Rege (रेगे )
Genres: Thriller, Drama
Rating: ★★★
Censor: U
Duration: 130 min.
Studio/presenter: Ravi Jadhav, ARD Entertainment
Producer(s): Abhijit Panse Reels, The Artbeat Innovations
Executive Producer: Ratnakant Jagtap
Director: Abhijit Panse
Writer: Abhijit Panse
ScreenPlay: Abhijit Panse
Dialogues: Pravin Tarde, Abhijit Panse
Official Facebook Page I Twitter
Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: Ratnakant Jagtap
Director: Abhijit Panse
Associate Director: Ravindra Karmarkar, Shivkumar Parthasarathy
Writer: Abhijit Panse
ScreenPlay: Abhijit Panse
Dialogues: Pravin Tarde, Abhijit Panse
Lyrics: na
Music: Avdhoot Gupte
Playback Singer: na
Cinematographer (DOP): Mahesh Limaye
Editor: Dinesh Poojari
Starcast: Aroh Welankar, Santosh Juvekar, Pushkar Shotri, Mahesh Manjrekar, Pravin Tarde, Anant Jog, Uday Sabnis, Ramesh Pardeshi, Viju Mane
Costumes: na
Makeup: Vikram Gaikwad, Santosh Gayke
Sound : na
Background Score: na
Choreographer: Umesh Jadhav
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: na
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
Synopsis
‘Rege’ : The Marathi movie ‘Rege’, is about how vulnerable today’s youngsters are, how they get attracted to the glamor of underworld and eventually get trapped in it. High-profile cops trying to reach the top by eliminating the anti social elements, in turn, working against their own colleagues and system.
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Review
‘Campus Katta’ offers formula of traditional entertainment
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Rating: ★★ ½
Studio / Presenter: Sharp Eye Production Producers: Prathamesh Gadwe Writer, Director: Sanjeev Kolte Cinematographyer: Jitendra Acharekar Music: Pravin Kuwar Cast: Santosh Juvekar, Namrata Gaikwad, Sheetal Dabholkar, Vikram Gokhale, Milind Shinde, Arun Nalawade, Swati Chitnis, Kishori Shahane, Rahul Dongre Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Come election time and it’s the time for the youth of Maharashtra to come forward and fight corruption by Politicians in the society. This seems to be the motive of some of the film makers today. And, director Sanjiv Kolte is nowhere behind, in presenting such a timely subject through his latest released Marathi film ‘Campus Katta’. Set on the backdrop of a college at a district place of Maharashtra, owned by the politicians Annansaheb Gunthe Patil (Arun Nalwade) and Kolse Patil (Milind Shinde). The ultimate aim of these two politicians is to make quick money, through donations for admissions, through the few educational institutes owned by them, making profits in catering services and selling the extra land meant for recreation purpose. But, they face stiff opposition from College student’s leader Raja Shinde (Santosh Juvekar), who prefers to remain in the same college for years, fighting corruption at administrative level in the college.
Being a dynamic leader, Raja has his own followers from the college, who are always there for staging demonstrations every time, when ever there is a need to pressurise the management. He has a well wisher girl friend Rasika (Sheetal Dabholkar), who also poses as a journalist for a TV channel, besides being member of his college katta. In comes Sakhi (Namrata Gaikwad), daughter of new college principal Kochrekar (Vikram Gokhale); who also becomes a great admirer of Raja Shinde, watching his fight against injustice. As the time progresses, we see the love blossoming between Raja and Sakhi, disappointing Rasika, who is also close to Raja’s mother. But, like a good friend, she accepts Raja’s decision and remains by his side, like a loyal friend.
Raja’s methodology is not acceptable to the new principal, who feels that he is nothing but a hot headed irresponsible leader with no future. But, looking at the way the trustees putting pressure on college management, he later realises the presence of Raja in dealing with such corrupt people. But, in the process, he has to sacrifice the life of his own daughter, who marries Raja; but cannot make him happy. So, it’s a happy end after a tragic turn, in the concluding part of the film.
Instead of presenting a strong conflict, the film has just remained representative about the different characters; be it the protagonist Raja, the two corrupt selfish politicians, a straight forward college principal, a typical young villain, a so called name sake female journalist and the team of forty loyal students, always with Raja.
