Creepy ‘Aik’ sticks to its promise
 |
Rating: na
Banner: Matrubhumi Productions, Cutting Chai Productions Producer: Pradeep Garg Director: Prateek Kadam Story: Janmejay – Swapnil Cinematographer: Aniket K. Cast: Aditi Sarangdhar, Swapnil Jadhav, Prasad Oak, Suhas Palshikar, Bhushan Ghadi, Chinmay Mandlekar, Shekhar Phadke, Prashant Neman, Hrishikesh Gujar, Mausami Hadkar, Poonam Jadhav, Shilpa Kamble, Swarangee, Karandikar, Tanish Sonawane, Priti Patil, Janmejay Patil, Karan Vaity, Lina Vaity, Pratik Kadam, Suhit Vaity, Pankaj, Jamir Mulla, Swapnil Vaity, Shantani Vaity Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Not all the suspense filled horror films are able to deliver, what they promise during the film’s promotion. But, latest released Marathi film ‘Aik’, has been able to offer what it claimed. To create an impact of horror and suspense, the film’s unique screenplay supported by effective camera work and background music has made a big difference. In the process, Producer Pradeep Garg and director Pratik kadam have succeeded in presenting this thriller on the new subject very well. Thanks to Janmajay Patil and Swapnil Jadhav for working together on the script. Aik Movie, aditi Sarangdhar
One of the writers-Swapnil, also makes his debut as a hero through this film. Now, who says that only Hollywood and Bollywood film makers like M. Night Shyamalan , Ramsay, Ramgopal Verma and Vikram Bhatt could handle such topics? Today, young director Prateek kadam has proved that a good team work can create something special in Marathi too. The film revolves around Rishi Marathe ( Swapnil Jadhav), a Creative director working in a Marathi Entertainment channel M4U. His family comprises of wife Aditi ( Aditi Sarangdhar) and little son. The family shifts to a new apartment in Mumbai and soon begins the clash between husband and wife, as Rishi doesn’t find time for the family.
The disturbance leads to the point of divorce and Aditi reaches with her son to the shooting venue of Rishi’s novel reality show, which is located 4 to 5 hours drive from Mumbai. The selection of this old palace of British time, has been deliberately selected by the production house, to attract adventure loving participants. When Aditi reaches there, Rishi and his Boss Sandy ( Prasad oak) are already tensed up, as the participants selected for the first live episode, back out at the last stage. The entire unit is now looking for a couple. Rishi persuades Aditi that he would sign the papers of divorce, provided she helps him and participate in the show. Aditi agrees and enters inside the palace.
The rule of the game show is such that the wife is taken inside the palace to a safe room and is made to wait there, till the husband goes in search for her and then returns back along with her, to win the game show. Before Rishi proceeds towards the palace, he is introduced to the audience from the site by the anchor Chinmay Mandlekar. Rishi is provided with microphone to constantly communicate with the anchor, waiting outside the palace and also given a buzzer, which is to be pressed thrice, in case the particiapant wishes to quit.
prasad Oak, Swapnil JadhavWhen Rishi enters the palace, he comes across terrible experiences, including terrifying sounds, indicating presence of someone around. Soon, he comes across more horror filled strange experiences and is about to quit, when he hears the voice of his wife. When he goes in her search, the in house CCTV cameras planted by the production team, capture his reactions. On few occasions, they get confused, as to why Rishi is worried and scared. Rishi also sees his own son around and later finds a terrifying Girl’s spirit, misleading him. When Rishi is given an assurance by the anchor that his son is very much in the vanity van fast asleep; he in convinced that an invisible spirit, is playing on his mind. Finally, he finds his wife, while he himself suffers an injury.
When both are on their way to exit, they actually face the girl’s spirit, all set to kill Rishi. In the console room, Sandy receives a call from an old man, who claims that the girl inside the palace is his grand daughter’s spirit. In the climax, the film concludes methodically , revealing the mystery.
