Prominent Marathi writer and film maker Sumitra Bhave is no more. She passed away today morning after suffering from lung disorder, for which she was being treated for sometime. She was 78. She had completed her graduation from Ferguson College, Pune, and received a Master’s Degree in Political and Science Sociology from Pune University. She received another master’s degree in Political Science and Sociology and a Diploma in Rural Welfare from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, and later began her voluntary work for various organisations.

Along with Sunil Sukhtankar she had made 17 films and 4 TV serials all of them written by her. All her films gave a new direction to Marathi films with the subjects of these films highly appreciated by Marathi film lovers and critics. The duo had received many awards. Prominent among them were films like ‘Dahavi F’, ‘Doghi’, ‘Astu’  (Movie Review) and ‘Kasav’ Movie which had won National awards. With her passing away, there will be a big vacuum left in Marathi film industry. Many prominent film personalities have paid their tributes on social media.

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‘Where there is a will, there is a way‘. About 30 months ago, producer Dr.Mohan Agashe and the director duo of Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar offered a sensible film ‘Astu‘, highlighting the concern of a daughter for her retired Father, who is suffering from Alzheimer. Unfortunately, the makers of this film could not distribute this film, for financial reasons. But, for the past two years, they received good support from the audience and lovers of such quality films. Now, with their financial support, ‘Astu‘ has been released in theatres all over Maharashtra. The film has already won several awards, including two national awards.

The story of ‘Astu‘ revolves around Dr. Chakrapani Shastri( Dr. Mohan Agashe) , a retired Sanskrit Scholar, who is suffering from Alzheimer. Though he lives separately in his own house in Pune, in the company of a student, who has come from village and a cook to prepare food for him; his daughter Ira Phatak (Irawati Harshe) and her Doctor husband ( Milind Soman) are in constantly touch with him. One day morning, when Ira picks up her father from his house, to take him to her house, she takes a halt in a market , to purchase something for her daughter. She warns her father to be seated in the car. But, after seeing an elephant , he is tempted to take a ride and goes missing, as he doesn’t remember anything, after returning back from a ride. When Ira returns to her car, she is shocked to find her father missing.

Ira calls her husband and both of them desperately go in search of her father everywhere, besides lodging a missing complaint with Police. In the meanwhile, Dr. Shastri follows the elephant, as the Mahout (Keeper of the elephant – Nachiket Purnapatre), after his day’s earnings, returns to his temporary residence, at the bank of river. Finding the old man as an unexpected guest ,the Mahout’s wife Channama( Amruta Subhash) treats him well, with food and water and showers upon him all the love, treating him like a child, after knowing about his ailment. All is well at the end, as the day comes to an end.

Director duo Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar have paid more attention on making the screenplay interesting. With the help of flashbacks and using other important characters at appropriate places, such as Rahi (Devika Daftardar) second daughter of Dr.Shastri , the two children of Ira, Mrs. Gupte( Ila Bhate) who is Dr.Shastri’s colleague from his research institute& Vasumati( Shubhangi Damle)as Dr.Shastri’s wife, they have tried to generate curiosity in every scene. The director duo has also succeeded in exploiting the acting potential of every important character in the film.

Though, wonderful performances come from Dr.Agashe and Irawati Harshe,it is Amruta Subhash, in the role of Chanamma, steals the show, in those few scenes to her share. Actually, her entry in the film is very late, almost in the post interval session. But, she looks so natural through her expressive face and body language. Good support also comes from Milind Soman, Devika Daftardar, Ila Bhate & Nachiket Purnapatre, through their respective important characters.

Dialogues by Sumitra Bhave are very well written with good support also coming from background music by Sanket Kanetkar. Milind Jog has captured indoor as well as outdoor scenes very creatively through his Lens eye.

‘Astu‘ is a masterpiece from Agashe, Bhave , Sukhtankar & Co. and should not be missed by Marathi film lovers. In short, ‘Astu‘, which means ‘So, be it‘, is a must watch film for all.

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Dr.Mohan Agashe is the happiest man today. His own production ‘Astu’ did win 2 national awards and about 25 other awards. But, could not see its proper release in theatres across Maharashtra, two years ago. This has not happened with a film like ‘Astu’, but many other award winning films. But, when there is a will, there is a way. Dr. Agashe seriously felt that his film should reach out to maximum people. His efforts worked in this film’s favour. ‘Astu’ is now releasing  in a big way, in Mumbai and all over Maharashtra on coming Friday 15^th July 2016.

MarathiMovieWorld.com spoke to Dr. Mohan Agashe, during the press show of this film on Wednesday  evening, when he joined the media persons along with lead actress of the film Irawati Harshe, during the break. “We showed this film to many renowned personalities. Special screenings were organized at many universities. There were special shows for select people, who came forward to with their contributions. In Thane, we had organized a show, at the request of Dr.Anand Nadkarni and  the special invitees contributed an amount of Rs. 22,000/- in just one screening. Such good response from the audience, helped us a lot, to distribute the film at theatres,” said Mr. Agashe.

Irawati Harshe who is playing the lead role in this film, has already bagged few awards for her performance in this film. When asked about her progress  on television and films, she said,” I am not doing television any more. But, my five more  films are complete with shooting.”

