Emotion filled ‘Kutumb’ turns a family entertainer
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Rating: na
Banner: Great Maratha Entertainment LLP Producer: Aniruddha Deshpande, Medha Manjrekar Director: Sudesh Manjrekar Story, Screenplay: Mahesh Waman Manjrekar Dialogues: Pravin Tarde Music: Ajit Parab, Sameer Mhatre, Abhijeet Kawthalkar Cast: Jitendra Joshi, Gauri Ingwale, Veena Janmkar, Mihir Soni, Siddharth Jadhav, Manasi Naik, Vaibhav Mangale, Bhalchandra Kadam, Prabhakar More, Sandeep Redkar, Sagar Karande, Shreeram Pendse, Ravi Sangwai Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Our Administrators say that the country is showing growth. Now, whose growth they are describing, that only our Prime Minister can explain. 70% of India’s population live in villages. They are either involved in farming or are doing labour work. Very few are self employed. Anyone who has struggled with poverty, knows how extremely expensive it is to get medical treatment, while suffering from serious ailment. Mahesh Manjrekar’s latest film ‘Kutumb’ revolves around one such family from a village Bhor in Satara district.
Namdeo and Ganga Solkar (Jitendra Joshi and Veena Jamkar) are happily married husband and wife with two school going children Laxmi (Gauri Engawale) and Subhan (Mihir Soni). Namdeo works as a Gardner in a bungalow in a nearby town and also does odd jobs to meet the demands of his children; be it a Pen drive of PC for his daughter or a Bicycle for his son. He wants to see them happy. But, when the back problem of his wife worsens and she is advised to undergo immediate operation, then comes the real test for him to raise money. Family neighborhood friend and School bus operator Magic Mamu (Siddharth Jadhav) and his wife Saira (Manasi Naik) come to their rescue; but, that’s not enough. Namdeo has to borrow additional money from the Moneylender on interest.
While Ganga is hospitalized, the children live with Magic Mamu and they raise money by performing dance at a local show in a nearby town and win a prize. But, Namdeo does not approve the idea. He beats up his children and insults Magic Mamu for encouraging his children into such an act, which relates to his past life. When Namdeo himself has to undergo a major operation, the children have no other option, but to take part in a dance reality show, with the help of Mamu Magic and his wife, to win a big cash award. With ups and downs in the life of Solkars, finally it is happy end.
Director Sudesh Manjrekar does a good job to expand what ‘De Dhakka’ had left behind. With Mahesh Manjrekar himself being in charge of story and screenplay, the film has successfully converted an emotion filled script into a family entertainer. Iranian film director Majid Majidi seems to have left a strong influence on the director, while describing the village life and struggle of the poor family to meet hospitalization expenses. Looking at the demand for dance reality shows in our state and the talent displayed by kids , the link has been cleverly knitted with the children’s concern about the health condition of their parents and raising the money for the same.
All the characters have been cleverly placed in the screenplay. Jitendra Joshi bears a realistic look of a hardworking Namdeo. He has worked very hard through his body language. As Ganga, Veena Jamkar is a perfect choice and is very impressive in that role. Both the children have been chosen for their dancing skills required by their characters; but, they have performed very well in many emotion filled sequences too. As Magic Mamu, Siddharth Jadhav impresses, while Manasi Naik gets her dues after a long time, to perform an emotion filled role. Among the other character artistes, Viabhav Mangale as cunning moneylender and Bhalchandra kadam as a comedian have done well. There is not much to do for Music direction team of Ajit Parab, Sameer Mhatre and Abhijeet Kawthalkar, as most of the songs are record dances on original popular songs like, ‘Kombadi, ‘ Baygo baygo’ and others.
Photography by Ajith Reddy is good, capturing the real beauty of a picturesque village. Some of the dialogues are timely. There are many predictable happenings in the film, with screenplay giving a hint of the same on many occasions. But, the presentation of the same makes a big difference to make it entertaining.
