Teaser of much awaited film ‘Godavri’ released
After having won the appreciation and awards at the international and national film festivals, the makers of Marathi film ‘Godavri’ have released the first teaser of their much awaited film on the auspicious occasion of Dusehra. The teaser presents ups and downs in the life of Jitendra Joshi and his family and their traditions. It is still not clear as to what connection the family has with ‘Godavri’ and this still remains a mystery, till the film is released.
Presented by Jio Studios, produced by Blue Drop Films and Jitendra Joshi, this film is directed by Nikhil Mahajan and stars Jitendra Joshi, Vikram Gokhale, Neena Kulkarni, Sanjay Mone, Priyadarshan Jadhav , Gauri Nalawade in lead roles. Speaking about this film, director Nikhil Mahajan says, “ This film can be enjoyed by the entire family together. The film presents the importance of relations, their importance and introducing new relations.” The film is all set for release on 11th November 2022.
Jitendra Joshi to pay tributes to Nishikant kamat through ‘Godavari’
Jitendra Joshi’s forthcoming film ‘Godavari’ has been in the news for inviting attention at various international film festivals. This film has also won some awards at these festivals. Jitendra himself has won Best actor Silver Peacock award at IFFI 2021. Director Nikhil Mahajan has won the best director’s award at Pune Int. Film Fest, while cinematographer Shamin Kulkarni and music director AV Prafulchandra have also won awards at this Film fest. Jitendra who is also producing this film along with Blue Drop Films besides performing lead role has announced the release date of this film on 11th November 2022. This film is presented by Jio Studios.
Remembering his friend Nishikant Kamat on the occasion of his 2nd death anniversary, Jitendra said that he has dedicated this film to his friend Nishikant, as the story of ‘Godavari’ belongs to Nishikant. Besides Jitendra in the lead role, the film also stars stalwarts like Vikram Gokhale ,Neena Kulkarni, sanjay Mone and Priyadarshan Jadhav.
Jitendra Joshi wins best actor award at NYIFF, USA
Versatile Marathi actor Jitendra Joshi is in the news. He has won Best actor’s award for the film ‘Godavari (गोदावरी)’ at the New York Indian Film Festival ( NYIFF) 2022. ‘Godavari’ is Jio Studios presented Marathi film , which is produced by Blue Drop Films and Jitendra Joshi Pictures. This film has already earned a name at different national and international film festivals , wherever it was screened.
Directed by Nikhil Mahajan, this film will now be screened among the five films at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival . Speaking about his film director Nikhil Mahajan said, “I am glad that Jitendra was selected for the best actor’s award at NYIFF. This film was completed in 17 days.” The film stars Jitendra Joshi, Vikram Gokhale, Neena Kulkarni, Sanjay Mone, Priyadarshan Jadhav, Gauri Nalavade in lead roles.
Teaser Poster of ‘Raosaheb’ unveiled on social media
Teaser poster of new Marathi film ‘Raosaheb’ was unveiled on social media recently. This film has once again brought together Nikhil Mahajan with Planet Marathi. Written by Prajakta Deshmukh, Shripad Deshpande and Nikhil Mahajan this film seems to be on wildlife, as indicated through the poster. The film is jointly produced by Akshay Bardapurkar, Neha Pendse Bayas, Jitendra Joshi and Nikhil Mahajan.
First film of Planet Marathi OTT ‘June’ due for release
For the past several days we have been watching the announcements of web series and web films by Planet Marathi OTT platform. But now, their first Marathi film ‘June’ is all set for release next month. Therefore, there is a lot of curiosity about this film, which stars Neha Pendse, Siddharth Menon, Kiran Karmarkar, Resham Srivardhanand Nilesh Divekar in lead roles.
Directed by Surhud Godbole and Vaibhav Khisti and written by Nikhil Mahajan, music of this film is composed by Singer turned Music director Shalmalee Kholgade, who is making her debut as music director through this film. Lyrics are penned by Jitendra Joshi, while this film is produced by Shardul Singh Bayas, Neha Pendse Bayas, Nikhil Mahajan & Pawan Malu.
