Having done many TV commercial ads, TV serials and Marathi films, we saw Girija Oak making her Hindi film debut with Aamir Khan’s ‘Tare Zameen Par‘ few years ago. Now, this versatile Marathi actress will be seen in her first short film ‘Quarter‘ which has been made in Marathi and English. Produced by Namrata Bandivadekar and directed by Navjyot Bandivadekar the story and screenplay of this short film is written by Alaap Bhagwat.

Speaking about her role in this short film, Girija Oak said that, “she always wanted to do a short film with a good subject, as it helps to convey the message in a shortest time. And, with ‘Quarter’, it helped her to find a suitable role “. According to her, this role was different and challenging for an actress like her. Director Navjyot reacted stating that for this role in his short film, he was looking for versatile actress and after hearing the script, Girija immediately agreed to work in this film.

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The true story of Sandra Laing – a black girl born to white parents in South africa sometime in 50s did make a news all over the world. Those days, Sandra was refused admission in schools for being black. Her father fought a battle in court and won the same in Supreme Court, after he proved that she was born to white parents. This story was later made into a book, “When She Was White” by Judith Stone, and a British film ‘Skin’ was made in 2009, starring Sophie Okonedo and Sam Neill.

Now, a new Marathi film ‘Adgula Madgula’ deals with a similar kind of theme (not the complete story of the dark girl) but, just showing a dark child born to a fair Kokanastha Brahmin couple. Shounak Pendse belonging to a rich family living in a huge bunglow, marries a fair girl Anuja , well suited to him. Anuja is working in an ad agency with Mr. Lalit ( Nagesh Bhosale) as her boss. After marriage the happy couple have all sorts of fun and live with a cheerful family comprising of Father,mother, sister and Grandfather.

Girija Oak, Subodh BHave Everything goes well, till Anuja delivers a baby boy who turns out to be black. Suddenly, all people around her behave very strangely with her, except the Grandfather and the housemaid. Even her parents do not allow her to come to their place with the baby, fearing comments from the neighbors and visitors. Initially, Shounak suspects his wife having an affair with her friend and goes in serach of the truth . After being convinced, he later doubts her boss. Then, as suggested by his lawyer friend, he tries to do DNA test of father and son to remove all doubts. In the process, he gets caught and the relationship between the husband and wife is further strained. Finally, the director decides to conclude the film in his own style, leaving the audience guessing, what option does the wife have ?
Does she go to her parents for sometime or leaves the house forever? Only, the Boss knows it.

The film does have a good theme but not enough to entertain the audience for two hours. The screenplay which runs for about 105 minutes, offers gentle entertainment, but keeps on revolving around the same plot in the pre interval stage. The clever director has therefore used the clippings of the Goa honeymoon trip of the couple with two songs knitted into it. It is only post interval, some dramatic scenes take place to keep the audience engaged. The film ends suddenly, with unpredictable end, keeping the audience guessing. ‘Adgula Madgula’ is no doubt a sincere effort from the makers, but it could have been more interesting with insertion of more laughter scenes arising out of misunderstandings.
The kind of theme used looks good for a stage play, due to its limited locations. But, the wonderful cinematography by Suresh Suvarna has certainly brought some life into the film. Shailebdra Barve’s music too is well used in the few songs suited for the occasion. Both Subodh Bhave and Girija Oak have given their best through their respective roles. Their intimate scenes look very natural. Smita Talwalkar has enough scope to play a typical selfish mother-in-law. Uday Tikekar playing a undecided father –in-law and Sandeep Mehta as girl’s confused father have limited scope. However, Nagesh Bhosale as the girl’s boss in office, has maximum three to four scenes, but he impresses through them. The other supporting cast is good, but it was a pleasure to watch Yakub Saeed after a long time in the role of a sensible grandfather lost in his own world of music. He did display his ability at this progressing age.

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The post Huppa Huiyya ( हुप्पा हुय्या) appeared first on .

Come Hanuman Jayanti and you have a timely offering coming from Marathi film industry in the form of ‘Huppa Huiya!’ to Lord Hanuman. Produced by Amar and Pushpa Kakkad and directed by Anil Surve this author backed fantasy is based on the script of Hemant Edlabadkar.

