‘Matter’ of facts
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Rating: na
Producer: Poonam Shende Director: Satish Motling Story: Atmaram Dharne Screenplay: Atmaram Dharne Cinematographer: Satish Motling Music: Abhijeet Rameshrao Kawthalkar Cast: Jitendra Joshi, Santosh Juvekar, Sushant Shelar, Rajesh Shringarpure, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Usha Nadkarni, Minal Ghorpade, Surekha Kudachi, Megha Dhade, Yogini Cho Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Well, we all know that there was a time when Underworld almost ruled Mumbai and that enabled the terrorists to strike the dream city during early 1993. But, after that many underworld dons have gone underground, some of them killed in rival gang firing, while others were killed in Police encounters. New Marathi film ‘Matter’ throws light on such underworld operations in Mumbai during that period and how they influenced the unemployed youth, who were either in remand homes or jail.
Director Satish Motling presents four young friends Pakya, Babya, Raja and Rony ( played by Santosh Juvekar, Jitendra Joshi, Sushant Shelar and Rajesh Shringarpure) and the happenings in their individual life, through his film ‘Matter’, which is an action packed drama on the backdrop of corrupt politicians and their nexus with the underworld. The image of Police is however shown clean, but it is shown that even they play their tricks when the time comes to eliminate the most corrupt politician and the underworld dons, with a slogan ‘Mumbai Saaf toh Sau Gunhe Maaf’.
So, you find a ATS Chief Vikramm Pradhan (Sameer Dharmadhikari) doing this thankless job to achieve his motto. Sulbhatai (Usha Nadkarni) who is in power in the state uses both the underworld gangs for her own benefit. So, the ATS chief implements his plans after the death of his superior. But, even if you cut the roots, there is no complete end to crime. The operators, who are lucky to escape, take shelter in some other country to operate their business in Mumbai. There is a character of Maxi (Minal Ghorpade), a girl living in a chawl, in silent love with Babya. In most of the scenes, she keeps on giving the same smile and looks to her favorite boy and suddenly reacts, when he admits his love. Having known his background, she finally marries Babya, much against the wish of her parents.
Pakya (Santiosh Juvekar), falls in love with ATS chief’s sister (Yogini Chouk), when he saves her life from the custody of his Don, as she is picked up on mistaken identity. Rony (Rajesh Shrigarpure) is in love with a bar dancer (Megha Dhade) and Raja (Sushant
Shelar) who is offered shelter by a woman, active in gambling business (Surekha Kudachi) is shown more focused on his work and is self centred. He is shown as the most shrewd gangster, who gets his reward at the end.
Sushant Shelar for the first time has a prominent role. Till now, in spite of being a talented actor, he never had an opportunity to prove his mettle. But, this film would certainly fetch him better roles in films. The other three heroes – Rajesh Shrigarpure, Jitendra Joshi and Santosh Juvekar are at their best, but there are no suitable dialogues offered to them to create greater impact. Pakya utters the same slang on more than a dozen occasions. The villain Bala instead of uttering much, keeps on tilting his neck to make the cracking sound repeatedly. The conversation among the four friends does not create the desired effect, as it should have been otherwise. However, Usha Nadkarni in her own style has tried to make her presence felt, as a selfish politician. Sameer Dharmadhikari is good, but he doesn’t have much scope.
In the film, the female characters do not have much of importance, being a male dominated film. However, Yogini Chouk and Megha Dhade have tried to give their best through those few scenes to their credit. There are few other artistes like Javed Hyder, Anita Vishwasrao, Digvijay Rohidas, Ashok Kulkarni, Mahesh Kokate, Narayan Jadhav, Deepak Vetkar and Jitendra Awhad playing different characters. There is no doubt about the excellent cinematography by the director himself; but, the more than required songs on the same item style, diverts the attention of the audience from the ongoing screenplay. Some of the scenes have been unnecessarily extended, like the gang wars, the wedding scene of Maxi, the police torture and those slow motion effects used on few occasions.
‘Matter’ is otherwise a true presentation of facts about the happenings in the lives of people associated with the underworld and corrupt practices. At the end of the film, the sensible audience is convinced that the director hasn’t glorified the underworld, like the way Bollywood films do. He has been realistic in his approach, barring few scenes. ‘Matter’ can be called an action film, filled with violence and rough language; and those who love to watch such films, shouldn’t miss it. For others, it is just another film on gangsters in Mumbai and their lifestyle.
