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Will 2013 open new chapter for Marathi Cinema ?
For the past 2-3 years, we have seen a change for good coming into Marathi films. But, there is no consistency. The year 2012 has come to an end with some of the sensible films like ‘Mokala Shwaas’ reminding one and all about the injustice on females and ‘Aaamhi Chamakte Taare’ educating the masses about the reality behind HIV affected children. There were some realistic films like ‘Kaksparsha’ , ‘Bharatiya’, ‘Babu Band Bajaa’, ‘Tukaram’,’Pipani’ & ‘Langar’ which invited attention; but, commercial films on the lines of Bollywood, like ‘No Entry’,’Teen Baika Fajiti Aika’ ‘Bluff Master’,’4 Idiots’ only reminded that some of the producers were not taking efforts to attempt new scripts.
Now, as we are set to welcome the new year 2013, there is a film “Balak Palak”( BP) from Ravi Jadhav, which is expected to surprise the marathi audience, as the film is based on a different subject, so relevant to today’s teenagers and their parents. But, what marathi film makers are expecting during this new year is a good turnout of audience at the theatres. Looking at the House full audience during the premiere show of ‘Aamhi Chamakte Taare’ at plaza theatre on 28th December 2012; one really wonders, as to why the same people can’t buy tickets to see Marathi films?
It may be kept in mind that the success of Regional films at places like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Kerala has been possible, only because the local people are respecting their culture and language by responding to their local language cinema with a big heart. It’s not that all these films are quality films with sensible subject; but, it is the respect for their language has earned popularity for south Indian films. It’s not that people in Maharashtra don’t respect their language and culture; otherwise, there won’t be overwhelming response for Marathi dramas, in spite of the high ticket rates. All that is required is to support the Marathi cinema , which is today nowhere behind Bollywood, as far as the technology and production quality is concerned. Otherwise, Music directors like Ajay Atul who began their career with Marathi films, would not have gained popularity in Bollywood.
Today, more and more Bollywood producers and Non Maharashtrian producers have taken keen interest in Marathi film making, which is a welcome move. Now, B.R. Chopra films and Akshay Kumar have also joined them for producing Marathi films under their new banner. There are many Bollywood personalities like Shakti Kapoor, Jhonny Lever, Anupam Kher, Murali Sharma, who have contributed by performing in marathi films and now we are going to watch Eesha Koppikar playing lead role in new Marathi film ‘Maat’ where she plays a Beauty Queen. One beauty Queen Amruta Patki has already made her debut through ‘Satya Savitri aani Satyavan’ few months ago and now, it’s the turn of Eesha Koppikar. Another news is about Ashutosh Rana making his debut through lead role in forthcoming marathi film ‘Sankasur’.Isn’t that enough to speak about the change coming in Marathi cinema?
Some of the marathi producers are also attempting something new; and the best example is forthcoming Marathi film’ Ajinkya’ which is due for release on 11th January 2013. The film is based on the life of a Basketball Coach, who is married to an executive from a corporate company. The film is produced and directed by two former basketball players from Nagpur, which itself is a news. Versatile Marathi actor Sandeep Kulkarni plays the intense lead role opposite another talented actress kadambari kadam in this film.
Few more eagerly awaited Marathi films are Girish Kulkarni and Sonali Kulkarni’s ‘Pune 52’’ also set for release in January 2013. Then there is Mrunal Kulkarni’s ‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata’ which will be her debut as a director. Mrunal is very hopeful about her creation, which is set for release in February 2013. Sachit Patil, Pallavi Subhash starrer film ‘Asa Mi Ashi Tu’ has also raised some hopes, as this film too has a different story . ‘Welcome to Jungle’ the first marathi adventure filled science fiction, will also be a big news for the new year.
Now coming to under production films, Mahesh Kothare’s ‘Zapatlela 2′ with more special effects will also be a major attraction during 2013. Among other films, Sanjay Jadhav’s ‘Duniyadari , Ujwal Thengadi’s ‘Dharmantar’and Raees Lashkaria’s two films ‘Samrajya’ and ‘Short Cut’ to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and Avadhoot Gupte respectively, will also be grand attractions during year 2013. Let’s wait and see, who wins the race? But, the biggest compliment to the film maker would be, if his film is able to draw good full house crowds in the theatres. Can this happen in 2013?
Shooting schedule for ‘Bol Baby Bol’ Completed
Well known Actress Aruna Irani is making her comeback in Marathi film industry after almost 16 years, with the film ‘Bol Baby Bol’ .
The film is being Produced by Balraj Irani under banner Majestic Entertainment. Suresh B Sawant is the Executive Producer. The shooting of film is now completed . Its a comedy film, Directed & Edited by Vinay N. Laad. Story by Rajan Agarwal. Screenplay by Rajan Agarwal & Vinay N. Laad. Lyrics by Vivek Apte. Music by Nishikant Sadaphule. Cinematography by Sameer Athaley, Dialogues by Sanjay Belose and Choreography is by Dilip Mistry.
