Renowned personalities attend teaser launch of ‘Halal’
We are all aware that Marathi film ‘Halal‘ has been inviting all the attention prior to its theatre release, mainly because the film throws light on exploitation of Muslim women under the pretext of Talaq(divorce). Produced by Amol Kagne and directed by National award winning director Shivaji Lotan Patil, this film has already received appreciation at various international film festivals.
Recently during the teaser launch of ‘Halal‘ film, many renowned personalities like Amol Palekar, Dr.Baba Adhav, writer Sanjay Pawar & President of Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal Mr. Shamsuddin Tamboli were present on this occasion. Written by Rajan Khan, the film ‘Halal’ is all set to release on 29th September 2017. The film stars Chinmay Mandlekar, Pritam Kagne, Priyadarshan Jadhav, Vijay Chavan, Chhaya Kadam, Amol Kagne, Vimal Mhatre & Sanjay Sugaonkar in lead roles. Cinematography by Ramani Ranjandas and music by Vijay Gatlewar are the other credits of this film.
Amol Palekar, Actor
Biography / Profile:
Born : 24 November
Occupation : Director, Actor
During the period 1974( with his debut in Rajnigandha) till 1987( with Khamosh) Amol Palekar as an actor had maximum i.e. 34 films released . With ‘Akriet’ he switched over to direction in 1981 and later directed films like ‘Ankahee’, ‘Thodasa Romani Ho Jaye’, ‘Banagarwadi’, ‘Daayara’, ‘Kairee’, ‘Kal ka Aadmi’, ‘Anahaat’, ‘Paheli’& ‘Quest’. In between, he did act in other productions like ‘Teesra kaun’ and ‘Aks’ as a character actor till 2003. Now, he seems to be all focused as a film maker. His Marathi film ‘Samantar’ has just been released.
A national award winner, Palekar is back again. Through his latest Marathi film ‘Samantar’ he tells the story of a 60-year-old man, Keshav Vaze (played by him), who in spite of earning a lot of wealth, feels the pinch of loneliness at one stage. Sharmaila Tagore has played his co-star in this film. In a recent interview, Amol has stated that regional films present the true picture of India. According to him, Good regional cinema is more binding, as there can be a lot of experimentation on that front. His personal opinion about Bollywood films is that they are not the end of Indian cinema.
Amol Palekar has surely come a long way. With his simple common man act in ‘Rrajnigandha’ ‘Golmaal’, ‘Gharonda’ and ‘Baaton Baaton Mein’, to being a social committed film-maker with ‘Daayra’ and ‘Kairi’ he engraved a brilliant fantasy like ‘Paheli’, which was extensively appreciated. With creativity unlimited, Amol is trying his best to offer meaningful cinema. After breaking away from first wife Chitra, he seems to be happy with Sandhya who has not only supported him at home front but also at the professional level, feeding him with the required content for quality film making. With the release of ‘Samantar’ this has been proved.
Filmography:
- Movie(s)
- Samaantar (2009)
- Aks (July 13, 2001)
- Teesra Kaun (December 23, 1994)
- Khamosh (1986)
- Baat Ban Jaye (1986)
- Jhoothi (1986)
- Ankahee (1985)
- Tarang (1984)
- Pyaasi Ankhen (1984)
- Rang Birangi (1983)
- Shriman Shrimati (March 5, 1982)
- Jeevan Dhara (February 6, 1982)
- Agnee Pareeksha (1982)
- Ram Nagari (1982)
- Naram Garam (February 28, 1981)
- Sameera (1981)
- Jeena Yahan (1981)
- Plot No. 5 (1981)
- Akriet (1981)
- Aanchal (September 18, 1980)
- Apne Paray (August 8, 1980)
- Chehre Pe Chehra (1980)
- Golmaal (April 20, 1979)
- Baton Baton Mein (April 13, 1979)
- Solvan Sawan (1979)
- Do Ladke Dono Kadke (1979)
- Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi (1979)
- Damaad (1978)
- Bhumika (November 11, 1977)
- Agar (1977)
- Taxi Taxi (1977)
- Kanneswara Rama (1977)
- Gharonda (1977)
- Safed Jhooth (1977)
- Chitchor (1976)
- Chhoti Si Baat (1976)
- Rajnigandha (1974)
- Movies as a Director
- Dhoosar (2011)
- Samaantar (2010)
- Once Again (2010)
- Quest (September 29, 2006)
- Paheli (June 24, 2005)
- Anaahat (2003)
- Kal Ka Aadmi (2001)
- Kairee (2000)
- Daayraa (1996)
- Banagarwadi (1995)
- Thodasa Roomani Ho Jayen (1991)
- Ankahee (1985)
- Akriet (1981)
- Screenplay
- Kairee (2000)
- Story Writer