‘Aik’ is a good effort by director Prateek Kadam. He gets a good support from suitable background Music and efficient camera work, to make every scene effective. The film has been shot at the most ideal location of historical Thiba Palace, situated on a hill top of Ratnagiri town. All the artistes in the film have lend a good support with their natural acting skills. Lead hero Swapnil, who makes his debut, doesn’t look like a new comer. He has played his part very naturally. Aditi Saragdhar has given a wonderful performance. The way she reacts during sensitive scenes, clearly indicate her identity as a complete actress. Prasad Oak and Chinmay Mandlekar play their respective roles with complete authority. Others in the supporting cast have done well. ‘Aik’ is a well presented creepy film, which sticks to what it promised during the ad campaign. Don’t be surprised, if any Bollywood film maker attempts a remake of this film.
Good Public relations, is the need of the hour- Prasad Oak
Like any other committed actor, acting is his passion. For the past several years, Prasad Oak has been performing through all the three mediums of acting, i.e. stage, television and films. In the recent past, his ‘Aaltun Paaltun’ had gained popularity on Marathi stage. For Home television lovers, as a show anchor he has reached the popularity heights, while listening to the grievances of more than 500 families in Maharashtra through the famous TV show ‘Bhanda Saukhyabhare’. And, through his variety of performances in Marathi films, he his heading towards century, with release of 70 films so far and four films in hand.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Prasad Oak, who like a perfect PR man, immediately responded to our request for an interview, unlike few other popular stars, who keep asking for time. But, Prasad was more than courteous to speak about his 21 year long career in acting. We are all aware that as a young boy, he had invited all the attention during his school and college days in Pune. Prasad directed many one act plays and later worked as an assistant director, besides acting.
Today, Prasad is among the popular actors in Marathi entertainment industry. On many occasions such as award functions, he is unnecessarily made the target with jokes cracked
on him. In fact, he being chosen as a target by some of his colleagues, who played anchors at Award functions, has only indicated his rising popularity in this Marathi entertainment industry. But, on few occasions, it became too personal. And therefore, this otherwise cheerful actor had to respond, expressing his reaction against the mischief makers.
Having played a variety of roles in different Marathi films, Prasad is now awaiting eagerly for the release of his forthcoming film ‘Aik’, which is an action packed horror film. In this film, Prasad is playing an important role and is all praise for new director Prateek Kadam, who, he feels has handled this subject very well. “We have very few films in Marathi, which contain suspense filled with horror. This film will certainly hold the audience to their seats. It has been shot with a new C 300 Camera, which will display its visual quality, required for such type of a film,” he says. Known for his comedy roles, in the recent past, Prasad has also been part of a suspense filled mystery film ‘Tee Ratra’ and he certainly invited all the attention in that role, he played.
Talking about his love for stage, Prasad seemed to be slightly disappointed, as the shows of his ongoing play ‘Aaltun Paltun’ have stopped. But, he is looking forward to make a comeback. “I will not stop performing on stage. It’s my first love. Very soon, by August or September you will see me back on stage,” he says confidently.
Having directed a Marathi film and well aware of the advertising required for promoting a Marathi film, Prasad is of the opinion that for a Rs.1 Crore budget film, the film maker should make provision of 35% of the budget, towards publicity and marketing of the film. When asked, as to how important was Public relations for a Marathi actor, he said, “In today’s time, it is the most important factor. It’s the need of the hour. Personally, I am myself paying more attention on PR.”
Prasad’s TV programme ‘Bhanda Saukhyabhare’ has further enhanced his public contacts. “Through this programme, I have myself learned so many things, while sharing the emotion filled experiences of others,” he admits.
At present, Prasad has four films in hand. After release of ‘Aik’, he will be looking forward to Tanaji Ghadge’s ‘Gajarachi Pungi’, ‘Satya’, Mandar Deosthali’s ‘Dhating Dhingana’ and Shekhar Sartandel’s much awaited film ‘Nirmalya’. ‘The tongue has no bone and it wiggles more against the celebrities than the common man’. Prasad is undoubtedly a celebrity and it’s obvious that some of his so called friends from this industry would try to pull his legs. Whenever he is not performing, Prasad enjoys watching films and also finds time to read books. Marathi Movie World wishes him all the best.