Trailer of this film has been released today on the official website of Planet Marathi. ‘June’ was already selected at the 51st IFFI in Indian Panorama section. Now, this film has also been selected at the Pune & Kerala film festivals besides prestigious New York film festival.
Jitendra Joshi turns producer with his new film ‘Godavari’
Popular actor Jitendra Joshi has turned producer with his new Marathi film ‘Godavari’. Teaser of this film was launched recently on social media. Directed by ‘Pune 52′ read review fame director Nikhil Mahajan this will be released on 1st May i.e. Maharashtra Day. Produced by Blue Drop Films and Jitendra Joshi Pictures, the story of this film is set on the backdrop of Gadavari river and focuses on a family living in Nashik.
With the story and screenplay by Nikhil Mahajan himself along with Prajakt Deshmukh, the film presents a family story with a difference, as claimed by the director. The strong star cast of this film comprises of Vikram Gokhale, Neena Kulkarni, Jitendra Joshi, Gauri Nalawade, Priyadarshan Jadhav, Sakhi Gokhale and Sanjay Mone. Dialogues by Prajakt Deshmukh , lyrics by Jitendra Joshi and music by A V Prafullachandra are the other credits.
‘Baji’ is a well presented film; but, too lengthy
Director Nikhil Mahajan who made his debut as a director through a detective Marathi film ‘Pune 52′, now offers an action & mystery filled film ‘Baji’. The film is also a grand comeback for Shreyas Talpade into Marathi films after 8 years. But, as far as the screenplay of the film is concerned, it seems to be inspired by few Bollywood films like ‘Kaho na pyaar hai’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Ajooba’, ‘Shahenshah’ and ‘Krrish’. Writer- Director Nikhil Mahajan has paid more attention on making this film a technically superior film in Marathi.
The story of this film is set on the backdrop of a small village Shrirangpur in Maharashtra, which is supposed to be created by a king in 11th century. So, it’s all about the ‘hidden treasure’ in the village and a Superhero ‘Baji’, protecting the same from going into the hands of wrong people. Baji also comes to the rescue of villagers, whenever anybody is in trouble. There is a mystery behind this character of ‘Baji’, as he hasn’t appeared in the village for a long time. And that’s how the film begins, raising curiosity of the audience.
Dipu ( Shreyas Talpade) , who runs a grocery shop, keeps hearing the bravery acts of ‘Baji’ from his girlfriend Gouri ( Amruta Khanvilkar), who has been saved from a mishap by Baji. She is the only person from the village, who believes that Baji would return. Another young man from village, Martand ( Jitendra Joshi), turns greedy and tries to secretly search the hidden treasure. When Dipu comes to know about his plans, he opposes him; but, in the process, he is himself beaten up by Martand.
At the stroke of interval, we notice a twist in the screenplay. Post interval, we see a simple looking Dipu turning a brave man, thus coming to the rescue of villagers, who are used as slaves, by Martand to trace the hidden treasure in the village. So, it’s a straight fight between Martand v/s Dipu. But, Dipu’s mother( Ila Bhate) knows some secrets. The screenplay proceeds with action filled suspense, to see the end of wicked Martand, after a thrilling climax, shot on a running goods train.
In ‘Baji’ it is Shreyas & Shreyas all the way. With his variety of acting skills, he is impressive, from beginning till end. Amruta Khanvilkar has supported him well, as his leading lady in the film. In the entire film, she appears without make up, perhaps to meet the requirement of her village girl image. Jitendra Joshi as Martand, commits all heinous acts, in the post interval session. But, his character is shown cruel only through violence filled acts. There isn’t much scope for acting for him. In comparison, his portrayal of villain in recently released ‘Premasathi Coming Soon’ was much better.
The first half an hour of the film fails to take off with the story. A lot of time has been wasted in showing the friendship and intimacy among Shreyas, Amruta and child artiste Pushkar Lonarkar ( ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ fame).But, once the film’s story takes off, it keeps the audience engaged, till the end. The new concept of showing the shadow fight has been used well, in one of the action scenes. The climax has been shot well, but for that the credit goes to action director Stunt Silva and the excellent camera work by Vasu Rane. There is one stunt scene performed by Shreyas to rescue a puppy dog from the roof top. He keeps calling him with the name of a top hero of Marathi film. And, this certainly was in a bad taste.
