Shooting of Films and TV serial to begin soon, with conditions
We are all aware that the shootings of Films, television serials and web series had come to a complete halt ever since the lock-down was imposed in Maharashtra, due to spread of corona virus. But now, there is good news to all the film makers and TV serial producers.
The Cultural department of Government of Maharashtra has taken a decision to grant permission for shootings soon, subject to conditions laid down by Government , which specifically refer to guidelines issued by them recently.
The concerned producers will have to make application for the same. Many Marathi film makers and artistes have expressed their happiness over this decision and have welcomed it.
Debu Deodhar is no more
Well known Cinematographer Debu Deodhar is no more. He passed away on Wednesday evening at his Mumbai residence. For the past few months , he was suffering from severe lungs disorder. He was 62. Mr. Deodhar who graduated from FTI Pune with specialization in cinematography, had worked for Directors like Raj Dutt, Amol Palekar, Aziz Mirza, Nana Patekar, Bhimsain and many others. He had also bagged awards like Maharashtra state award, Zee Gaurav Puraskar, Goa state award etc.
He began his career as an assistant in the year 1972. His work was last
Debu Deodhar
seen in a recently released Marathi film ‘Marmabandh’. His forthcoming films are ‘Laadi Goadi’ and ‘Tamashaa’. Some of his other films were Savalee 2007, MaatiMaay 2006, Kshan 2006,Lal Salaam (2002),Pehchaan (2005) ,Stumped 2003, Dhyasparva (2001), Kairee (2000) ,Lekroo (2000), Silsila Hai Pyar Ka (1999) ,Daayraa (1996), Bangarwadi (1996), Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991),Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaayen (1990), Lapandav (1993) Shejari Shejari, Gav Tas Changal, Tinhisanja & Akriet (1981). He is survived by wife Shrabanidaughter Sai and son-in-law Shakti Anand. MMW pays sincere tribute to his departed soul.
‘Vihir’ wins award at Stuttgart Festival
Marathi film ‘Vihir’ has one more feather in its cap. It has won the ‘German Star of India’ award at the Stuttgart Film Festival. The movie was screened at this festival last week. It is a great honour to Marathi film industry for presenting a good cinema to international audience with a subject depicting the family boundaries and friendship.
The award comprised of a trophy and 4000 euros. ‘Vihir’ will also be screened on 7th August 2010, at the Ahmedabad International Film festival followed by film festivals scheduled at Warsaw, Belgium and Melbourne.
High Court orders Screening of Marathi films mandatory in Mumbai
Gone are the days, when Marathi films were released in only two or three single screen theatres in Mumbai. In the recent past, some of the Marathi films even saw the multiplexes opening their doors, looking at the overwhelming response they witnessed. But, the majority of the single screen theatres were reluctant to release Marathi films. Indeed, Marathi films have been doing a good business posing as a big competition for the Bollywood, especially in Mumbai. No wonder, some of the Bollywood film distributors started blocking all the theatres in Mumbai , preventing the release of Marathi films and the theatre owners only encouraged such unethical practice. This was a deliberate move to only kill the popularity of Marathi films.
Such a step motherly treatment to regional cinema received a strong opposition from Bangalore, when the South Indian Film Federation warned the theatre owners against blocking all the theatres with a new Bollywood release during the first week. It had only prevented the regional cinema to find theatres for release.And, their protest and warning did help to curb such an unprincipled practice. In a place like Mumbai, the theatre owners were only taking advantage of the neglect by Maharashtra Government and the tolerance of Marathi film makers towards this issue. There is already a government resolution of 1968, making it mandatory for theatre owners to screen a minimum of 112 shows per year. But, the theatre owners only disobeyed it and had moved to court recently challenging this resolution.
However, the latest verdict of the Bombay High Court has come timely giving a great relief to the Marathi film industry. As per this ruling, all single screen theatres across greater Mumbai will have to screen at least 44 shows of Marathi films every year. This will have to be implemented in such a way that at least for four week in a year they will have to screen 11 shows of Marathi films per week, that too between 12 noon and 9 pm. Isn’t that a great victory for Marathi film makers ? MMW takes this opportunity to congratulate the entire Marathi film industry on this happy occasion; but at the same time expect quality films, so as to keep the audience with them.
There were arguments and counter arguments before the division bench of Justice gave their ruling. Some of the arguments in favour of theatre owners also went to the extent of saying that Marathi people were more keen on watching Hindi films. But, the sensible division bench passed the most welcome verdict which goes in favour of Marathi film industry. Nobody should take Marathi people for granted. They are admirers of good cinema. If there are bad Bollywood films, they always turn their back to them; but if there are good quality films no matter whether in Marathi or Hindi, they never miss them. Marathi film makers should take note of this audience psychology and offer something new and different to attract good crowd. And who says, Marathi films are only watched by Marathi people ? In the recent past, Marathi films, released in multiplexes witnessed 50% of non marathi audience. Further, prints of Marathi films released with English sub titles, have received multiple audience even at international level.