All Rounder Prasad Oak
In Marathi entertainment industry, Prasad Oak is a familiar name. Till now, he hasn’t left any area untouched in this field, be it modeling, films, serials, drama or direction. He has also won the Celebrity show on Zee Marathi, while getting that special recognition of ‘Ajinkya Tara’. Already known for being a good programme host, recently he was seen presenting a poetry in the programme ‘Haftabandh’ and one really wondered as to how he could deliver so many things at a time.
For the past 17 years Prasad has been working hard to establish himself as a good performer through different roles he played, whether they were comedy or serious type. When he came to this city from Pune, he had a dream of directing a film and it took him sixteen long years to fulfill his dream. While in Bhave school and BMCC College, Pune, Prasad directed many one act plays and later worked as assistant director. Marathi Movie World spoke to Prasad to know more about his journey and past experiences. Excerpts from interview:
Prasad Oak
Q: How did you get your first major break into acting ?
A: My first serial ‘Bandini’ was my stepping stone, where I worked with Mrunal Kulkarni as my co-star. This role was offered to me by Shirish Kulkarni, with whom I had worked earlier for ‘Avart’. My first drama was ‘Adhantar’ and my first film was ‘Ashtaroop Vaibhav Laxmi Mata’.
Q: Was it because of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, that you received due recognition as a singer ? And, how serious you are to take up this new career ?
A: I have already rendered my voice as a singer for films like ‘Doghat Tisra Aata Sagle Visra’ and ‘Joshi Ki Kamble’ . There is also one forthcoming film, where you will find me as singer. But, I haven’t taken it seriously as a new profession. For the time being, I am
enjoying it as a hobby. Let me see, if there are more opportunities, I may continue to sing for films.
Q: ‘Haay Kaay Naay Kaay’ was the first film directed by you. How was your experience in this new role ?
A: Right from direction to production every process I enjoyed. It was a dream come true.
Q: We have seen you performing different types of roles, but what you enjoy playing ?
A: I enjoy playing a comedy, as I like to make people laugh. It’s a pleasure watching them laugh .
Q: You are also a Poet, Isn’t that true ?
A: Yes, you may say so. Actually, I only pen down my thoughts, which are not necessarily poetries. But, sometimes, they turn out to be. It all depends on my mood.
Q: You have spent almost 16-17 years in this industry. Do you feel that there is something yet to be done ?
A: Yes, I have yet to establish myself as a director in this industry. I have worked in almost 80 serials and almost the same number of films and literally got trapped into acting only.
Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming films .
A: Within next 2-3 months there will be at least 10 films releasing, out of which 3 films will release in August 2010. In every film I have a different role. In ‘Aikaa Dajiba’ I am playing a Gujarathi boy, while in ‘Jeta’ I am playing a villain. In ‘Tee Ratra’ (a thriller) you will find me in most memorable role.
‘Tee Ratra’ – A Well presented Psycho-Thriller!
 |
Rating: na
Presenter: It Clicks Productions Director: Viju Mane Story: Hemant Edlabadkar Camera: Shabbir Naik Music: Vinay Rajwade, Pravin More Cast: Prasad Oak, Santosh Juvekar, Aditi Sarangdhar Movie Review by: Sandeep Hattangadi |
Marathi cinema doesn’t have a tradition of whodunits and thrillers, but in the recent past Marathi cinema has given us many good thrillers like ‘Ranbhool’, ‘Checkmate’ & ‘Ringa Ringa’. Director Viju Mane’s ‘Tee Ratra’ is a welcome addition to this genre. The film starts off with an easygoing pace, with a newly married couple checking into their honeymoon suite. However, their conjugal night begins with a chilling chain of sequences, which keeps the viewers glued to their seats.