Hanmya (Siddharth Jadhav)a poor boy from the village is brought up by the Sarpanch of the village ( Mohan Joshi) and his caring wife ( Mansi Magikar). Being a helpful youngster, Hanmya has two friends – a clown in the village who performs shows ( Mangesh Desai) and his beloved (Girija Oak). His daily routine is to help people from the village and to bring to book those involved in illegal activities. He is more into social work and helps the old lady ( Usha Nadkarni) living in the outskirts of the village, by collecting herbs for her medicines from the jungles .

One day, while collecting herbs, Hanmya interacts with a group of monkeys and eats a fruit thrown at him by one of the monkeys. When he returns to Old lady’s house, he finds extra energy within him. Not surprised by this superpower, the old lady realizes this gift coming from God, especially to those who would make use of it only for the right purpose. The script of the film then takes you on fantasy filled journey. Soon, you are taken for the darshan of 11 Hanuman temples created by Swami Samarth Ramdas in the 17th century, through that 8 minute song sequence.

Now, when there are good things happening, the evil power is sure to block the way. So, in comes the villain Rangrao ( Ganesh Yadav). He first gets Hanmya’s clown friend killed and also succeeds in giving an electric shock to Hanmya’s beloved. In the climax of the film, the old lady comes to remind Hanmya about the secret about the superpower that he possesses. Hanmya opts for the ‘three-in-one’ prayer to first get the water for the village. With that valid message, director Anil Surve concludes his film with happy ending.

‘Huppa Huiya!’ is a total entertaining film with a social message. In that two hour length film, the director has however wasted first thirty minutes to describe all the characters and their attitude. But, once it takes off with that fantasy filled plot, it runs smoothly, holding the audience to their seats. Cinematography by national award winning cameraman A.K. Bir is the biggest asset of the film. He has captured all those outdoor scenes very effectively. Siddharth Jadhav has proved that a tailor made role can make him a solo hero, shouldering the responsibility of film’s success. Girija Oak as his co-star is the right choice. She has played her part very well. One wonders as to why an actress of her calibre hasn’t been offered better roles. Mohan Joshi, Mansi Magikar, Mangesh Desai support well as character artistes. Usha Nadkarni is impressive playing the old woman, but it is Ganesh Yadav in his negative role invites the attention. He has performed small roles in many Bollywood films, but now gets his chance to prove his acting skills, through this film. Kashmira Shah makes her brief appearance in one item number. Music by Ajit Parab is okay. The film has not paid much attention on its ad campaign. Looking at the fantasy filled script, they could have used other methods of publicity.
In all, ‘Huppa Huiya!’ is an entertaining film.

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Will the problem of female infanticide ever be solved? Sadly, this is a major issue faced by us still today. Even in 21st century where patriarchal societies are prevalent, the status of women is considered to be inferior to that of men. A preference for sons is built in the minds of the people from the very start. The practice is motivated by a variety of social causes that act as worms eating the society.
After the success of Bhojpuri Film ‘Shreeman Driver Baboo’ Israni Production produces ‘Chingi’ based on a very sensitive subject on girl child. Anita Israni presents the film under banner of P.P. Creations is Produced and Directed by Raj Israni. Story by Shree Kurade, Script, dialogue and Lyrics by Ashok Patole, Music by Ashok Patki, Cameraman Rafik Latif Shekh, Editor Aroon Narvekar, Art Director Baba Patil, Choreography Narendra Pandit Vrashali Chouhan, Chief Asst. Director Rouf Bhungadawala and Exec. Producer is Mohit Israni.

Chingi is the story of a woman, who resists pressure from her in-laws, who demand a male child.
A lovable and happy Maharashtrian couple, Rohan and Arti Date played by Milind Gawali and Girija Oak respectively, living in Mumbai has been married since three years. They have preferred not to have children so far as both are working and busy with their lives. Rohan’s parents sometimes come over and stay with them. Unfortunately for Arti, Rohan’s parents start pressurizing her for a baby, which they insist should be a boy.