Remembering Usha Kiran
Usha Kiran passed away ten years ago, but the roles played by her are still fresh in our memory. She was the most versatile actress in Marathi, Gujarathi and Hindi film industry. In her acting career spanning over four decades, she acted in 300 films. She was the recipient of Maharashtra Government’s award for best actress for her role in popular Marathi film ‘Kanyadaan’. Some of her other award winning films were ‘Shikleli Bayako’& ‘Gariba Gharchi Lek’.
Even in Hindi films, she had performed opposite most of the top actors of her time in lead roles. Later, she continued to perform character roles till the time she was seriously ill. MMW pays sincere tributes to ‘unforgettable Ushaji ‘ on the occasion of her 10th death anniversary.
‘Harischandrachi Factory’ is India’s entry for Oscars
The Marathi Film industry wouldn’t ask for a better news than this one. Within just 5 years time, a second Marathi film ‘Harischandrachi Factory’ has been selected as India’s entry for Oscars in the foreign language film category. It first started with ‘Shwaas’ only few years ago and everybody thought that there weren’t many good films in competition during that particular year for ‘Shwaas’; but with the selection of ‘Harischandrachi factory‘, it has become clear that Marathi film industry has come of age. In the recent past we have not only seen many marathi films with new ideas and stories to change the taste of traditional audience but also to catch the attention of international film media.
Indeed, with the making of ‘Harischandrachi Factory‘ writer- director Paresh Moksahi has not only paid tributes to the pioneer of Indian cinema late Dadasaheb Phalke, but has also shown a new direction to the film lovers in the name of creativity. Perhaps, he knew well, what was the requirement of world cinema when it comes to universal appeal. There cannot be a better script than highlighting the character of the most dynamic and adventurous person who strived to win the audience for such a medium of cinema, during the period 1911-1913) , when Indians were scared to even face the camera.
It is always said that though youfind your entry into Oscars, it is very difficult to win the hearts of the Jury over there. But, with the help of people like Sandeep Sawant, Ashutosh Gowarikar and Aamir Khan, nothing is impossible for Paresh Mokashi to campaign for his film from the next month, when he visits US. 40 year old Paresh Mokashi seems to be confident of sailing through all the hurdles of promotion , as it is the quality and hard work that always pays rich dividends. But, till then let us all wish him all the best for the success of his film. It will be a Golden moment for Marathi film industry, if ‘Harischandrachi Factory’ returns home with Oscars. It will be a biggest tribute to late Dadasaheb Phalke.
‘Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?’
Zee Talkies, only Marathi movie channel started ‘Lux Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?’ – a viewer’s choice film award is a concept that seeks to further increase popularity and interactivity between the Marathi Film industry & the viewers, who get to votes their favorite films, actors, actresses, characters, directors etc.
‘Lux Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?’ , the first and a magnificent Popular Awards on the year of 2008 for the Marathi Film Industry and viewers as well. It is not only felicitating popular & creative Marathi Film industry but also to reward loyal viewers of Marathi Films.
‘Lux Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?’ , a mega star studded event, after the whole voting process is over, had been held in Hotel Hyatt Regency, Mumbai on Saturday, September 12, 2009 and will be televised on Zee Talkies on Saturday, 19th Sept, 2009 @ 7pm. This event had spectacular performances by Sachin Pilgaonkar, Ankush Choudhari, Sonali Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Aditi Sarangdhar , Priya Bapat, Jitendra Joshi and Siddharth Jadhav. Show had anchored by Mahesh Manjarekar and hillarious skits performed by Makarand Anaspure and Vaibhav Mangale. The script was written by Sachin Mote and Ashish Pathre and programe was directed byMahendra Kadam.
The big names like Amol Gupte, Makarand Deshpande, Sonali Kulkarni, Renuka Shahane, Nagesh Bhonsale, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Pallavi Joshi, Mrinal Kulkarni, Ashok Saraf, Nivedita, Ajinkya Deo with his star father mother Ramesh Deo and Seema Deo, Popular Music directors Ajay – Atul and the many other popular stars of the Marathi Film industry were responded to the Gala event and cocktail- dinner.
Zee ‘Lux Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?’ Award winners :
1 ‘Lux Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?’ – Makarand Anaspure for De Dhakka
2 Favorite Actress- Supriya Pilgaonkar for Amhi Satpute
3 Favorite Comedian- Siddharth Jadhav for De Dhakka
4 Favorite Villain- Siddharth Jadhav for Galgale Nighale
5 Favorite Song- Ajay Atul- Moraya Moraya from Uladhal
6 Favorite Couple- Sachin – Supriya
7 Favorite Style Icon- Ankush Choudhari
8 Favorite Unforgettable Face- Sai Tamahankar
9 Favorite Film- De Dhakka