- Paheli (June 24, 2005)
- Producer
- Thodasa Roomani Ho Jayen (1991)
- Ankahee (1985)
- Serial(s)
- Kachchi Dhoop – 1987
- Naqab – 1988
- Paoolkhuna – 1993
- Mrignayanee – 1991
- Kareena Kareena – 2004
- AA Bail Mujhe Maar – 1987
- Ek Nayi Ummeed-Roshni – 2015
- Play(s)
Award(s):
Filmfare Award Best Actor
Chhoti Si Baat (1977)
Gol Maal (1980)
Interview(s):
A creative legend, called Amol Palekar
Amol Palekar – still unmatched
Amol Palekar is now chief of Jury, to select Indian film for Oscars
” There are several Indian films in the race for ‘Oscars’ ” and all are best. It’s really tough to choose one ; which is also good sign. I will sit with my colleagues and also listen to them, before choosing the best one,” said Mr. Amol Palekar, newly appointed chairman of 16 member Jury, to select the best Indian film for ‘Oscars’ entry.
Mr Palekar who was once upon a time known as ‘middle-class superstar‘ with hit movies like, ‘Rajanigandha’, ‘Chhoti is Baat’, ‘Chit Chor‘, ‘Golmaal’ etc; later directed movies like ‘Aakriet’, ‘Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaye’ and Shahrukh Khan starrer ‘Paheli’, which represented India at the ‘Oscars’.
In this new task, Amol Palekar along with other jury members, will be responsible to select a movie which will be India’s official entry to next year’s ‘Oscars’.
It is understood that though the final guidelines for the selection of films have not been formulated, Mr . Palekar maintains to have unanimous selection process.
The Actor-director Amol Palekar’s appointment as a chairman of prestigious ‘Indian Oscar Jury’ has also been supported by ‘Film Federation of India’.
MMW congratulates Mr Amol Palekar on his new appointment.
A creative legend, called Amol Palekar
Not all the Marathi actors who received Bollywood offers, were successful. But, in 70s Amol Palekar invited all the attention. His popularity as an actor in Bollywood, still remains, which is clearly visible from the recently released Ajay Devgan-Abhishek Bachchan starrer film ‘Bol Bachchan’ , where his original hit film ‘Golmaal’ scenes were repeated. The credit obviously goes to Amol Palekar’s perfect timing for comedy, which is evident from his past films ‘Chotisi Baat’, ‘Golmaal’, ‘Baton Baton Mein’ and so on.
It did not matter to an actor within Amol Palekar, as to who was directing him. He was always at ease. Moreover, those great film makers like Basu Chatterjee and Hrishikesh Mukherjee very well knew his potential. So, natural was his performance. No wonder, he won the filmfare award for Best actor for ‘Golmaal’ in 1980, in presence of top actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Rajesh khanna, Vinod Khanna, Jitendra, Mithun Chakraborty around.
Being student of Fine Arts at the Sir JJ School of Arts, Mumbai, creativity had set in his mind. Though, he commenced his artistic career as a painter; it was in late sixties, he became active in Marathi and Hindi theatre; as an actor, director and producer. Later, as an actor, he achieved prominence for almost over a decade from 1970. His image of a common man on screen, posed challenge to all those larger-than-life heroes of that period in Indian cinema. In all, he received nine prestigious awards, as Best Actor.
Amol also went on to perform in regional language films in Marathi, Bengali, Malyalam and Kannada, which fetched him critical acclaim as well. After 1986, he had almost stopped acting, to focus on filmmaking. As a director, we have seen his ability through his sensitive portrayal of women, selection of memorable stories from Indian literature and insightful handling of social issues.
In the past, Amol was also involved in production of several television serials, especially on the national network; namely ‘Kachchi Dhoop’, ‘Mrignayani’, ‘Naquab’, ‘Paool Khuna’ and ‘Krishna Kali’, Having a background of experimental theatre with Pt. Satydev Dubey, it enabled him to start his own theatre group ‘Aniket’ sometime in 1972. By the time, he had already made his acting debut through Marathi film ‘Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe’ directed by Satyadev Dubey, which brought a new movement into Marathi cinema. .