Arti’s mother family is basically middle class including her mother & father staying with her four sisters Priyanka, (Aditi Sarangdhar), Rinku (Sneha Wagh), Veena (Harshali Zine) and Salon (Swini Karvir) very happily. One boy from Rohan’s office Shyam gets suggested for Priyanka. However, when Shyam’s parents learn that Priyanka comes from a family of five sisters and no brothers, they refuse the alliance.
After this entire situation Arti gets nervous. Her in-laws demand for boy child disturbs her every moment. Meanwhile, Arti realizes she is pregnant. However, the constant pressure from her in-laws and her sister Priyanka’s quandary disturbs Arti.
Even though we have progressed tremendously, our thought process is still limited to the old customs & ethnicity that are been followed ever since. The biggest example is that till today we are not excited when a girl child is born. Today also we don’t like a girl child being born in our family. All this thinking affects Arti & she takes some important decision without consulting Rohan. All abnormal things are started happening in their normal life and the heart touching story of CHINGI starts from here…

The music of the movie by Ashok Patki is very touching and soothing, song ‘yenar yenar’ and ‘sonule’ will definitely love by mothers. The song ‘vadhu parikshe madhe’ defenitly has unusual lyrics but gives an idea of whats going in a girl’s mind before the program “vadhu pariksha” for the marriage. Girija oak performance is surely to be appreciated for fighting for an unborn girl child. The positive character of Milind who is against female infanticide and supporter for his wife will be prized by female viewers.
Before this released many directors has made the movie on this sensitive issue, so the doubt remains will it will create a huge impact on the people. Israni as said in an interview wanted to take the movie to the rural and interiors of Maharashtra so made it in Marathi and not in Hindi.
The film asks the society questions about the state of women and the girl child. With an angle of situational comedy Israni has well handled the issue of feticide making the movie interesting. He has also provided solution by proving why girls are needed for the society; what they can do for a person, a family and for the human race.

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We have seen many great movies based upon medical profession like ‘Anand’, ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ or even ‘Shwaas’ in Marathi. Despite the same base, every movie carried different aspect of medical profession and human relations. ‘Man Pakharu Pakharu’ is belongs to the same tradition, which discovers a beautiful relation between a doctor and a patient while dealing with problems of people facing neurological disorder.

The story starts at hospital, where Dr. Neelay Raje (Subodh Bhave) joins as new doctor. He is a sensitive guy, unlike other doctors his emotions are not died yet. He wants to discover his own path and wants to treat patients from his heart instead of brain. He finds his inspiration from Dr. Pandit (Prashant Damle) in same hospital. While treating the patients facing neurological disorder, he interacted with a young patient- Sarang (Sachin Pilagavkar). Sarang is like an alive dead body. He has lost all his senses. Neelay finds out extraordinary willpower of Sarang and gives all the efforts to bring him back in this world. Further story develops through amazing relations, emotions and dialogs between Sarang and Neelay. Different aspects of relations of a doctor and a patient, a mother and a son, doctor and hospital owner or even between two patients have been covered brilliantly in the movie. The story provides quiet lot information about neurological disorder without breaking flow of story. Though it is a very static subject, Iravati Karnik- story and screen play writer has taken enough care to make it interesting. It is extremely good and successful attempt of Iravati- a new generation author to write such an informative but still entertaining story. All the time she had kept in mind that it’s a commercial movie, not a documentary and audiences admire her efforts a lot.

Movie has got really good star cast. ‘Subodh Bhave’, ‘Sachin Pilgavkar’, ‘Mohan Joshi’, ‘Prashant Damle’, ‘Ila Bhate’ and ‘Girija’. Names are enough to state the high class acting and it would be better experience to watch them on screen, instead of reading about their high-quality acting over here. Sachin has spent more than 4 decades in the industry but day by day his acting is getting more and more younger. He himself is a school of acting and we have seen many great renowned actors inspired by him.

All the feature of his role has been presented incredibly by Sachin. It is a challenge for any actor to perform a mentally handicapped patient, yet Sachin has presented it magnificently. He hardly cries in the movie, but his facial expressions, body language and dialog delivery literally make the audiences cry. A patient of neurological disorder, a young man, a good son and beyond all, an enthusiastic and kind hearted human being, all these aspect of Sarang’s character has charmingly shown by Sachin. He had actually got into the skins of Neelay. He had lived the character and I have no doubt in my mind that it is going to be milestone character in Marathi Film Industry. Subodh Bhave sounds good in role of Neelay. All the characteristics of Neelay like a shy doctor, emotional human being and helpless friend in the case of Sarang has played nicely by him. Prashant Damle, Ila Bhate and Mohan Joshi are as usual acted well. Girija hasn’t got much scope to show her skills.