‘Bharatiya’ has a strong and timely message for the Government
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Rating: na
Banner: Devisha Films Producer: Abhijit Gholap Director: Girish Mohite Story: Aniruddha Potdar Screenplay: Anirudha Potdar, Sanjay Pawar Music: Ajay – Atul Cast: Subodh Bhave, Makarand Anaspure, Jitendra Joshi, Meeta Savarkar, Kuldeep Pawar, Hrishikesh Joshi, Tejashree Khele Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
At a time, when we understand that our prime Minister is likely to announce free mobile sets to all those living below poverty line in this country; the release of latest Marathi film ‘Bharatiya’ is very timely, for the Government to rethink about their controversial decision. The film is produced by Abhijit Gholap( the maker of ‘Deool’) who won the national award last year. Now, his new film ‘Bharatiya’ sends across a strong message to the Central government, for their apathy to understand the real problems of rural poor, at the grass root level.
As we all know, some of the villages in India, do not have water, electricity and other amenities essential for living. How can earnings of Rs. 32 a day by a person, be treated as above poverty line? Can a PM himself live in a village and manage his day within this amount? There are no toilets for these people, but, there are mobiles. Why the villages on the borders of two states receive ill treatment ? Are they treated as Indians? What if they revolt against the system ? All such relevant issues are raised by this sensible film.
Directed by Girish Mohite, the film is set on the backdrop of a small village located on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It talks about the neglect by two state Governments towards this village called Adnida. When time comes to prove the property rights of a family, it is observed that the village is neither under the jurisdiction of Maharashtra nor Karnataka. The issue is flared up, as a foreign returned youngster, who is in search of his ancestral rights over a property, raises his voice against the attitude of both the state Governments and central Government towards the village.
A Gypsy who is a fortune teller( Makarand Anaspure) , who wanders along with his Bull from village to village, is familiar with the miserable condition of this village. He predicts that a young man around 30, would come to this village and there will be a change with revolution. Soon, we find Abhay Sarpotdar ( Subodh Bhave) a protagonist in this film, coming to this village to trace the existence of his ancestral house in the village.
He finds that the Village head, Mr. Sarpotdar( Dr. Mohan Agashe) with his family and young daughter Sugandha( Meeta Savarkar) have occupied the big house claiming that it belongs to his ancestors. He claims the rights of the property, since living there for several years. On the suggestion of his daughter, he however allows the young man to stay in their house, till he proves his legal right over the property. Abhay moves from pillar to post with the help of village talathi to acquire the 7/12 ownership document. But, he finds that the village is neither in the jurisdiction of Maharashtra nor Karnataka. Even the respective states politicians refuse to offer any help, realizing that the village does not come under their constituency.
Taking the Head of the village and aspiring opposition politician Lote Patil ( Kuldeep Pawar) into confidence; Abhay plans a move to invite the attention of the Central Government. In the meanwhile, he traces a hidden treasure in the basement of the house, which is under lock and key for ages. Looking at the attitude of Government to give recognition to their village, Abhay goes on to declare Adnida as a separate country and appoints Sr. Sarpotdar as the Caretaker President, till the constitution is drafted. The issue flares up with the Central Government sending para military forces and seals the borders of the village. Media arrives and it becomes an international news, to invite the attention of the UN. Abhay plays his cards well, to bow down the prime Minister’s office for talks with them at their village. How he succeeds in his mission, the film’s climax is an answer.
Director Girish Mohite has handled this sensible script and screenplay of Aniruddha Potdar very well, with the help of humour filled dialogues of Sanjay Pawar, to make this film entertaining besides passing a strong timely message to the Government. In the role of a wandering fortune teller, Makarand Anaspure plays the Narrator. He very well suits in that role. As a protagonist, Subodh Bhave the lead hero has given a remarkable performance. He is simply superb in the climax scene. Meeta Savarkar( playing the Village head’s daughter) has limited scope, but her pairing with the hero goes well. Playing two rival opponents, both Dr. Mohan Agashe and Kuldeep Pawar are very impressive. Jitendra Joshi playing the role of Shripati(Kuldeep Pawar’s son) has timed very well with his comedy scenes with his father and others. Tejashree Khele, playing the daughter of the only Grocery shop owner in the village, plays the typical village girl with ease, displaying her skills well.
