Balasaheb Thackeray was the most powerful and charismatic leader in Maharashtra who controlled his political party Shiv Sena in such a way that the party was voted to power not only in Mumbai Municipal Corporation but also during the Assembly elections. Under his leadership the party also won Parliamentary elections in most parts of Maharashtra, this spreading its strength at National level. But, the young generation is not aware of Balasaheb’s entry into politics during his younger days, when as a Cartoonist he worked in Free Press Journal as a cartoonist.

In the biopic ‘Thackeray’ released on Friday 25th January, we find the legend’s journey right from the days, when he launched his own weekly ‘Marmik’ in early 60s . Well, everybody knows that the popularity of this weekly and the hard hitting views in the interest of local people expressed by him as a firebrand journalist, influenced the people from Maharashtra. In the film we find all these happenings but interestingly the story of birth and evolution of Shiv Sena has been clearly shown how a Congress CM saw the end of rising pressure of Leftists by indirectly supporting Shiv Sena.

Actually, the film covers the journey of Balasaheb’s rising popularity from early 60s till 1994 when he was questioned in the court about his role in Ayodhya dispute. And therefore, we find his interactions with many political leaders right from Mr. Y.B. Chavan, who was then CM of Maharashtra during early 60s, followed by his successor Vasantrao Naik, PM Indira Gandhi and many others. His style of functioning and his trust in his close associates has been clearly shown through many important scenes. Hence we find the characters of his trusted leaders like Datta Nalawade, Wamanrao Mahadik,  Dattaji Salvi, Manohar Joshi and few others getting importance in the film. At the same time, we find his friendly relations with his political rivals Mr. Sharad Pawar and George Fernandes. However, characters of important leaders who were earlier close to him and later ditched him, have been conveniently avoided in this film. Instead the film presents the strong influence of charismatic Balasaheb, taking right decisions at the right time and standing by his words.

Writer Sanjay Raut and director Abhijit Panse have accordingly paid more attention on his body language, style of delivering his speeches and his belief in himself and his soldiers whom he addressed as Sainiks. This has offered better scope to Nawazuddin Siddiqui to show his skills and he has done full justice to his role. Amrita Rao in the role of his wife Meena Tai Thackeray suits very well in that character . Many versatile artistes offer excellent support through their respective character roles, though they have limited scope. Music by team of Amar Mohile, Rohan-Rohan, Sandeep Shirodkar goes well with the film’s screenplay. Cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee is also impressive. Though at some places in the screenplay, it gives a look of a documentary, all in all it is a well presented film.

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कलर्स मराठी प्रस्तुत ‘मानाचा मुजरा‘ कार्यक्रमातून राजकारण, क्रिकेट, संगीत, अभिनय अशा निरनिराळ्या क्षेत्रातील मान्यवरांनी बाळासाहेब ठाकरेंच्या आठवणींना उजाळा दिला. महाराष्ट्राचे मुख्यमंत्री माननीय देवेंद्र फडणवीस, राष्ट्रवादी पार्टीचे अध्यक्ष शरद पवार, शिवसेना सुप्रिमो उद्धव ठाकरे, युवा शिवसेनेचे अध्यक्ष आदित्य ठाकरे, क्रिकेटपटू सुनील गावस्कर, विनोद कांबळी, राजू कुलकर्णी, गायक सुरेश वाडकर अभिनेता सुबोध भावे यांसारख्या विविध क्षेत्रातील रथी-महारथींना एकाच वेळी एकाच स्टेज वर स्तुत्यभाव रेखाटताना पाहण्याचा विलक्षण योग अद्वितीय आहे. बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांना ‘मानाचा मुजरा’ या कर्यक्रमानिमित्त महाराष्ट्राचे मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस, शरद पवार, संपूर्ण ठाकरे कुटुंबिय एकत्र उपस्थित असणं ह्या कार्यक्रमाचे विशेष औचित्य दर्शवते. सुधीर गाडगीळ, द्वारकानाथ संझगिरी, अवधूत गुप्ते यांसारख्या अवलियांच्या प्रश्नांनी कधी भावनिक करून तर कधी नर्मविनोदांनी कार्यक्रमास रंगत आणली.

बाळासाहेबांच्या आठवणीत रममाण होताना महाराष्ट्राचे लाडके मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी शिवसेना-भाजपच्या युती चर्चेत येणाऱ्या अडचणींवर बाळासाहेब मोठ्या मनाने निर्णय घेत व त्यामुळे युती टिकून राहिल्याचे सांगितले. बाळासाहेबांचे जीवश्च कंठश्च मित्र व राजकारणातील पारंगत व्यक्तिमत्त्व शरद पवार बाळासाहेबांना ‘दिलदार शत्रू’ची पदवी देत लहानातील लहान माणसाचे कर्तृत्व ओळखून त्याला मोठं करायच्या बाळासाहेबांच्या वृत्तीची ओळख करून दिली. एरव्ही महाराष्ट्रातील झंझावतं वादळ म्हणून ओळखले जाणाऱ्या हिंदुहृदयसम्राटांमधील एक वडील व आज्या उलगडताना उद्धव ठाकरे व आदित्य ठाकरे भावुक झाले.