Director Ankush Bhat had taken fine efforts to present such a beautiful story without losing depth of it. Thanks to Ankush, for not converting such a sensitive story into a mockery or ‘filmy.’ Music of Jitendra Kulkarni adds nice essence to the story. Especially, the symphony that he has used as theme music is really heart-touching.

Old is gold is true, but young talent is not at all less than good. When fresh talent like Iravati and experienced actor like Sachin works together, impact is much better than any other film. I think both of them have set an ideal example of a symphony of old and new. If others too follow them, audiences will definitely get the nice treat of gracious movies.

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Acting is not new to her. For the past fifteen years, she has been associated with it. After doing few Marathi films, for a long time she was looking for a suitable role in a Marathi TV serial. Finally, ‘Lajja’ offered what she actually deserved. It was a central role of Manu who struggles in her life at a very crucial stage when as young girl, she is exposed to good bad world of city life. Girija is happy that she got a chance to emote the true feelings of a girl under such circumstances and is trying to inspire others with her bold decisions. Till now, she has been able to attract viewers through her extra-ordinary acting skills. She communicates a lot through her eyes and brings in a lot of variation through her voice modulation, depending upon the circumstances in the scene.

Her much awaited Marathi film ‘Adgula Madgula’ opposite Subodh Bhave will be released in a month or two. She is also doing a film with Balaji productions, titled  ‘ Shor’ where she plays one of the three leading ladies, opposite US-based South Indian star Sendhil Ramamurthy. Tushar Kapoor is also there in this film. We have already seen her ability in Hindi, in Aamir Khan’s film ‘Taare Zameen Par’. But, watching her presently in the role of Manu, certainly goes on to say a lot about this talented actress. Marathi Movie World caught up with her during the Zee awards function. Excerpts from an interview
actress Girija Oak

Q: Were you seriously interested in acting career or landed in this industry just because your father is also a part of this industry?
A: I have been in this profession for the past fifteen years. It was only due to my education that I was not able to give time. But, now that I have time, I have devoted myself completely to this acting profession.

Q: But, you are also doing your MBA. What’s the reason for that ?
A: In my family, all have done post graduation. So, why should I stay behind? It will certainly help me in near future.

Q: Do you think that your MBA qualification will help you in film making ?
A: Knowledge is never a waste. I don’t say that I want to become a director, as I am too young to think about that. But, surely it will help me to produce my own film, if everything works well.

Q: You made your film debut through ‘Manini’. How did you get that role ?
A: I had given an audition, while the selection process was going on. Based on the audition, I got selected.

Q: Have you switched over to TV serials from films ?
A: No, I am doing both. Two of my films, one Hindi and one Marathi are due for release soon. For a long time, I was looking for a role in a TV serial and ‘Lajja’ offered me, what I exactly wanted. I really enjoy playing this role of Manu in this serial.

Q: How do you look at the recent changes noticed in Marathi cinema?
A: Marathi cinema is going for a better change. We see a lot of variety in scripts and presentation form. Even the marketing has improved.

Q: But, don’t you think that in a city like Mumbai, there is less response from Marathi viewers, when it comes to watching the film in multiplexes?
A: When we talk about Mumbai in particular, I feel that here we have a cosmopolitan culture. When there are three types of films i.e. Hindi, English and Marathi releasing on the same day; obviously the audience gets divided in theatres, resulting in a limited response for Marathi films.

Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming ‘Balaji’ film ‘Shor’?
A: Well, I am playing one of the leading ladies in the film, opposite US-based South Indian star Sendhil Ramamurthy. Tushar Kapoor is also there in this film. It’s a satirical, cool, smart comedy based in urban India. There are three different stories in the film and all are inter-connected like film ‘Metro’.

Q: Any future plans ?
A: I am equipping myself with knowledge. But, I don’t know what will I do in near future. I am keeping all the options open. May be, I will be into film making or I may become a writer. I love to write. There is also a possibility of taking up higher studies in bio technology. Only time will decide.

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