Except for the character of Santosh Juvekar and Vikram Gokhale, there is no force noticed in the other characters. The confrontation of Sakhi with her parents for siding Raja, sounds very unnatural, than being realistic in the screenplay. The two politicians played by Arun Nalawade and Milind Shinde are neither funny nor terrifying. Even the new villain – Rahul Dongre playing their right hand to counter Raja, looks very unimpressive, with the kind of weak role entrusted to him.
The two girls Namrata Gaikwad and Sheetal Dabholkar are just namesake, though they have few songs to their share. It is Santosh Juvekar, who dominates, throughout the film. There are other characters like Raja’s mother played by Kishori Shahane, Sakhi’s mother played by Swati Chitnis and others around. But, they have very less to their share, except for being part of emotion filled scenes. The film has failed to define the roles of certain characters, like the one who is always with Raja and whom Rasika calls ‘Sir’. Even, it is not clear, what exactly Rasika does? If she is a student of the college, what way, she is associated with a TV channel? A freelancer or a full time journalist?
Barring these lapses, the film still manages to present the subject of united fight of the youth against the corrupt education system, in director Sanjiv Kolte’s style; using lot of emotional content in this otherwise action filled film. There is good scope for music by Pravin Kunwar, using the songs at festive occasions. As a result, the film appears as an ordinary formula entertainer, filled with emotions.
Don’t mistake ‘Tendulkar Out’ as a tribute to the Master blaster
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Rating: ★★ ½
Studio: Sudha Productions, Zee Talkies Producer: Anaya Mhaiskar Director: Swapnaneel Jaykar Writer: Yogesh Vinayak Joshi Cinematographer: Amalendu Choudhary Cast: Sayaji Shinde, Aniket Vishwasrao, Santosh Juvekar, Vijay Maurya, Neelam Shirke, Atul Parchure, Sai Tamhankar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Three years ago Director Nitin Kamble had used his creativity to present a sensitive subject showing the contrast between two generations and passing a social message of understanding true human relations through his film ‘Dho Dho Pavsatli One day match’ In that film, he had cleverly used the clean image of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, to connect with his screenplay, on the backdrop of cricket commentary during crucial scenes.
Now, director Swapnil Jaykar presents his film ‘Tendulkar Out’ once again on the backdrop of cricket commentary; but, choosing a story of one night, about three men engaged in a deal to kill a film producer with the name of Sunil Tendulkar. And that is the big difference between these two films.
In the film ‘Tendulkar Out’, the character Mr. Tendulkar(Sayaji Shinde) , who is a producer of C grade films, has himself planned the delivery of his pregnant wife( Neelam Shirke) to coincide with the birthday of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, so that his son could become like Sachin. Like her flamboyant husband, who flirts with his artiste Velvet Manisha ( Sai Tamhankar), Ms. Tendulkar too has her boyfriend Dhanu ( Atul Parchure) who is always dressed up in blue shirt with No.10.
As Sunil Tendulkar dances with his Velvet in a night club, the trio comprising of Lefty ( Aniket Vishwasrao), Sharpshooter Nayar( Santosh Juvekar) and Abbas ( Vijay Maurya) also follow him. While Lefty tries to flirt with the girls around , the other two spend their maximum time in the fresh room., playing pranks and testing the patience of the audience. While Ms. Tendulkar is trapped in her own house in the company of her boyfriend with her labour pains, the trio fail in their attempts to finish off Sunil Tendulkar. And during one of the scenes in the screenplay, you come to know, who has hired the contract killers.
Every time an important happening takes place in the film, we hear the cricket commentary in the background, resembling the action filled situation. And that is the only best part of humour noticed in this film. The film has been dragged for almost 1 hour 15 minutes before interval, without creating any interesting situation. It is only in post interval stage, the screenplay takes some momentum, to conclude in a farcical form.
The ultimate motive behind making this film is just to present an action filled entertainment, using the surname of Sachin to generate curiosity. Luckily for the film maker, the master Blaster played his last innings on the day of its release and became out on the same day, with a respectable score. By the way, don’t mistake ‘Tendulkar Out’ as a tribute to the Master blaster. The film has just used his name and its release time, to coincide with his retirement from Cricket.