The sound design and background music is appealing enough, to create suitable ambience during important scenes. The fiery dialogues are appropriate; but, they haven’t been used well, to show the conflict between Dipu and Martand. However, the two folk songs are picturised well, with good music composition by Atif Afzal. In special appearance, Shruti Marathe does well, with her sizzling dance performance, in one of the songs. Nagraj Manjule is surprisingly endearing in the role of a Police officer. Good support comes from Priyadarshan Jadhav, Pushakar Lonarkar, Sandesh Kulkarni , Ila Bhate and others.
Produced by a big group of producers, comprising of Arun Rangachari, Vivek Rangachari , Amit Ahirrao, Suhrud Godbole, Deepti Talpade, Hrishikesh Kulkarni, & Nikhil Mahajan, ‘Baji’ is a well presented film, but is too extensive, in its 170 mins length. However, one can still enjoy this film, without any preconceived notion.
Devious ‘Pune52′ is a path breaking Marathi film
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Rating: 2.5
Banner: IME Motion Pictures, Arbhaat Nirmitee Producers: Abhay Gadgil, Shrirang Godbole, Girish Kulkarni, Umesh Kulkarni Director: Nikhil Mahajan Music: Atif Afzal Cinematography: Jeremy Reagen Cast: Girish Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni Sr., Saie Tamhankar, Bharti Achrekar, Kiran Karmarkar, Shrikant Yadav, GP Deshpande, Swanand Kirkire Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created his fictional detective in the form of Sherlock Holmes. Now, Australia returned film maker Nikhil Mahajan has dared to create his Amar Apte as private detective in latest Marathi film ‘Pune 52’ in his own style. Moreover, as claimed in the credits, that the film is based on a true story, this film is expected to draw attention.
Set on the backdrop of early 90s, it is the story of a private detective Amar Apte (Girish Kulkarni) from Pune, who operates from his old house, in an adjacent room with a separate entrance. Amar sneaks into the personal lives of others, especially those adulterous wives, as part of his assignment. During one such assignment, he clicks a builder (Kiran Karmarkar)in his private acts ; who sends police to his house to recover the amount from his wife, for interfering into his personal life.
In comes, Neha, who introduces herself as the same Builder’s wife and hires Amar on an assignment. She even pays him advance. However, Amar, who is disturbed by his demanding wife Prachi (Sonali Kulkarni Sr.) gets trapped into Neha’s seductive nature. This has given ample scope to the film maker to show some hot intimate scenes between Amar and Neha. But, for filming these intimate scenes between Girish Kulkarni and Sai Tamhankar , the film has received ‘A’ certification. Obviously, this has invited the attention of Marathi audience; since not many youngsters below 18, are otherwise keen on watching Marathi films. Not a bad idea!
The pre- interval session of the film is bit slow, as the plot of the film doesn’t become clear till interval. It is only in post –interval stage , the film generates interest among the audience. It is a sincere effort by the director to incorporate twists and turns; which only the true film lovers are able to understand. Other wise, watching this film in a theatre, would also invite lewd remarks from a section of audience, on certain scenes; as witnessed by this critic in Movie Time- Hub, on the first day. The film is technically well made, with perfect sound effects & suitable background music by Atif Afzal. Wonderful cinematography by Jeremy Reagen from New Zealand, makes this film more appealing. Watch some of the scenes shot in dark and those in close up. It’s a remarkable work.
Girish Kulkarni finds a totally different kind of role through this film and he has given justice to his charater. Sonali Kulkarni finds a suitable role of his wife, who has cleverly shown quick change of behaviour in her character, as per the requirement of the script. Sai Tamhankar is at her best. She perfectly fits into the role of Neha. It was nice to see Kiran Karmarkar playing that intricate character of a builder, with ease. Bharati Achrekar plays a convincing mother in law of Amar Apte. Though there is a mention about Amar’s father-in-law, his appearance has been cleverly avoided.
To say something about the complex screenplay, few sluggish scenes should have been edited to make the film more interesting in the first part of the film. Otherwise, the film has turned out to be a devious path breaking film in Marathi. The English sub titles are expected to turn in favour of the film.