‘Aakriet’ was the first Marathi film directed by him. Later, he displayed his creativity through an unusual Hindi film ‘ Paheli’ starring popular stars like Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Juhu Chawla. This movie was India’s official entry for Best Foreign language Film at the 2006 Oscars. This itself was an honour for Amol. Besides film making, Amol involved himself in social service, offering his voice to an HIV/AIDS education animated software tutorial, created by the non profit organization TeachAIDS.
After his divorce from first wife Chitra, Amol settled down in Pune and married writer Sandya Gokhale. Both of them together have offered quality films, beginning with ‘Paheli’, followed by Marathi film ‘Samantar’ starring Sharmila Tagore and now they have presented an entertaining Marathi film ‘We are On, Houn Jaoo Dya’. After watching this film, you realise the hard work put in by him, to offer this quality entertainer, using the backdrop of cricket; which is a popular sport in our country. Advancing Age does not matter to a creative film maker. Amol Palekar is the best example. Moreover, he has the moral support of equally creative writer and new life partner Sandhya Gokhale. And, their team work is really working well.
by Ulhas Shirke © MMW
“We are on….” is all about cricketainment
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Rating: ★★★ ½
Banner: Maitra Entertainment Producer: Sandhya Gokhale Director: Amol Palekar Story – Screenplay: Sandhya Gokhale Dialogues: Sandhya Gokhale Cinematography:Amol Gole Cast: Ashok Saraf, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Ramesh Bhatkar, Manoj Joshi, Pushkar Shrotri, Upendra Limaye, Anand Ingale, Satish Pulekar, Vijay Kenkre, Satish Alekar, Ajit Kelkar, Shreeram Pendse, Sunil Godbole, Goutam Joglekar, Sameer Chougule, Sandeep Pathak, Nivedita Saraf, Vandana Gupte, Shilpa Navalkar, Suhasini Paranjape, Atisha Naik. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Cricket has played a very important role in offering entertainment to people in India. And, if you are offering cricket in the form of entertainment through a feature film, it certainly invites the attention of film lovers. Films like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Iqbal’ are the best examples. Now, at a time when IPL T20 Cricket fever is on, film maker Amol Palekar comes with a timely entertainment, through his new Marathi film ‘We are on, Houn Jau Dya’. Picking up popular veteran and young stars in the cast, Amol has cleverly managed to have two teams of cricket, to offer new form of cricketainment to Marathi film lovers.
Ideally set on the backdrop of Pune, known as the city of pensioners and at the same time the city of sports lovers; he has presented an altercation between the regular morning walkers and young enthusiastic cricket lovers; over the use of ground during the early morning hours. While the group of senior citizens complain about the nuisance caused by the youngsters, during the early morning hours; the youngsters, some of whom are their own family members, claim it as their right to play to relieve their stress, as they are otherwise working people.
The youngsters are keen to participate in the 25 lack prize money tournament at Nashik , as the only team from Pune; but, the seniors call it a craze for the game. To sort out the issue, finally it is decided to have a match between the youngsters and seniors, involving their well wishers, family members and also sponsors to watch the climax; which runs about 30-40 minutes towards the concluding part of the film.
Needless to mention that the seniors realising their limitations, use all the tactics possible, besides challenging the existing rules of the game. As a director Amol Palekar, having been influenced by his mentors Hrishida and Basuda, has sincerely paid tributes to his masters through this film. Through one of his main characters Andalkar (played by Makarand Anaspure) he has used almost the similar tactics during the cricket match, which he himself attempted as an actor, while playing a table tennis match against Asrani on the advice of his Guru Ashok Kumar in the film ‘Chotisi Baat’.
As a film maker, Amol Palekar has received good support from Sandhya Gokhale through screenplay and dialogues, for his own developed concept. In the pre interval session, we find every character and his family being introduced properly, through humour filled scenes. This entire session we find situation based comedy, with good support coming from versatile artistes like Dilip Prabhavalkar, Vandana Gupte, Ashok Saraf, Nivedita Saraf, Ramesh Bhatkar, Satish Alekar, Ajit kelkar, Shriram Pendse, Sameer Chougule, Manoj Joshi, Atisha Naik, Anand Ingale, Upendra Limaye, Pushkar Shrotri, Gautam Joglekar, Satish Pulekar, Sandeep Phatak, Shilpa Navalkar and others. Above all, you find surprise guest appearance by a famous former India Cricketer.