Talking about the performances, all the artistes have done a good job, including those in supporting cast,. Aniket, Santosh and Vijay make a good team. The director has made them behave differently, exposing the attitude of their characters at different situations. But, Sayaji simply rocks with his flamboyant looks. Neelam and Atul support well. However, Sai Tamhankar is a waste in the film. She doesn’t find any scope in this film, except for shaking her legs during one of the songs while flirting with Sayaji and Aniket for a while. Amalendu Chaudhary’s photography is good. Art direction is good. But, Music by Amar Mohile is just average, as this is not a musical film. The screenplay lacks grip, as there is less content and more farce.
Be prepared to watch the ‘Dangers of Smoking’ documentary giving statutory warning twice during this film, first in the beginning and then before the post interval session. This is only because of the characters in this film especially Lefty shown a frequent smoker. Being an ‘adults’ film, it is not a film for the family, as it has been targeted at a section of audience, with the kind of language used in the dialogues of this film. Thankfully, there are many whistles blown, for blocking some words. In short, ‘Tendulkar Out’ is just an average entertaining film, with nothing very special about it. While we saw Wankhede stadium filling to its capacity, on Friday to watch Tendulkar, only 35 people mustered their attendance on the first day 3 pm show of ‘Tendulkar Out’ at PVR Goregaon.
‘Aghor’ – a timely theme without a grip
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Rating: na
Banner: Pratibha Films, Quality Cards Producer: Raju Jogeshwarji Ghivdhonde, Mangesh Pitale, Adv. Raman Senaad Story, Director: Salim Shaikh Dialogues: Salim Shaikh, Parag Ghonge Music: Nandu Honap Cast: Santosh Juvekar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Sai Tamhankar, Manasi Kulkarni, Kishori Shahane, Vinod raut, Tejaswi Patil and Shadab. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Corruption has become part of every field of profession and medical profession is no exception. As there are good committed doctors, there are doctors, who are not only involved in unethical practices, but also involved in frauds and cheating business. In the name of Multi- speciality clinics, there are many malpractices noticed at many places in the state. This has come to light, through regular media expose. Recently, we also saw one such episode of Aamir Khan’s reality show, where such unethical practices were brought to light.
Latest released Marathi film ‘Aghor’, produced by a team of producers from Nagpur comprising of Raju Jageshwar Dhivdonde, Mangesh Madhukarrao Pitale and Ad. Raman Laxmanrao Senad and directed by their colleague Salim Shaikh, has exposed few such acts by a selfish doctor, who owns one such Multi speciality clinic. For Dr. Batra( Dr. Vilas Ujawane), profit is considered as a driving force in his business. The film shows all his ways to grab money from the patient, initially in the form of advance by getting first the details of his income in the admission form.
Though the main theme of this film is based on day to day newspaper and TV reports of corruption cases in medical profession, it is backed by frustration among unemployed youth and those in sports, who have been denied their dues. Dr. Sathe ( Ad. Raman Laxmanrao Senad) a principled and committed doctor, who runs his clinic with the help of his wife ( Kishori Shanae), regularly encounters three youths namely Prakash ( Aniket Vishwasrao), Sam ( Santosh Juvekar) and Lucky ( Shadab); and is well aware of their problems.
Sai Tamhankar, Santosh JuvekarOne day, Dr. Sathe in an attempt to save a little girl, is knocked down by a speeding vehicle. He is admitted to Dr. Batra’s hospital, who suggests an emergency operation and asks Ms. Sathe to deposit Rs 4 lakh immediately. The three youngsters raise the amount in their own ways and them begins the fight against Dr. Batra and his team. Luckily for them in a typical filmi style Dr. Batra’s close friend’s daughter( Manasi Kulkarni) and Dr. Batra’s own son join hands with them to teach a lesson to Dr. Batra, in his own way.