The couple played by Santosh Juvekar and Aditi Sarangdhar are very much in love, but Santosh has doubts about his wife’s fidelity and tries to find the other man in her life by installing web cameras in their desolate bungalow and also hires the services of a psychiatrist played by Prasad Oak, who is his childhood friend.Prasad uses various psychiatric tools like putting Aditi to extreme emotional trauma by posing as a serial killer and puts her through hypnosis to bring her sub -conscious to the fore.
Finally, the treatment works and Aditi blurts out her innermost secret. What is that secret? Well, that’s the suspense . Director Mane has kept the proceedings fairly brisk and has been inspired by many films like ‘Dial M for Murder’, ‘Vertigo’, ‘Gaslight’, ‘To Chase A Crooked Shadow’, ‘Grand Larceny’, ‘Postman Always Rings Twice’ and closer to Bollywood’s ‘Shaque’ besides the dark noir plots of James Hadley Chase novels.
The film can only boast of some excellent performances, especially by Prasad Oak, who gives one of his best performances as a shrink turned serial killer. Santosh Juvekar is rightly restrained as the caring husband. Aditi Sarangdhar as a disturbed wife, gives a good account of herself. Subodh Bhave’s role as Santosh’s partner and that of Mangesh Desai’s are half baked .Most of the film has been shot indoors in a bungalow, a la RGV style which reminds one of his films ‘Kaun’ and ‘Raat’ and the Hollywood classic ‘Halloween’.
Shabbir Naik has shot the film in natural light without any fancy angles, which any other DOP could have gone overboard with. The songs are okay but the background music is more effective and gives goose bumps sometimes. The editing is superb and the director has used many cinematic ‘jerks’ to startle the audience, which is expected from any good thriller.
However, the film is not totally flawless. Can a five year old girl have a sub-conscious mind, is a matter of debate? Why Aditi does not confess to her understanding husband? Why is she shown talking lovingly over the phone, to some other person? Why can’t a good shrink just put Aditi on the couch and treat her?
Well, the film is enjoyable. That’s the bottom line.
Carrying on the tradition of entertaining the audience by tickling their funny bone is the movie ‘Ek Daav dhobi Pachad’
 |
Rating: ★★
Presenter: Zee Talkies Producer: Shree Mangesh Films Director: Satish Rajwade Story: Girish Joshi Camera: Suresh Deshamane Cast: Ashok Saraf, Subodh Bhave, Prasad Oak, Kishori Shahane-veej, Movie Review by: Jitendra More |
Comedy has been an inevitable element of Marathi Cinema since centuries. Carrying on the tradition of entertaining the audience by tickling their funny bone is the movie ‘Ek Daav dhobi Pachad’
Produced by Ashok Saraf and presented by Zee Talkies, the movie revolves around the life of Dada Dandke (Ashok Saraf), a crook whose business involves controlling and opening new beer bars and casinos. The so-called gunda of the village, he is fondly called as dada by his associates. Dada is notoriously known for capturing polling booths and doing vasooli from people. However, a transformation comes about in his life when he meets his long lost love, Hema (Asawari Joshi-Saraf). Dada puts a marriage proposal which Hema rejects saying that he is not the same person she had met years back. She comments on his language, clothes and way of living.
Unable to face the rejection, Dada decides to change himself and win Hema’s heart again. His attempts to improve make him appoint a Marathi teacher for his language, a fashion designer to stitch international and help all the loved ones in trouble. His journey to be a good man in Hema’s eyes, keeps his enemies wonder that he is planning to come up a new plan this time.
Saraf, as an authoritarian father and a man of honour suits the role well. However, his unreasonable comedy does not go with his image. Again keeping the image of a good actor intact is Subodh Bhave as the Marathi
teacher. Seeing Bhave into a sober role after the brutal role in Uladhaal is amazing and Bhave has made the transformation well. Pushkar Shrotri as Babya, the right hand man of Dada seems to be wasted and so are the acting talents of Prasad Oak (Trimbak Joshi), an accountant madly in love and Madhura Velankar (Saylee) as his lady love. Mukta Barve as Dada’s daughter in her role as Sulochana gets on the nerves of the audience.