The other artistes comprising of Ujwala Jog (as Lote Patil’s wife), Shubhangi Latkar ( as hero’s mother), Sushant Shelar as Politician, Hrishikesh Joshi as Village Talathi, Pradeep Velankar as CM of Maharashtra, Manoj Joshi as Prime Minister , Suhas Shirsat and the producer Abhijit Gholap playing (as PMO’s representative in the last scene) have supported well, displaying good team work. In the post interval session, the film goes almost on a mockery of the existing system and therefore, the incidences like Cell phone jamming, the hero declaring aid from a neighboring country etc. could be taken in a lighter sense. Ajay Atul’s music is good, with one song by Kunal Ganjawala, in post interval session, inviting special attention. Lyrics by Guru Thakur and Sandeep Khare are well written to suit the screenplay. The film is a good attempt to offer wholesome entertainment with a strong timely message.
‘Matter’ of facts
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Rating: na
Producer: Poonam Shende Director: Satish Motling Story: Atmaram Dharne Screenplay: Atmaram Dharne Cinematographer: Satish Motling Music: Abhijeet Rameshrao Kawthalkar Cast: Jitendra Joshi, Santosh Juvekar, Sushant Shelar, Rajesh Shringarpure, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Usha Nadkarni, Minal Ghorpade, Surekha Kudachi, Megha Dhade, Yogini Cho Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Well, we all know that there was a time when Underworld almost ruled Mumbai and that enabled the terrorists to strike the dream city during early 1993. But, after that many underworld dons have gone underground, some of them killed in rival gang firing, while others were killed in Police encounters. New Marathi film ‘Matter’ throws light on such underworld operations in Mumbai during that period and how they influenced the unemployed youth, who were either in remand homes or jail.
Director Satish Motling presents four young friends Pakya, Babya, Raja and Rony ( played by Santosh Juvekar, Jitendra Joshi, Sushant Shelar and Rajesh Shringarpure) and the happenings in their individual life, through his film ‘Matter’, which is an action packed drama on the backdrop of corrupt politicians and their nexus with the underworld. The image of Police is however shown clean, but it is shown that even they play their tricks when the time comes to eliminate the most corrupt politician and the underworld dons, with a slogan ‘Mumbai Saaf toh Sau Gunhe Maaf’.
So, you find a ATS Chief Vikramm Pradhan (Sameer Dharmadhikari) doing this thankless job to achieve his motto. Sulbhatai (Usha Nadkarni) who is in power in the state uses both the underworld gangs for her own benefit. So, the ATS chief implements his plans after the death of his superior. But, even if you cut the roots, there is no complete end to crime. The operators, who are lucky to escape, take shelter in some other country to operate their business in Mumbai. There is a character of Maxi (Minal Ghorpade), a girl living in a chawl, in silent love with Babya. In most of the scenes, she keeps on giving the same smile and looks to her favorite boy and suddenly reacts, when he admits his love. Having known his background, she finally marries Babya, much against the wish of her parents.
Pakya (Santiosh Juvekar), falls in love with ATS chief’s sister (Yogini Chouk), when he saves her life from the custody of his Don, as she is picked up on mistaken identity. Rony (Rajesh Shrigarpure) is in love with a bar dancer (Megha Dhade) and Raja (Sushant
Shelar) who is offered shelter by a woman, active in gambling business (Surekha Kudachi) is shown more focused on his work and is self centred. He is shown as the most shrewd gangster, who gets his reward at the end.