‘Aghor’ does have a good theme, but lacks grip in the screenplay . The efforts of the Nagpur based team to make a film on a social issue is highly appreciated; but, to create an impact, the screenplay and the order of sequences should have been handled more skillfully. The director, who is himself a story and screenplay writer, hasn’t paid much attention on this aspect. The first half of the film just goes on understanding the background of the three youngsters, besides knowing about the past love of Sam. The two songs in pre interval stage are okay; but the one picturised on Santosh Juvekar and Manasi Kulkarni hasn’t been timed well. At a time, when the film should have taken a firm grip on revenge, after noticing a serious case of crime, the break for a song only diverts the attention of the audience.
Some of the incidences, such as Sam’s first girlfriend( Tejaswi Patil) killing herself, Dr. Sathe trying to save the girl Kishori Shahane VIjon the road, Dr. Sathe shown too generous in treating his poor patients and the happenings in the climax; don’t give a realistic look. But, few events like a Medical representative of the company offering attractive packages to the Doctor for prescribing costly medicines in place of generic medicines; a Municipal contractor exploiting a senior old female worker, keeping the already dead patient on ventilator, forcing the husband to undergo test after he threatens to divorce his wife for not conceiving for eight years, the honest doctor understanding the psychology behind the attitude of youngsters; have been included in the film, to send across a message to the society.
There is not much scope for music in this film, but two songs by popular singers have been picturised well on new locations in Nagpur. The angry young man of Marathi films Santosh Juvekar has limited scope in this film. But, he has played his role with ease. Aniket Vishwasrao too, plays his part well. Newcomer Shadab has very little to do with acting, except for being with the two friends and punching rivals, whenever required. The three young girls have very little to their share. Sai Tamhankar as a lawyer, is just namesake girlfriend of Aniket Vishwasrao, with just few scenes. Manasi Kulkarni ( TV serial Mission.com fame) looks confident on her debut through few scenes, besides a song sequence. Tejasvi Patil is in the film almost like a guest performer. Producer Raman Senad gives a satisfying performance in the role of Dr. Sathe, on his debut. Dr. Vilas Ujavane plays the antagonist effectively. But, it is Kishori Shahane, playing Ms. Sathe, finds a better role. ‘Aghor’ is no doubt a sincere effort to expose corruption in medical profession; but it lacks the desired sensational cinematic approach to create an impact through its screenplay.
‘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.
Santosh Juvekar – The angry young man of Marathi cinema
The so called angry young man of Marathi films, Santosh Juvekar is in limelight today. At the beginning of the new year, he had two simultaneous releases and now by end of the first month, we saw two more releases simultaneously. In short, January 2012 was his month. His TV serial ‘Veig’ which is in its second run, is also inviting attention on Saam TV.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Santosh Juvekar, to know more about his acting career. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: When your acting career really took off ?
A: 8 years ago, I stepped into this profession with my debut in Marathi play ‘Aani Makarand Rajadhyaksha’. It was based on the real life incidences in the life of an actor Makarand Rajadhyaksha. At one stage during his downfall, a youngster- Naren Deshmukh comes to his rescue. I played the role of Naren Deshmukh. Having been associated with this play and well known artistes like Vikram Gokhale & Narayan Jadhav boosted my confidence. It was a great experience. The play was directed by Dilip Kolhatkar and presented by Lata Narvekar’s Chintamani Group.
Q: But, after that you shifted to Television or films ?
A: I shifted to TV serials and made my debut through ‘Police Panch’ followed by ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’, through which I reached every house of Marathi serial lovers. ‘Vadalwaat’, ‘Oon Paus’, ‘Kimayagar’ are some of the serials I was associated with, when I received offers from Marathi films.
Q: Which was your first marathi film ?
A: My first Marathi film was ‘Blind Game’ made by Rajiv Patil.
Q: How was year 2011 for you ?
A: Very fine. I had an opportunity to play different kind of good roles through films like ‘Jhenda’, ‘Morya’, ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’, ‘Sharyat’ & ‘Ringa Ringa’. The biggest satisfaction was getting a chance to work in Mahesh Manjrekar’s banner. Each film had presented me in different characters and hence could get an opportunity to offer variety.
Q: What do you have to say about your recently released films ?