Rajesh Shringarpure – an actor with tremendous potential
We have seen many Bollywood actors like Aamir Khan and Shahrukh khan working on their body to give a different look to their respective roles. We have also seen popular actor kamal Hasan experimenting with his body either to pose a slim look or hefty look as per the requirement of the role. But, in Marathi cinema, we have hardly noticed any actor working so hard with his body to match with the role he is required to play. Only exception in the recent past being that of Atul Kulkarni, who really worked hard pumping his body with muscles to present himself as a real bodybuilder from a village.
Now, we will notice one more actor from Marathi film industry working hard on his body to build those six pack abs. Rajesh Shringarpure ( ‘Zenda’ fame) is seriously doing a workout in Gym to develop those six abs shape, as he is required to remain topless in his forthcoming film ‘Swarajya – Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’. The talented actor struggled in Hindi as well as Marathi entertainment industry for almost twelve years. It was only after the release of controversial Marathi Film ‘Zenda’ that he actually came into limelight. Rajesh had played the role of a protagonist who walks out of the Political party formed by his beloved uncle, to form another political party; only because he does not get along well with his cousin. Since his character resembled with that of Raj Thackeray in real life, Rajesh became a hero overnight, after the release of this film.
Today, Rajesh is doing extremely well, with three Marathi and Two Hindi films lined up for release. Marathi Movie World spoke to this tall and handsome actor. This is what he has to say…
Q: Today, you are in the news for your efforts in developing six pack abs. Is that true?
A: Actually, we possess so many things which are suitable to us and some of them not suitable. When I signed for this film ‘Swarajya- Marathi paul Padate Pudhe’, I realised that I have to give a topless shot. When I seriously thought over it, I felt that I should first develop six pack abs, which would suit the most in that shot. So, I expressed my desire to the director and he encouraged me to undergo special training in the Gym. That’s all the truth behind this news.
Q: How did you actually work to achieve results ?
A: I was seriously doing my work out in the Gym and followed the instructions of my special trainer. All those tips were very beneficial related to my diet. I totally avoided junk food during this period and banked only on home made food.
Q: How did you survive during your period of struggle? You also got married during that period. Tell us something about that.
A: To be very honest, my struggle period is still going on. Prior to marriage my would be knew about my ambition to become an actor and realised that I was 100% focussed on this profession. She being an understanding and sensible woman, accepted it. There was a time, when after rising up from sleep, I used to think as to how I would to spend that day. Sometimes I used to work for 2-3 days continuously and after that there was no work. During this period, my wife not only supported but also encouraged me a lot.
Q: To become a popular hero of Marathi film, acting is the main criteria. Not much of importance is given towards looks and fitness. What’s your opinion ?
A: Hmmmm. As we notice in Bollywood, the heroes put in lot of efforts in building their body for a particular role, the same thing we don’t see it happen in Marathi film industry. I personally feel that if you are a committed actor, to fulfill the requirement of the role, one must work hard on his body. At least, I am doing it to suit the requirement of my role.
Q: You have simultaneously worked in Hindi as well as Marathi entertainment industry. What difference you notice between these two fields?
A:The main difference I noticed was that of Budget. There is a big difference in the amount you are paid for the job. Now, when you work on the sets of a Marathi film, you don’t realise that you are away from home; but when you work on the sets of Hindi film or serial, you just have to forget everything on the sets and just move home quickly. There is a lot of professionalism in Hindi and You are also treated in that manner.
Q: Some of your films like ‘Mee Amruta Boltey’ ‘Zenda’ and ‘Manyaa – The Wonder Boy’ were all action oriented films. Are you more inclined towards such type of films ?
A: Not exactly. Perhaps, suited to my personality, I get such type of roles. Action is just genre of such movies. But, there are other aspects too, which I am required to pay attention while performing such characters.
Q: How about performing in a comedy film ?
A: In fact, I made my debut through a comedy film. It was Ramoji Productions film ‘Bin Paishyacha Tamashaa’ where I performed along with Prasad Oak, Vijay Chavan and Amruta Subhash.
Q: Are you satisfied now, with the kind of roles you are playing and those signed for your forthcoming films?