Dilip Prabhavalkar and Vandana Gupte in particular, have matched well as Ponkshe couple, still trying to look younger despite becoming grandparents. Ramesh Bhatkar as Retired Col. and Satish Pulekar as former Ranji Player, play their respective roles with a difference. Makarand Anaspure, finds himself in the company of senior citizens, playing their guiding force. It was nice to find Saraf couple together after a long time, playing so naturally ! Manoj Joshi as a Gujarathi friend in the group, plays the happy go lucky bachelor is style. Atisha Naik with Sameer Chougule succeed in creating laughter in few scenes. Among the youngsters, Anand Ingale and Sandeep Phatak are at their best. Pushkar Shrotri and Gautam Joglekar have almost underplayed their characters. But, it is Sandeep Phatak, who invites all the attention, with his flexible character.
Music does not have much scope in this film, except for one good musical song composed by Avinash Vishwajeet. The background music and sound effects have been used well. Cinematography by Amol Gole captures all the details of the celebrity cricket match very well. “We are on Houn Jau Dya’ is all about cricketainment. But, it’s a well presented timely film.
Amol Palekar begins his new Marathi humour filled film
The biggest news of the week is the announcement of the new film by Amol Palekar. This new marathi multi- starrer film titled ‘We are on….Houn Jaoo Dhya’ was launched officially with its initial shooting schedule in Pune in the company of top well known artistes from Marathi film industry.
Surprisingly, the film is filled with humour, to be attempted for the first time by the passionate film maker. The film is based on the script of Sandhya Gokhale, who will also be the producer of the film with her new banner ‘Anan Nirmiti’. Ms. Sandhya, who had a doubt whether her script would be accepted by the film lovers, expressed her happiness during the launch of the film, when all the artistes of the film, were ‘all praise’ for this well written script. It seems, she has worked very hard on the script for the past few years, before finalizing it.
The biggest team of popular talented stars in this film comprise of Ashok Saraf, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Ramesh Bhatkar, Manoj Joshi, Pushkar Shrotri, Upendra Limaye, Anand Ingale, Satish Pulekar, Vijay kenkre, Satish Alekar, Ajit kelkar, Shreeram Pendse, Sunil Godbole, Gautam Joglekar, Sameer Chougule, Sandeep Pathak, Nivedita Saraf, Vandana Gupte, Shilpa Navalkar, Suhasini Paranjape and Aatisha Naik.
Cinematography by Amol Gole, Editing by Ashwin ramachandran and sound recording by Anita Kushwah are the other credits of the film.
Amol Palekar – still unmatched
Amol Palekar is a popular name in Marathi and Hindi Cinema since 70s. Perhaps, he is the only Marathi actor who besides making his name as a talented actor in Hindi and Marathi Cinema, also went on to produce and direct some of the best Hindi and Marathi films during the past few years. It may be recalled that this prolific actor began his theatre career with Satyadev Dubey’s experimental theatre and thereafter started his own group, Aniket, in 1972. He pioneered the Theatre of the Absurd to Maharashtra and a street theatre-inspired practice of performing plays in the open.
Amol made his film debut in 1971 with the noted Marathi film ‘Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe’ which was directed by Satyadev Dubey. This film, brought the New Cinema Movement into Marathi. Three years later, he played the lead in Basu Chatterjee’s film ‘Rajnigandha’ followed by ‘Chhoti Si Baat’. He was thus branded as a typical middle class hero with the light comedy films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee such as ‘Golmaal’, ‘Naram Garam’ followed by other films like ‘Gharonda’ ,’Baton Baton Mein’ and so on. Amol won the Best actor Filmfare award for ‘Golmaal’ and that earned him name and fame.
Amol Palekar, Actor, Director
In 80s he played the role of Ravi in Malyalam film ‘Olangal’, which was later remade in Hindi as ‘Masoom’. In 80s he turned to direction with sensible Marathi film ‘Aakriet’ and later also directed a TV serial ‘Kacchi Dhoop’ launching his daughter Shalmalee alongwith Bhagyashree as child artistes. Amol kept on appearing in Hindi films simultaneously as an actor like ‘Ankahee’, ‘Jhoothi’ ‘Baat Ban Jaye’, ‘Khamosh’ ‘Teesra Kaun’ and ‘Aks’. Recently he also performed opposite Sharmila Tagore, in his own Marathi film ‘Samantar’. Amol did produce some memorable Marathi films like ‘Bangarwadi’ and ‘kairee’ besides directing good sensible Hindi films like ‘Ankahee’, ‘Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaye’, ‘Daayraa’, ‘Kal Ka Aadmi’, ‘Paheli’ and ‘Quest’. His forthcoming film ‘Dhumkata’ is under production.