A: In the beginning of the year my two films ‘Shala’ and ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ were released and now last week two more films: ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ’31 December’ have been released. In ‘Shala’ a schoolmaster- Manjrekar. The film is based on Milind Bokil’s popular novel and Sujay Dahake, a young intelligent director has made this wonderful film. Actually, I had read this novel 7-8 times and was very eager to be part of this film. It was a good experience to work with him. He is one of my favourite directors. ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ is a tale of a poor father and his ambitious son, who keeps his parents away after moving to city. It’s about the conflict between father and son. In ‘Jana Gana Mana’, I play the character of Dagadu- an Adivasi and in ’31December’ I play a Naxalite who revolts against the system.
Q: What about your future projects ?
A: My two films ‘Matter’ and ‘Tendulkar Out’ will be released soon. ‘Matter’ is based on a Gangster. It’s about the journey of four friends on a wrong path and how they face the happenings in their life. ‘Tendulkar Out’ is a story of three friends and I play the character of Nair. These friends take a decision, which lands them into a problem.
Q: You have also tried singing in film ‘Matter’. How was that experience?
A: Yes, there is a song ‘Benchik’ which I have rendered along with Jitendra and Sushant. It was my first song and let’s see how audience react to it.
Q: But, are you really fond of singing?
A: I like to listen to songs. But, I am not a singer. I wouldn’t dare to sing again. However, if the situation demands, I would work hard and try to give my best.
Ya Gol Gol Dabyatla ( या गोल गोल डब्यातला )
Release Year: 2012 (20 January)
Genres: Drama
Rating: na
Censor: U
Duration: 130 min.
Producer(s): Mukesh Gupta, Mitesh Desai, Nissar Khan
Executive Producer: na
Director: Asit Reddyz
Writer: Asit Reddyz
ScreenPlay: Asit Reddyz
Dialogues: Pravin Shantaram, Asit Reddyz
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Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: na
Director: Asit Reddyz
Assistant Director: na
Writer: Asit Reddyz
ScreenPlay: Asit Reddyz
Dialogues: Pravin Shantaram, Asit Reddyz
Lyrics: Baba Chauhan
Music: satish chandra
Playback Singer: na
Cinematographer (DOP): Sameer Athalye
Editor: Rajesh Rao
Starcast: Ashok Saraf, Smita Talwalkar, Santosh Juvekar, Madhav Abhyankar, Smita Shewale, Vijay Chauhan, Papan Patila, Aakansha Thakur, Shailesh Datar, Baal Dhuri, Aashalataa
Costumes: na
Makeup: na
Sound : na
Background Score: na
Choreographer: Deepali Vichare
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: na
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
Synopsis
‘Ya Gol Gol Dabyatla’ : na
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Review
‘Moraya’ hints at festivals as political events
2.5
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Presentor: Everest Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, A Square Entertainment,
Ekvira Productios Pvt. Ltd Producer: Atul Kamble, Avadhoot Gupte Director: Avadhoot Gupte Story: Sachin Darekar Music: Avadhut Gupte Camera: Rahul Jadhav Cast: Santosh Juvekar, Chinmay Mandlekar, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Ganesh Yadav, Janardan Parab, Pushkar Kshotri, Vijay NIkam, Sunil Godse, Sunil Ranade, Vimal Mhatre, Meghana Erande, Pari Telang, Spruha Joshi, Dhanashree Kodegaonkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Social activist Anna Hazare is fighting against corruption in the country. While he is demanding introduction of Janalokpal Bill to bring all political leaders including the Prime Minister answerable to Lokpal; film maker Avadhoot Gupte has tried to uncover the corruption taking place during the biggest festival events in our state.
Through his latest film ‘Morya’, Avadhoot has clearly shown how the youngsters organising the Govinda and Ganapati festivals fall into the trap of political leaders, getting tempted to their sponsorship, while competing with other organisers. Having tried his hands in direction for the first time with ‘Zenda’ his debut film, Avadhoot seems to have gained considerable experience; and this is evident from his latest film ‘Moraya’. He has picked up the right script penned by Sachin Darekar to make this timely film.
The theme of the film is on the backdrop of Govinda and Ganapati community festivals in Mumbai. ‘Moraya’ is based on the rivalry between two groups living in the same area and organising separate community festivals representing Ganesh Chawl Mandal and Khatav Chawl Mandal respectively . So, you find two groups of youngsters led by Manya (Santosh Juvekar) and Sameer (Chinmay Mandlekar) leading their respective mandals. When the redevelopment of the entire area is in the process and knowing that from next year onwards they will have to celebrate a combined community festival; they are suggested to come together. But, that does not happen, as both of them are adamant.
