Is Subodh Bhave the most popular actor today ?
We had seen the best from Subodh Bhave as an actor and director through the film ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali‘. But, later, his films like ‘Bandh Nylon Che‘, ‘Fugay‘ and ‘Karar‘ were below expectations. However, one should not forget that Subodh Bhave carried with him the success of films like ‘Lokmanya‘,’Balgandharva‘ and few others. Moreover, he has never let down his directors or his well wishers, when it was judging his individual performance. He has always been at his best giving his 100% with total involvement into his character. Best example was his negative character in ‘BhoBho‘, which he performed very effectively. No wonder, he is still in demand, when a particular film maker is looking for a lead actor with spontaneity.
Incidentally, Subodh has two simultaneous releases ‘Hrudayantar‘ and ‘Conditions Apply‘ on coming Friday, followed by Govind Nihalani’s Marathi film ‘Tee Ani Itar‘ after a few days. There are three more films he has in hand. And, with experience of ‘Aiyya‘ in Hindi and ‘Pinneyam‘ in Malyalam, he has certainly raised the expectations of Marathi film lovers. Fortunately for him, all his three films due for release, have different subjects. So, can we call Subodh Bhave, the most popular actor today, in Marathi film industry ?
‘Katyar…’ takes you into mesmerizing world of Indian classical music
 Rating: ★★★★
Studio/presenter: Zee Studios Producers: Nitin Keni, Nikhil Sane Director: Subodh Bhave Writer: Purushottam Darwhekar Screenplay, Dialogues: Prakash Kapadia Music: Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Shankar Ehsaan Loy Genres: Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 124 Min. Cast: Shankar mahadevan, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Subodh Bhave, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sakshi Tanwar, Pushkar Shrotri, Swapnil Rajshekhar, Asmita Chinchalkar, Chinmay Pataskar Chinmay Shintre Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Giving a cinematic look to a popular Marathi play is not new to Marathi cinema. But, it is not an easy job, to do so. Much depends on the skillful presentation of the screenplay, taking maximum cinematic liberties. However, actor turned director Subodh Bhave has managed to do it, with the help of an expert Bollywood screenplay writer Prakash Kapadia. And, when you see his film ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’ , you realize, how the screenplay writer has developed this original story of Purushottam Darvhekar into a wonderful film, without disturbing its original essence.
‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’ focuses more on recreating the period of the story, with well researched set designs and realistic outdoor locations. Rest is left to the director, to accommodate the Indian classical music, by retaining some original songs from the historical play and adding some meaningful, well suited songs for the right occasions in the film. The beauty of this film, is its mesmerizing music of Jitendra Abhisheki & Shankar Ehsaan Loy with superb cinematography by Sudhir Palsane. Be it indoor court of the King, the old haveli or picturesque outdoor locations, the camera has captured them all, very skillfully.
As the film has emphasized more on the different attitudes of the characters in this film, the selection of actors has been perfect. Shankar Mahadevan seems to be the right choice, to play Kind hearted Pandit Bhanushankar, while the most experienced Sachin Pilgaonkar has found a lifetime role, to portray a negative character. He has been given ample scope for displaying the selfish and cunning attitude of Khan Saab, through his body language, facial expressions and with his proficiency in Urdu language. Subodh Bhave finds an equally good role of Sadashiv, the disciple of Panditji and he has given full justice to his character.
In the roles of Uma and Zarina, Mrunmayee Deshpande and Amruta Khanvilkar, have also justified their selection, with good performances. Pushkar Shrotri and Swapnil Rajshekhar have limited scope, while playing the Poet and King respectively, but their performances are convincing. Sakshi Tanvar has very little to do; but she too has played her part well. Best designing of costumes and perfect make up, also help to make this film more realistic. But, as said before, this film is for all those lovers of Indian classical music. For others, this film is likely to create a liking for Indian classical music. After all, it is a treasure of our Indian culture. So, don’t miss it.
Katyar Kaljat Ghusali (कटयार काळजात घुसली)
Genres: Musical Drama
Rating: ★★★★
Censor: U/A
Duration: 130 min.
Studio/presenter: Zee Studio, Essel Vision
Producers: Sunil Phadtare, Nitin Kini, Nikhil Sane
Executive Producer: na
Director: Subodh Bhave
Writer: Purushottam Darvekar, Prakash Kapadiya
ScreenPlay: Prakash Kapadiya
Dialogues: Prakash Kapadia
Official Facebook Page I Twitter
Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: na
Director: Subodh Bhave
Assistant Director: na
Writer: Purushottam Darvekar, Prakash Kapadiya
ScreenPlay: Prakash Kapadiya
Dialogues: Prakash Kapadia
Lyrics: Mangesh Kangane
Music: Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Playback Singer: Mahesh Kale, Shankar Mahadevan
Cinematographer (DOP): Sudhir Palsane
Editor: na
Starcast: Sachin Pilgaonkar, Subodh Bhave, Amruta Khanvilkar, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Sakshi Tanwar, Shankar Mahadevan, Pushkar Shrotri
Art Director: Santosh Phutane
Costumes: Nachiket Barve, Purnima Oak
Makeup: Vikram Gaikwad
Sound : Anmol Bhave
Background Score: Santosh Mulekar
Choreographer: na
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: na
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
Synopsis
‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’ : na
Videos
News / Article / Interviews
na
Movie Still(s)
Poster(s)
Review
Now, ‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai-2′ gets ready with Band Bajaa and Baraati…
Much talked about Marathi film ‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai-2′, starring Swapnil Joshi and Mukta Barve, is gearing up for its Diwali release. Only few days ago, the makers of this film, launched their fist song, in presence of the students of a Mumbai college. And, this time, to launch the another song..‘Band Bajaa Varaat Ghoda’ .they had actually erected the set of actual wedding, at an auditorium in Mumbai.