A: All that I would say is that I am satisfied with the kind of roles offered to me now. Having performed in TV serials like ‘Anamika’, ‘Bhagyavidhata’, ‘Char Divas Sasuche’, ‘Saptapadi’ and ‘Tu Bhetashi Navyane’ and films like ‘Bin Paishyacha Tamashaa’, ‘Mee Amruta Boltey’, ‘Kas’, ‘Zenda’ and ‘Shambhu Majha Navsacha’ I felt satisfied.In fact, in ‘Shambhu Majha Navsacha’, I performed 13 different different characters and this has been recorded in the Limca and Guinness Book of records.
Q: Finally, tell us something about your forthcoming films.
A: ‘Swarajya- Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’, ‘Matter’ and ‘One room Kitchen’ are my three Marathi films and ‘Ek Thi Raani Aisi Bhi’ and ‘Aaja Gunah Kar Le’ two Hindi films which are now due for release. In ‘Swarajya- Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’ I am playing a strong character of Ram Pathare, a self respected protagonist, who is proud to be a Maharashtrian.
Wonder Boy ‘Manya’ should inspire rural youth
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Rating: na
Presenter: Artha Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd Producers: Jaya B Patil, Ramila R. Gori, M.K. Sundaram, Chandresh J. Bhanushali Director: Sangramsinh Gaikwad Story, Screenplay: Harish Nayar Camera: Aakashdip Pande Music: Nilesh Moharir Cast: Rajesh Shringarpure, Amitriyan, Mayuri Wagh, Madhvi Juvekar, Vignesh Joshi, Uday Nene, Rishiraj Pawar, Sakshi Medgeri, Gayatri Sathe Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Marathi film industry is in the process for a change. And, the best example is the latest released film ‘Manya’ – the wonder boy made by director Sangramsinh Gaikwad. The film presents a subject that is much needed to inspire the rural youth and at the same time open the eyes of the authorities to promote committed sportspersons from this neglected area. If provided with the right coach and facilities, the rural youth can aim at not only national level but also at international level. We have seen this happen in the case of wonder girl Kavita Raut, who excelled at international level.
Manohar Sonavne, known as Manya is one such schoolboy, who studies in 8th standard in a rural school. His father is an ex-army soldier now bedridden , having injured his limbs in Kargil war, while fighting for the country. The family’s responsibility lies on the shoulders of young hard working Manya, who not only delivers the milk to the centre but also attends school. He has to run miles to reach school after delivering the milk, to avoid getting late. When the school organizes a race to promote the only son of a Sponsor, studying in the same school, Manya also takes part in the race.
His talent is noticed by the Coach, who is appointed by the sponsor and he takes interest in Manya. The committed Coach dedicates himself to make Manya a state level athlete. When he realizes that Manya needs special training, he boosts his confidence to attain that level. To make it possible, he also sells his car. Finally, Manya attains all that what his father had expected from him and also makes his Coach happy.
To give a cinematic look to this film totally based on sports, director Sangramsinh Gaikwad and screenplay writer Harish Nayar have included the characters like Jai- playing Manya’s childhood friend, besides his best friend Omya. There is a Patil who plays a negative role of a selfish father. There is a school teacher, a kind hearted principal and Manya’s supportive parents and sister.
The film takes off well, handling the emotion filled sequences well till the interval. But, it tries to deviate from the main theme by paying attention on Manya’s love story and the gimmicks played by the villain. The film does end with a sequence to inspire
today’s kids and youngsters. This little more than two hour long film, should have been edited to fit into two hour length. Few flaws in the film can be ignored for the sincere effort of the film maker to make a film on the backdrop of sports training and to motivate young rural sportspersons.
Rajesh Shjringarpure does very well in the role of a Coach. Vighnesh Joshi and Madhavi Juvekar perfectly fit into the characters of Manya’s parents. Amiitriyan is a perfect choice to play the senior Manya, but it is Rishiraj Pawar as young Manya, more impressive. Mayuri Wagh , Abhijeet Chavan and others have supported well. Music by Nilesh Mohrir is fine for two songs. But, it is the photography by Akashdeep Pande that captures the attention. It is indeed disheartening that the film has not received much response at multiplexes in Mumbai, with some of the shows cancelled for the reasons best known to the theatre owners. But, the film should click at small towns, if promoted and marketed properly by the makers and distributors. The film should be made tax free by the Maharashtra Government.