Other star cast include Makarand Anaspure, Aniket Vishwasrao, Siya Patil & Neha Pendse.
Finally , R.R. Patil speaks tough on Multiplex issue
Multiplex theatre owners seems to have gone on the backfoot after so much of pressure mounting on them from all sides. First, it was MNS flexing their arms against their step motherly attititude towards screening of Marathi films. Then the Shiv Sena also entering into the fray by filing a third party petition in court on this issue. But, now the Home Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. R. R. Patil has taken quick steps to sort out this sensitive issue.
The State Government has now decided to make it mandatory for Multiplexes in city to give Marathi films the prime slots. As per the new
R R Patil, Aaba Patil
guidelines issued, Multiplexes would even lose their licenses, if they give secondary treatment to Marathi Cinema. A meeting was called by the Home Minister with the representatives of Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal and the Multiplex owners, when several issues were discussed. To address the complex problems, the state government has decided to constitute a committee to sort them out and to come out with recommendations. “However, henceforth, the permission for new multiplexes will be sanctioned only if they reserve a separate screen for Marathi movies,’ assured the Home Minister.
‘Second Inning’ wins Best Film award in England
Mohan Parab’s sensational Marathi film ‘Second Inning’ could not achieve much commercial success in Maharashtra, but the film has been receiving good response at various film festivals abroad. In the heart of England International Film festival that concluded recently, ‘Second Inning’ has won the Best feature Film award. Madhav Abhyankar, who played the lead role of a retired judge in this film, was more than happy to share this news with MMW on this occasion. “This award is the biggest appreciation for a Marathi cinema, which dealt with combined fight of senior citizens against injustice in the society.”
In fact, ‘Second Inning’ was a perfect film for multiplex audience, but the step motherly treatment offered by many Multiplexes in Maharashtra only deprived sensible audience from watching this film, when it was released few months ago. The film was a clear message to the society and also to the present system.
One fails to understand why these Marathi film producers don’t opt for other options like ‘Showcase’ on Tata Sky or similar others by other satellite TV operators ? It would certainly help them to earn some revenue on sharing basis with operators , in this Home Theatre scheme, where many latest Hindi films are presently shown few weeks after they are out from theatres . Films like ‘Mission Possible’, ‘Pratisaad’ and ‘Second Inning’ should try this experiment.
Percept Pictures to release ‘Mission Possible’
Marathi Cinema has a good news! Percept Pictures, India’s premiere and the only fully integrated entertainment company, has taken on the distribution rights of forthcoming Marathi film ‘Mission Possible’ .
Directed by Pushkar Jog, ‘Mission Possible’ is obviously a big budget film by Marathi movie standards today. The film walks a new path by offering a complete entertainer with action, emotions, style, voguish music, dance & romance all rolled into one, backed by an intriguing murder mystery. Something that’s not commonly seen in Marathi Cinema. The film attempts to enthuse the youth to watch Marathi Cinema with slick production values, modern sets, exotic locations with a touch of glamour. The highlight of the film is a song “Swapna Sha……” sung by Swapnil Bandodkar, which is the first Marathi song shot in scenic Ladakh.
Percept Pictures has been a leader in acquiring & distributing films with fresh & distinctive content. Known for identifying the right film for the right audience with focus on multiplexes, their previous releases Page 3, Malamaal Weekly etc. speak about their success . The company also carried out the release of ‘Khuda Ke Liye’, a historic event, being the first Pakistani film to be released in India over last four decades. Animated & Children films catering exclusively to the kids like ‘Hanuman’, ‘My friend Ganesha’, ‘Makdee’ etc. have been their offerings for children. They are the one to bring fascinating Hollywood blockbusters such as Hancock, The Mummy, Spider Man 3 etc. to the Indian audience
“Mission Possible” being a trend setter, would be promoted on a large scale. The star cast of the Film will be visiting various cities across the state such as Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Sangli etc; 15 to 20 days prior release. So, look out for the stars of this film in your city.
The reason for Percept Pictures to present “Mission Possible” is simple. This is what the company feels, “It is very different from the kind of Marathi films that we see nowadays. Moreover, the film has a fresh & youthful treatment. We are confident that this film would not only be well appreciated by the masses but also be a trend setter taking the Marathi Film Industry altogether to a new high.” Percept Pictures plans to market and distribute this film as the biggest Marathi language film till date. “The release of this film will simultaneously cover all the belts of Maharashtra, Goa and Marathwada in Nizam circuit. The marketing reach will be across all mediums starting with TV, Radio, Outdoor (Hoardings, OOH screens, Bus shelters and Bus panels – all across Maharashtra), Internet and Press,” says Yusuf Shaikh, Head of Acquistion & Distribution, and Percept Pictures.
Apart from directing & acting in the film, story & lyrics of the film have been penned by the multi talented Pushkar himself, who is also singing his own songs in the Film.