With such a huge star cast, directed by Satish Rajwade has not been able to give justice to even one character. However, even after losing the plot of the movie, he comes out good in the end. Music by the two greats Ajay-Atul suits the theme of the movie, however, the audience would have expected a few more songs to keep with the mood of the movie. Nivedita Joshi-Saraf makes a good screen presence even after so many years.
A good movie overall but certainly not reaching the heights set by movies that have brought about a metamorphosis of Marathi movie industry.
Ashtarupa Jai Vaibhavlaxmi Mata (अष्टरुपा जय वैभवलक्ष्मी माता )
Genres: Drama
Rating: na
Censor: U
Duration: 130 min.
Studio/presenter: Vidya Suryavanshi
Producers: Shobha Enterprises, Ramesh Suryavanshi
Executive Producer: na
Director: Pravin Shetye, Nitin Kambale,Pralhad Devgavakar,Anil Surve
Writer: Anil Surve
ScreenPlay: Vinod Vaidya
Dialogues: Vinod Vaidya
Official Facebook Page I Twitter
Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: Dinesh Suryavanshi
Director: Pravin Shetye, Nitin Kambale,Pralhad Devgavakar,Anil Surve
Assistant Director: Manoj Narvekar
Writer: Anil Surve
ScreenPlay: Vinod Vaidya
Dialogues: Vinod Vaidya
Lyrics: Jagdish Khebudkar
Music: Sanjay Gite
Playback Singer: Anuradha Paudval, Suresh Wadakar, Ravindra Sathe, Sadhana Sargam, Devaki Pandit, Sanjay Gite
Cinematographer (DOP): Harish Patel
Editor: Girish Oak
Starcast: Aalka Kubal-Aathalye, Ashok Shinde, Archana Nevarekar, Prasad Oak, Ravindra Berde, Vinod Vaidya, Babanrao Gholap, Vinita Bhagat, Sakuntala Kanade
Costumes: Anil Mulik
Makeup: Kamalesh Parab, Shilpa Masurkar
Sound : Ashiwini Vhaval
Background Score: Rafik B. Shekh, Lakadavalaj Sound, Sity Aadio Pvt Ltd
Choreographer: Narendra Pandit
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: na
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
Synopsis
‘Ashtarupa Jai Vaibhavlaxmi Mata’ :
Videos
News / Article / Interview
na
Movie Still(s)
na
Poster(s)
Review
Kunku Lavte Mahercha ( कुंकू लावते माहेरचं )
Genres: Drama
Rating: na
Censor: U
Duration: 158 min.
Studio/presenter: na
Producer(s): Jajiraj Vasvani
Executive Producer: na
Director: Subhash Phadake
Writer: Urmila Deshpande
ScreenPlay: Shirish Latkar
Dialogues: Shirish Latkar
Official Facebook Page I Twitter
Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: na
Co-producer: Mangesh Ram Joshi
Director: Subhash Phadake
Assistant Director: Ashok Mane
Writer: Urmila Deshpande
ScreenPlay: Shirish Latkar
Dialogues: Shirish Latkar
Lyrics: Jagadish Khebudkar
Music: Sanjay Gite
Playback Singer: Suresh Wadkar, Devaki Pandit, Sadhana Sargam, Sanjivani Belande,Vaishali Samant
Cinematographer (DOP): Samir Athalye
Editor: Vasant Kubal
Starcast: Alka Kubal, Prasad Oak, Aanand Abyankar, Ela Bhate, Vijay Chavan, Vighnesh Joshi, Mugdha Shaha, Savita Malpekar
Costumes: Mahadev Shinde
Makeup: Baba Khirekar, Shilpa Masurkar
Sound : Anil Nikam
Background Score: na
Choreographer: Narendra Pandit
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: Tuhi Nirankar Studio (Swapnil Loke)
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : M. Gauri Pictures Nagpur
Synopsis
‘Kunku Lavte Mahercha ‘ :
Videos
News / Article / Interview
na
Movie Still(s)
na
Poster(s)