To bless the couple, i.e. lead pair Swapnil and Mukta, their screen parents were present. So, for the first time Prashant Damle, Savita Prabhune, Vijay Kenkre and Mangal kenkre were present for this film’s promotion. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Sajnay Chhabriya of Everest Entertainment, Mr. Amit Bhanushali of Mirah Entertainment and director of the film Satish Rajwade.
So, during coming Diwali, we will see a big competition between this film and Zee Studios film ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali’. But, ‘Katyar kaljaat Ghusali’ has already scored on account of its first look. Now, it is for the audience to decide their preference at the ticket window. Because, for the success of Marathi films, it is the actual headcount in the cinema halls, that counts.
Shankar Ehsaan Loy to offer biggest Diwali Gift to Marathi film audience
Music directors Shankar Ehsan Loy have already made it big in Bollywood. But, the celebrity trio is all set to offer biggest Diwali Gift to Marathi film audience. Shankar Ehsan Loy are making their grand debut in Marathi films through classical music based Marathi film ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali’,which is inspired by the popular old Marathi play, with the same name. Incidentally, Shankar Mahadevan is also playing an important role of a classical singer, in this period film.
Recently, music CD of this film was released, in presence of the team members of this film, including Sachin Pilgaonkar, who is playing a parallel role of another singer, opposite Shankar Mahadevan, actor- director Subodh Bhave and producers of the film Sunil Phadtare, Nitin Kini & Nikhil Sane. On this occasion, besides unveiling the promo of this film, video of three songs were also played. And, they displayed not only the rich heritage of Indian classical music; but also gave an indication of the majesty of the film.
Besides Shankar Mahadevan, Subodh Bhave and Sachin Pilgaonkar, the film also stars other talented artistes like Amruta Khanvilkar, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Pushkar Shrotri & Sakshi Tanvar, who is also making her debut in Marathi, through this film. There are 21 classical songs in Katyar Kaljat Ghusli’, which also include few original songs from the Marathi drama.
‘Balgandharva’ is a tribute to the Superstar – Subodh Bhave
In the golden era of Marathi Musical based plays ie. More than 100 years ago, no female artist was coming forward to act in a drama. Therefore, male artistes used to perform female roles. In those good old days, artist Narayanrao Rajhans was acknowledged as an actress of Marathi stage. He was then named as ‘Balgandharva’. Today’s popular Marathi Television and film actor Subodh Bhave was enthused with an idea to produce a film on the life and history of Balgandharva. His dream has come true. The film will be released on 6th May in many theatres all over Maharashtra.
In order to know more about the film, Marathi Movie World spoke to Subodh Bhave after congratulating him on his winning the Zee Gaurav puraskar and Mata Sanman.
Q What prompted you to have a theme on the life of Balgandharva for your film ?
A. After directing a musical drama like ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’, many misconceptions about Musical play were erased from my mind. I had an opportunity to read a book named ‘Gandharva Gatha’. With an intention of making an ordinary man familiar with the caliber and struggle of this Marathi stage artist – Narayanrao from the past century, I approached Mr. Nitin Desai and he appreciated the idea and agreed for the production.
Q. His 80 years of lifespan to be covered only in 2 hours was a big challenge. How you could make it possible?
A. Oh! It was really a difficult task. We have tried to cover only the important events of 50
Subodh Bhave as & in ‘Balgandharva’ years of his career. So basically it’s a trailer. It’s a tribute to the super star. We approachedseniors from earlier generation who were fortunate to enjoy his female roles and ‘Natya Geete’. In absence of such a movie, the present generation would not have any other option except for referring the contemporary literature.
Q. To give justice to your role as Balgandharva., what efforts have you put in ?
A. Well, he was well-known for his female roles. To make myself fit for such a role, I had to undertake special exercises to slim down. I took inspiration from his photograph. I studied the expressions on his face. His standing style , his poses & gestures. I read many reference books. I met his daughter Ms. Khedekar and daughter in law Anuradha. I also spoke to Ms.. Jaimala Shiledar, a well known female singer on Marathi stage.
Q. Who has played the role of Balgandharva’s wife ?
A. Vibhawari Deshapdne has played the role of his wife.
Q. To the best of our knowledge, you are not a professional singer. Have you learnt classical music? Who has given the playback?
A. Neither I have taken any formal education in classical music, nor I was fond of Natya Sangeet . But, in the company of my friends -Shaunak , Salil, Bela & Mahesh kale, who are classical singers; I could learn a lot. While doing research for this film, I have totally changed . Now, I like Hindustani Sangeet. In this film, playback singer is Anand Bhate.
Q. Do you think that along with old generation, even youngsters will be attracted towards this movie?
A. There cannot be a single Marathi music lover, who has not heard about Balgandharva. But, most of them did not get opportunity, to see his acting and listen to his voice. Most of the youngsters from present generation are curious to know about his talent and personal life. I am sure, all Marathi music lovers irrespective of age, will watch his movie at least once.