The strong storyline is supported by excellent performances by the entire cast comprising of talented Manisha Kelkar & Saii Tamhankar, who play the lead heroines supported by noted actors like Sharad Phonkse, Niranjan Namjoshi, Astaad Kale, Shantanu Moghe, debutant Amit Kalyankar & Mohan Joshi with Ganesh Yadav in a guest appearance. The Music is directed by the Saii- Piyush duo & the cinematographer(DOP) is Sanjay Khanzode.
‘Har Har Mahadev’ getting ready with negative cutting
Producer Sharad Shelar and director Subhash Phadke’s film ‘Har Har Mahadev’ is complete and the negative cutting of this film was done by writer-collector Vishwas Patil. The film is the story about a young man who takes an initiative to reform a village. The film’s message is to stop people from committing suicide and face life with confidence.
The film stars Sanjay Narvekar in the lead role along with Arun Nalavde, Rekha Kamath, Amita Khopkar, and introducing new lead pair of Gauri Sukhthankahar and Raahil. The music is by Uday-Abhijit and cinematography by Vishwanath. The film is set for an early release.
Kedar Promotes ‘Iraada Pakka’ in his own style
Marathi Cinema is also moving in a professional manner, as far as the film’s promotion is concerned. Right from ‘Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy‘ we found this difference, when the powada based song was used in the film’s promotion. Now, film maker Kedar Shinde has used a new approach for promotion of his film ‘Irradaa Pakka’, staring Sonali Kulkarni and Siddharth Jadhav.
Recently, he picturised a song for the film’s promotion, where he had involved about 20 popular artistes along with their spouses. This experiment is first of its kind in Marathi cinema. “The film lovers will be happy to see their favourite artistes with their real life partners together in this song,” feels Kedar. When this song was picturised for two days, Kedar and his wife paid personal attention on all these special invitees, to see that they were comfortable for that event.
Some of the artistes who took part in this special promotional song were veteran Atmaram Bhende, Kishore Pradhan, Ramdas Padhye, Alka Kubal, Bharat Jadhav,Sandeep Kulkarni, Ashok Shinde, Ankush Choudhary, Sumeet Raghavan, Prasad Oak, Vijay Patkar & Shreyas Talpade. The film will be due for release soon .
Marathi comedy ‘Kurchi Samrat’ now in cinema halls
People in Maharashtra are very well aware that vidhan sabha elections were held recently with a big noise. Watching that scenario, now Marathi cinema brings before you a comedy cinema
“Kurchi Samrat“. Movie is staring Makarand Anaspure under Navadip Films Creative offering complete entertainment on this well known topic of Election. Movie is a total entertainment for all age groups.
Surendra Panhalkar is well know distributor and is making his debut as producer through this movie. The film is directed by Dattaram Tavde and story writter is N. Relekar and screen play and dialogue are written by Arvind Jagtap. There are 4 songs in the movie composed by renowned composer Ashok Patki on the lyrics of Pravin Davne, Shrikant Badal and Appu Gharal. Vaishali Samant, Narendra Amap, Vashali Made and Anand Shinde have sung the songs for the movie.
Most appreciating thing about this movie is that it was completed in just 24 days. Major shooting was done in Kolhapur.With the election results now out, this movie is likely to benefit of the current situation. . MMW wishes all the team members of the movie a grand success. .
Action- Thriller ‘Gaiir’ set to hit theaters after Diwali
Marathi cinema which is growing day by day with improved technology almost at par with Hindi Cinema, is now coming up with a new thriller with the name of ‘Gaiir’. This Movie is well equipped with modern technology and latest methodology of picturisation. Sanjay Godwat group under Kruti picture banner is presenting this movie. ‘Gaiir’ is produced by Santosh Navale , Hashmukh Hirani and G .Prashant and is directed by Satish Rajwade.
To update the net savvy viewers, the website of this movie was launched by renowned director S. Ramanathan who has been the director for hindi cinemas and offered good movies like ‘Bombay to Goa’, ‘Sabse Bada Rupaiya’ and ‘Mahan’. ‘Gaiir’ stars Sandeep Kulkarni , Ankush Chawdary and Amrita Khanwilkar in key roles , while Tejaswini Pandit, Uday Tikekar, Vidhyadhar Joshi, Ela Bhate, Amita Kopkar, Mahesh Joshi and Sandeep Pathak are in the supporting cast of the movie.
This movie stands in competition with any action packed Hindi movie for having a good action and thriller part. required to attract the audience. The story of this film is written by Parag Kulkarni and Shirish Rajwade while dialogue are written by Parag Kulkarni. Songs are penned by Shriran Godbole while music is composed by Vishwajeet- Avinash. Cinematography of ‘Gaiir’ is handled by Suresh Deshmane and choreography by Umesh Jadhav and Rajesh Bidhave, while Mahesh Salgaonkar is the art director of the film.
‘Gaiir’ is set to hit theaters soon after Diwali.
MMW wishes the whole team of ‘Gaiir’ a grand success