Late Dada Kondke’s ‘Andhala Martoy Dola’ returns to Bharatmata Cinema
At a time when there are not many Marathi films being released these days, it is not a bad idea to re-release old Marathi hit films once again for the new generation. And Bharatmata Cinema the oldest single screen theatre existing in Central Mumbai has shown the way. The theatre owners have preferred to re –release Late Dada Kondke’s hit film ‘Andhala Marto Dola’. And, this is certainly a very good move to preserve the Marathi culture, instead of surrendering the cinema hall to Hindi films.
It may be recalled that for almost three decades since early 70s dada Kondke had ruled Marathi film industry with a big fan following all over Maharashtra. His films used to be released when Dada Kondke ‘Andhala Marto Dola’ was one of Dada Kondke’s hit film, directed by him and had played lead role opposite Aruna Irani . There are other hit films of Dada Kondke, like ‘Songadya’, ‘Pandu Hawaldar’, ‘Ekta Jeev Sadashiv’, ‘Ram Ram Gangaram’ and so on , which were equally entertaining. So, we can expect the series to continue, when no Marathi film is released during a particular week.
Today, Bharatmata is the only theatre which is sure to have a houseful audience for Marathi films even today. Besides Bharatmata, there is only Plaza cinema as singles screen theatre in Mumbai for Marathi films. Central has now switched over to Hindi films. All other theatres like Majestic, Kohinoor and others have been converted into multiplexes.
‘Bharatmata’ Ki Jai !
Last week, Marathi Movie world had appealed to Marathi film lovers for their strong support to save Bharatmata theatre, which is the only cinema house in Mumbai exclusively screening Marathi films for more than 70 years. The theatre located in the heart of Mumbai’s labour township of Lalbaug/ Parel, had received a big threat of demolition after receiving notice from NTC for expiry of the lease.
In a fresh development today, the centre’s minister Mr. Dayanidhi Maran, who paid personal visit to the site along with chief minister of Maharashtra, assured the marathi film lovers that Bharatmata theatre will remain at its place and would continue to screen marathi films. “ In my own state, we encourage our own Tamil films and I can understand the feelings of Maharashtra chief minister, when it comes to respecting the Marathi films,’’ said the minister. His assurance has ended the controversy hanging over this heritage of Mumbai.
‘Bharatmata’ needs our strong support for survival
At a time when Marathi film industry is prospering with quality films and good business in theatres, ‘Bharatmata’ the oldest theatre in Mumbai is facing the crisis. The theatre owners have been served notice by NTC after expiry of the lease. Though the Chief Minister of Maharashtra has assured all necessary help to save this theatre and marathi cinema and if possible also take over the same. However, All India Marathi film Mahamandal have in their plea suggested that the present theatre owners may only be allowed to manage this theatre, with Maharashtra government seeking the support of Central government to request NTC for permitting the theatre to remain there.
Actually, the protest was organized by all Producers/directors of Marathi cinema with the support of political parties; but very few celebrities like Smita Talwalkar, Suhas Bhalekar, Sandeep Kulkarni, Vijay Kadam from Marathi cinema turned up. Labour Union leader Datta Iswalkar and MNS leader Bala Nadgaonkar were the only leaders physically present to support for the cause. This only indicated that Marathi film industry was not united to fight their own battle.
‘Bharatmata’ which is housed in the populated middle class and lower middle class township Lalbaug/ Parel, is the only entertainment source for marathi cinema lovers. Even if, there’s any such proposal like multiplex coming at this place, the local residents just can’t afford to watch cinema there. Will the Government of Maharashtra preserve this oldest cinema theatre and give justice to the Marathi cinema lovers ? Can we see a strong support coming from marathi film lovers to save ‘Bharatmata’?