Sushant Shelar for the first time has a prominent role. Till now, in spite of being a talented actor, he never had an opportunity to prove his mettle. But, this film would certainly fetch him better roles in films. The other three heroes – Rajesh Shrigarpure, Jitendra Joshi and Santosh Juvekar are at their best, but there are no suitable dialogues offered to them to create greater impact. Pakya utters the same slang on more than a dozen occasions. The villain Bala instead of uttering much, keeps on tilting his neck to make the cracking sound repeatedly. The conversation among the four friends does not create the desired effect, as it should have been otherwise. However, Usha Nadkarni in her own style has tried to make her presence felt, as a selfish politician. Sameer Dharmadhikari is good, but he doesn’t have much scope.
In the film, the female characters do not have much of importance, being a male dominated film. However, Yogini Chouk and Megha Dhade have tried to give their best through those few scenes to their credit. There are few other artistes like Javed Hyder, Anita Vishwasrao, Digvijay Rohidas, Ashok Kulkarni, Mahesh Kokate, Narayan Jadhav, Deepak Vetkar and Jitendra Awhad playing different characters. There is no doubt about the excellent cinematography by the director himself; but, the more than required songs on the same item style, diverts the attention of the audience from the ongoing screenplay. Some of the scenes have been unnecessarily extended, like the gang wars, the wedding scene of Maxi, the police torture and those slow motion effects used on few occasions.
‘Matter’ is otherwise a true presentation of facts about the happenings in the lives of people associated with the underworld and corrupt practices. At the end of the film, the sensible audience is convinced that the director hasn’t glorified the underworld, like the way Bollywood films do. He has been realistic in his approach, barring few scenes. ‘Matter’ can be called an action film, filled with violence and rough language; and those who love to watch such films, shouldn’t miss it. For others, it is just another film on gangsters in Mumbai and their lifestyle.
Jitendra Joshi – An Electrician turned Actor
Jitendra has already made his presence felt through his roles in recent films like ‘Guldasta’, ‘Shala’ and ‘Zhakaas’. Now, his two forthcoming films, namely ‘Matter’ and ‘Tukaram’ are all set for release shortly. He is also working in few more film projects. Marathi Movie World spoke to this multi talented personality. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: How was life, prior to entering this acting field ?
A: Prior to acting, as a youngster I have done lots of hard work expected from any active young boy; like distributing the newspapers and working in a shop. Basically, I am an electrician and during my young days used to run the shop of my uncle.
Q: When exactly you felt that you could become an actor ?
A: One day, while I was in my Uncle’s shop, my teacher Mr. Pardeshi spotted me there. He suggested me that I was at a wrong place. He indicated that my place was in theatre, as according to him, I was good at acting. But, that time, I didn’t know what exactly was required to be done, to become an actor. Later, when I shifted to Pune, I watched some one act plays and dramas. Watching the performances of Subodh Bhave and Lokesh Gupte, inspired me. I joined Satish Tare and Sunil Tare’s group as music operator. One day, in absence of one artist , I was asked to play his role. Mr. Mohan Wagh, who saw me in that role, selected me for his play ‘Three Cheers’ and I landed in Mumbai.
Q: But, how did you turn a lyricist ?
A: I don’t exactly remember, when I took interest in writing. May be, after I shifted to Mumbai. It happened, because of the encouragement from my family and friends. I have done very limited writing. Till now, I have written songs for films like ‘Bokya Satbande’ , ‘Jatra’, ‘Virrudh’ ( Hindi) and ‘Striker’ ( Hindi). Even for the film ‘Matter‘, I have penned one song ‘Bada bada bananeka….’ and even rendered my voice to this song in the company of my co artistes Santosh Juvekar, Sushant Shelar and Music director Abhijit Kavthekar.
Q: You are one of the four heroes in the film ‘Matter‘ . Tell us something about this film.
A: About this film, I would only say that we generally see the happenings in the life of the characters. But, what’s life all about and under what circumstances the characters live their life; ‘Matter’ takes a close look at it. It’s a story of four friends and their struggle in life.
Q: What do you have to say about your much talked about film ‘Tukaram‘ ?