Amol has acted in more than 40 films, directed about dozen of quality films and produced three films. Whether it was acting or direction, Amol has always tried to offer something different and his ‘Paheli’ starring Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Amitabh Bachchan( In guest appearance) was the best offering for those who understand cinema.
He is an alumini of Sir J J School of Arts and has exhibited his sketches, drawings, and paintings in Mumbai. He is also into social work. He has two daughters and is now married to Sandhya Gokhale, who is a writer, alongwith whom he made two films ‘Paheli’ and ‘Samantar’. His film ‘Paheli’ was India’s official entry in the race for Best Foreign Film at the 2006 Oscars. The movie couldn’t make it to the final nominations, but, it was highly appreciated by many film lovers. Amol is here to stay with his creative work in days to come. MMW wishes him a grand success and honour him as Star of the month.
‘SAMAANTAR’ REVIEW
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Rating: na
Presenter: Big Cinemas Production: Sarth Director: Amol Palekar Story- Screenplay: Sandhya Gokhale Cast: Amol Palekar, Sharmila Tagore, Samir Dharmadhikari, Radhika Apate, Ashwarya Narkar, Vandana Gupte, Makarand Deshpade, Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Both Amol Palekar and Sharmila Tagore are intense performers, when it comes to playing multi layered characters filled with varied range of emotions. Over the years they have proved their class through their respective performances in different films. And, when you would like to see them working together almost after thirty years, the script has to be equally strong like two parallel lines to equate their characters. Story- screenplay and dialogue writer Sandhya Gokhale has done exactly that when she wrote the script of new Marathi film ‘samaantar’, where you will find the duo together playing opposite each other. Amol Palekar , who has himself directed this film, has been honest enough to offer Sharmila Tagore enough of scope to do justice to her character of Kshama in the film.
‘samaantar’ talks about a simple lost and found tale of a man and a woman, but in an artistic manner. Keshav Vaze( Amol Palekar) a sixty year old successful industrialist expresses his desire to retire from business, when he feels that as a guardian of his brother’s children, he has done his duty and has now reached a stage to retire from his life too. Keshav, who as a youngster is a mute witness to a major tragedy at his village with the death of his near and dear ones, takes up the responsibility to support his brother’s children, sacrificing his own life.
‘samaantar’ unfolds the mystery behind his decision of calling for early declaration from life, when he visits Kolkutta on an invitation from a medical foundation, where he has donated a huge sum for construction of a Hospital. He meets Kshama,( Sharmila Tagore) his long lost beloved, who has been living a silent life along with her son, who is a Psychiatrist. Kshama is living like a patient still under trauma, who does not talk to anyone but does her job as a sculptor. Even her son, with whom she converses very little, is not able to understand the reason behind such a behaviour.
‘samaantar’ does not bring out the past relationship between the two in their first meeting after years, but unfolds the same in the very next meeting, when Vaze’s adopted daughter Rewa brings him to Kolkatta , for a change, after noticing his withdrawal symptoms from the family members. It is at this stage, the script reveals the background of the relationship between the two. Amol Palekar as a director has very cleverly shot the flashback scenes with images and dialogues. His intelligence in shifting the scenes is remarkable. Any other director would have opted for airport scenes or the flight taking off or landing to show the journey between Mumbai and Kolkatta. But, Amol has just been indicative through dialogues. He has focused more on the individuality of every character. All the sequences have been shot with a lot of study paying more attention on ambience and art, whether it was an indoor scene or an outdoor location with the backdrop of River Ganges.
The film also has supporting performers like Samir Dharmadhikari, Aishwarya Narkar, Radhika Apte, Sandip Mehta, Rishi Deshpane, Makarand Deshpande and Vandana Gupte doing justice to their respective roles. Music by Anand Modak is appealing with singers like Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal adding elegance into it. The background ‘Majhi’ style song ‘Navika Re Haati Tujhya’ rendered by Sudesh Bhosale reminds you of legendary S.D. Burman. In all, Amol Palekar as a film maker has very effectively mixed the Bengali culture into this neatly made Marathi film. Both Amol Palekar and Sharmila Tagore have given splendid performances. The film is a worth watch