Hotelier Kamat (Dilip Prabhavalkar) who treats both Sameer and Manya like his own sons, also fails to bring them together. In the process both the teams are disqualified from attempting to break the Dahi handi in their area sponsored by a politician. So, Finally they decide to offer the claim of celebration of next year’s Ganesh festival to the Mandal, which attracts maximum number of devotees. The competition begins with raising the funds and in the process both the organisers fall into the trap of selfish politicians belonging to different political parties, who play their dirty game by making them fight with each other.
The film, however ends with predictable climax, clearly hinting at such festivals as
political events. It also goes on to show, how in the name of secularism and National integration, the politicians with the help of organisers try to fool the devotees. Through the character of Kamat, the film also sends across a strong message to the organisers of such festivals, as to how they are drifting from the values, by replacing stage plays and Bhajans with item numbers and loud music played by DJ’s. The film also poses few questions, whether the splendor with which such festivals are celebrated and crores of rupees spent, is justified in a state where thousands of farmers are committing suicides. And, whether the global warming genuinely considered during such festivals ?
Music plays an equally important role in this film and hence the director, who also composes the music has paid more attention by skillfully creating space for it, in the screenplay. Be it a Quauwali, a lavani, an item number or an arati ; he has used them at right places. Females don’t find much scope in this male dominated film, yet Spruha Joshi finds a better role while playing the girl friend of Santosh Juvekar. She plays a singer at a Bar. Pari Telang finds another important role of a TV Journalist, who develops a soft corner for Sameer, after she interviews him. Kranti Redkar and Urmila Kanetkar appear in guest roles as celebrity dancers. There are small but important roles coming to the share of Pushkar Shroti, Sunil Ranade, Meghana Erande and Sunil Godse, but it is the hotelier Kamat played by Dilip Prabhavalkar who lives an impression. Avadhoot himself with Subodh Bhave participate in Quawali as guest artistes. Ganesh Yadav has lot to say about the role of Police in a situation where gang riots take place. He is simply remarkable in that role of a Senior Police officer.
‘Moraya’ possesses that elegant look for its superb Cinematography by Rahul Jadhav, who also happens to be the Associate Director of this film. Editing work by Imran Mahadik and Faisal Mahadik is good. Sound design is appropriate to the situation. Screenplay is good and dialogues are well written especially in the second half. In the fist half however, there is lot of repetition in the dialogues, when Sameer and Manya face each other. It is only when at the stroke of interval, the director gives a twist, the confrontation gains momentum with series of dialogues.
‘Moraya’ is a cleverly presented film, with fabulous performances coming from both Chinmay and Santosh. It would be wise not to compare them with each other. Watch them in that last scene when the police officer played by Ganesh Yadav brings them together at an isolated place to voice their agony. With Govinda and Ganapati celebrations almost nearing, the film is likely to receive a good response.
‘Tee Ratra’ – A Well presented Psycho-Thriller!
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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.
Now, get ready to see ‘Tendulkar Out’ on screen
The popularity of cricket is rising day by day and the name Tendulkar is like a God in cricket. We have already seen the reactions of people, when Tendulkar is declared out. But, what will be the reaction of people, if they come to know that there is Marathi film titled ‘Tendulkar Out’ ? This film which is suitably titled, is progressing fast with quick shooting schedules. Shot on the backdrop of India –Pakistan cricket match, the film is being made by Anaya Mhaiskar under the banner of Sudha Productions and is directed by Swapnil Jaykar.
According to the makers of the film, it is a suspense filled film, based on the script of Yogesh Vinayak. The films cinematography is captured by Amalendu Choudhary while Mahesh Salgaonkar is doing the art direction. Rajesh Rao will be editing this film, which has music by Amar Mohile. The film stars Sayaji Shinde, Neelam Shirke, Atul Parchure, Aniket Vishwasrao, Santosh Juvekar, Vijay Maurya and Sai Tamhankar in important roles