A: Now, everyone knows about this famous saint. All I can say is that I am playing this central character in the film.
‘Sumbaraan’ does remind you about the golden memories
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Rating: 2
Presenter: Shree Ganesh Marketing and Films, Gypsy and Janki Production Production: A4 Creation, Anil Phadtare Story, Screenplay, Dialogues & Direction: Gajendra Ahire Cinematographer: Surya Mishra Music: Rahul Ranade Cast: Makarand Anaspure, Ravindra Mankani, Ravi Kale, Jitendra Joshi, Mukta Barve, Saie Tamhankar, Vrunda Gajendra, Shushrut Mankani, Shilpa Anaspure Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Known for his in depth knowledge about the village culture and presenting its contrast with new city lifestyle, Gajendra Ahire has in the past offered some sensible films. This time through his new film ‘Sumbaraan- Soneri divsaachya Soneri Athvani’ he shows very effectively the connect between the two places. ‘Sumbaraan’ is a tale of two generations and the changes noticed in their behaviour, with the passage of time. You may call it a touching tale of a village and the people living there.
Veeru (Jitendra Joshi) a struggling Music director is returning along with his elder brother Vasanta (Makarand Anaspure) to his village after a long time to spend their Diwali at their old ancestral house. They are accompanied by Vastanta’s wife (Vrunda Gajendra), Viru’s Friend Sushu (Shushrut Mankani) and his friend Mukta (Saie Tamhankar). On reaching there, though Viru takes it very lightly the arising situations and moreover in his own world, enjoying with his friends. Vasanta decides to sell the property and invites his old friend (Siddharth Jadhav) who is an estate agent.
Vasanta, is not happy in his life, remembering his past in the village and his inability to marry his girl friend – Shaku (Swarali Patil) who is the daughter of Biroba belonging to Dhangar community. Vasanta’s father Deshmukh Patil ( Ravindra Mankani) who is having a relationship with a lady from lower caste ( Ashwini Kalsekar) has no voice in the house, as the Mother (Seema Deshmukh) dominates. Vasanta’s younger brother Viru, during his childhood days, however maintains good relationship with Shaku’s younger sister – Kalli (Aditi Bhagwat).
The director has tried to show how attitude of individual matters. The elder brother is not happy in his life, for having ditched his beloved at a crucial stage in his life, while the younger brother is able to understand the situation better; with his own thinking process. In the case of Kalli, who is educated in city in the later part of her life, returns to her village as Dy. Collector. “Education is the key to progress of the society,’ is all that the director has tried to communicate through her character. Very efficiently he has handled the past memories through flash back from time to time.
Throughout the screenplay, the film sticks to its subject, not deviating from the main track. This results in total commitment to the script, which is based on the human relationship with the change of time. Take the character of Ashwini Kalsekar, who plays the keep of Deshmukh Patil, living in his own house. She is also being addressed as Mother, for obvious reasons, by both the children. When Viru returns to his village after a long time, she inquires about the relationship between two of his friends. And, when he tells her that they are in Live-in-relationship; she tries to find the difference between her relationship with his father and the young duo. Ashwini has played her role very efficiently. When kalli meets Viru after a long time, the director has very cleverly shown her maturity with education. Mukta Barve has played that small but sensible role with perfection in the company of Jitendra Joshi. Makarand is at ease in the role of Vasanta and so does Jitendra Joshi.
Shushrut Mankani and Saie Tamhankar are just show pieces in the film, playing Viru’s friends, with nothing much to do except playing Guitar, dancing or diving into the pond for swimming. Ravindra Mankani and Ravi kale are impressive in their respective roles. Seema Deshmukh and Vrunda Gajendra support well. All other artistes including Siddharth Jadhav perfectly fit into their characters, which are so lively.
Special mention about Dushyant Wagh, who displays his talent in that teenager Vasanta’s role. Rahul Ranade’s music is good . Technically, Sumbaraan is a well presented film, reminding one and all about the golden memories of the village life.