season and deception by the local Vaidya (doctor) lead to his imprisonment. Unending torturous life in the prison of Eden jail finally takes away this great martyr to the doors of death.
Sonali Kulkarni plays Bhavani, who is secretly in love with Vasudev. She is a great supporter of his cause and accompanies him on his all expeditions. Sonali is fabulous in her performance as a Ramoshi girl with the rustic language and accent. Legend Hridaynath Mangeshkar’s music and Amar Mohile’s background music adds a heroic, patriotic and vibrant touch to the story. Nitin Desai’s art direction is as marvelous as ever. Cinematographers Krishnamurthy and Rajen Kothari have done wonders to make the film realistic and lively.
Though the movie loses its thread in the middle and also lacks effective dialogues, a must watch for all those Marathi movie freaks