बाळासाहेबांचे क्रिकेट वरील प्रेम कधीच कोणापासून लपून राहिले नाही. वेळोवेळी बाळासाहेबांनी दिलेले धिराचे शब्द आजही हृदयात कोरले असल्याचे सांगत षटकारांचा बादशाह सुनील गावस्कर बाळासाहेबांच्या आठवणींत विलीन झाला. सुप्रसिद्ध अभिनेता संजय दत्त पित्यासमान बाळासाहेबांच्या असीम प्रेमाचे दाखले देताना सांगतो की,”मी जेल मध्ये असताना जेव्हा सर्वांनी माझी साथ सोडलेली तेव्हा, ‘काळजी नसावी, मी आहे इथे’ बोलणारे साहेब एकचं होते.”
संजय राऊत प्रस्तुत, वायकॉम १८ मोशन पिक्चर्स, कार्निवल मोशन पिक्चर्स आणि राऊटर्स एंटरटेनमेंट एलएलपी निर्मित ‘ठाकरे‘ येत्या २५ जानेवारी ला संपूर्ण जगभरात प्रदर्शित होणार आहे.

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We have already heard about some passionate film makers mortgaging their land or house or even selling their properties, to meet the production cost of their films. Today, there are such zealous film makers in Marathi film industry too. A mega TV serial sometimes costs more than the budget of a Marathi film. And if there is a serial being made on a legend like late Balasaheb Thackeray, it has to be a big budget production. Veteran Film maker Prakash Bhende, who was close to Mr. Thackeray, is now producing a mega TV serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ which will go on the floors soon.

For any big budget serial, Finance is a big issue ; but Mr. Prakash Bhende is not worried. Instead of depending on financers, at this stage, he wants to fulfill his desire, by raising finance on his own. This 70+ artist, whose rare and unique paintings have received good response at many art galleries in India and in London, have always been admired by top industrialists and celebrities. Besides managing his art work, Mr. Bhende has also produced and directed many Marathi films in the past, along with his wife Uma Bhende, a former award winning actress, under his home production. Now, he wants to make a comeback after 15 years, but this time it will be on small screen.

Mr. Prakash Bhende has already written the script of the serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ and is ready with the audio version of the three episodes. “I am sure, the admirers of Balasaheb Thackeray scattered all over the world, will come forward to purchase these ‘close to my heart’ possessions, to enable me to start shooting for my dream project,” said Mr. Bhende while speaking to MarathiMovieWorld , in an exclusive interview. When asked, which TV channel would telecast his serial, Mr. Bhende confidently said, ” So far, I have not decided on the channel, but I am sure, whichever channel decides to take up this project, will increase its TRP’s.”

Speaking about his close relationship with the departed leader, Mr. Bhende spoke about his helping nature and terrific sense of humour. “Balasaheb has not only helped me to sort out my problems while making films, but has also helped late film maker Dada Kondke with his morale support. He has helped many in Bollywood, who faced problems with their films. His word was always final and his huge followers always respected it. Through this serial, I want to project Balasaheb’s straight forward attitude while taking stand on important issues. But, I will be focusing more on the period of 90s, when there were ups and downs in his life. I will also be mentioning about his ancestors, to show their roots in Maharashtra. I have already received permission from Mr. Uddhav Thackeray , who has been kind enough to give me approval letter, to make this serial. All that I am looking forward is support from real admirers of Balasaheb and also my well wishers to purchase these paintings, to enable me to proceed further with my dream project.”

Mr. Prakash Bhende’s dream will surely come true, as many art lovers are expected to respond to his appeal soon. In the meanwhile, interested buyers are requested visit his ‘Art Window Gallery‘ housed at 18 B, shop no. 2, Ground floor, Kitte Bhandari Hall,Gokhale Road(N), Near Sena Bhavan, Shivaji Park, Dadar, with his prior appointment. Mr. Bhende can be contacted @ 9699804151 or 9322736066 . The cost of each painting is minimum of Rs. 30,000/- to a maximum , what a real admirer would quote. Most of his paintings on different subjects are drawn with acrylic on canvas, while others are with oil on canvas. Those interested can also view his paintings on his official website prakashbhende.com.

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