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The much talked about Marathi film ‘Astu‘ which had won more than 27 national and international awards, is finally releasing on 15th July 2016, all over Maharashtra. Actually, the film was released in only one theatre in Pune, sometime back. But, now it will have a big release to reach more audiences and that’s why the film is being re-released, as announced by the producer Sheela Rao.

The story of ‘Astu‘ film is about a Sanskrit scholar Chakrapani Shastri, who suffers from Alzheimers disease and he lives in his own world far way from the present and then begins the turmoil of the family, which has to look after him. The relationship between the father and his daughter is the theme of the film and it has been essayed very beautifully in the film. The film stars veteran Dr. Mohan Agashe, Amruta Subhash, Iravati Harshe, Devika Daftardar, and Milind Soman among others. Written and directed by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhthankar , the music of this film is by Dhananjay Kharwandikar and Saket Kanetkar .

The performance of the crippled protagonist Appa played by Dr.Mohan Agashe has already been appreciated all over and the performance of the Mahta’s wife played by Amruta Subhash has also won the National Award . The film is jointly Produced by Sheela Rao and Dr. Mohan Agashe.

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We have seen the progress of Marathi films, inviting the attention of the audience from different parts of the world. But, there are many such Marathi films, which have won prestigious awards, including national awards; which could not reach the local audience in Maharashtra. The reason being simple. The producers of these films could not find distributors to release their films in theatres. One such film is ‘Astu’.

‘Astu’ could be released last year only in one cinema hall in Pune, for this reason. This film is directed by reputed directors like Sumitra Bhawe and Sunil Sukathankar and is produced by Sheela Rao ( Gaurika films) and Dr. Mohan Agashe. Besides producing this film, Dr.Mohan Agashe has also played a lead  role in this film, along with other artistes like Amruta Subhash , Devika Daftardar, Milind Soman , Irawati Harshe & Nachiket Purnapatre. The film has presented  the story of a retired officer,  who is a patient of alzheimers.

Now, good news for those who are interested in watching this film in theatres, is that the film will be released, by using the co-funding method. This concept has been successful for other regional films, especially in the south. Rajat Kapoor’s Hindi film ‘Bheja Fry’ was released with this method. According to Producer Sheela Rao , Mr Satish Kataria form ‘Catapult’ has taken this initiative.  Through this  process funds will be collected from common people , for producing or releasing the film and is also called ‘crowd funding’. But, for releasing the film, the most appropriate word would be ‘Co-funding’. And, ‘Astu’ will be the first Marathi film, to be released in this manner.

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We are all aware that the 14th Third eye Asian Film Festival is in progress. On Tuesday evening the Asian Film Foundation & P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy jointly felicitated veteran actor Dr.Mohan Agashe , for his performance in the film ‘Astu’. It may be recalled that Dr. Agashe had recently won the Filmfare award, for his performance in the same film. Even otherwise, ‘Astu’ had won many popular awards in the recent past.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Agashe said that those who studied the language of cinema in depth, are able to understand language of this media very well. On this occasion Mr. Dilip Bapat from Baburao Painter Film Society, Kolhapur was also conferred upon an award in memory of late Satyajit Ray. Mr. Bapat was overwhelmed with this gesture from the hosts. He announced that he was dedicating his award to his wife and close associates.

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National award winning film ‘Astu’ to re-release on 15th July
‘Astu’ to be released in a proper way, with ‘Co-funding’
‘ASTU’ for Kerala International Film fest
New Marathi film ‘Astu’ has raised expectations

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Gauurikaa film’s Marathi feature film ‘ASTU’ which is co produced by Ms.Sheelaa Rao & Dr.Mohan Agashe, written by Ms.Sumitra Bhave & directed by Ms.Sumitra Bhave & Mr.Sunil Sukhtankar has been selected for screening at 18th International film festival of kerala 2013 & Indian Panorama selection for 44th International film festival of India 2013 along with other 25 feature films & 16 non feature films this year.

The music for the film is given by Saket Kanetkar & Dhananjay Kharwandikar. Sound designed by Pramod Thomas the film is edited by Mohit Takalkar. Film is receiving acclamation in festival. Soon it will be released in theatres.

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Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar together have made quality Marathi films in the past. All their films have invited attention at international film festivals. Now, they are back, to offer yet another Marathi film ‘Astu’ presented by Gauurikaa films, Mumbai and produced by Ms.Sheelaa Rao. The film is winding up its final shoot schedule, with a climax scene shot on Amruta Subash,Dr.Mohan Agashe,Iravati Harshe,Milind Soman, Nachiket Purnapatre& Devika Daftardar at Bapdev Ghat Hills near Saswad ,Pune .

‘Astu’ is likely to be another most anticipated movie of 2013 under the direction of Ms.Sumitra Bhave & Mr.Sunil Sukhtankar , who have won awards for movies like ‘Devrai’,’Ek Cup Chaha’ , ‘Dahavii Fa’ & ‘Sanhita’. The story & screenplay of this film is written by them on the project initiated of Ms.Anuya Murdeshware. Dr.Mohan Agashe is playing the lead along with Iravati Harshe, who is making her debut in Marathi film through this film. This is also the first Marathi film, where an elephant plays an equally important role. Music is by National award winner Shailendra Barve.

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