Actress Sharmila Rajaram plays a TV newsreader
Virus Marathi have presented their new web series ‘No Breaking News’ on youtube. It is suitably titled as the subject of this serial is based on different ways of breaking the news. Actress Sharmila Rajaram who plays the lead role in this series, is seen presenting the news in her own style, to avoid being typecast. In one of the episodes, Sharmila will be seen breaking the news while cleaning the rice.
Actually, the aim of the makers of this web series is to present the subjects covered by the news channels in a different way. The series is directed by Santosh Kolhe, who had earlier directed Sharmila in his previous series ‘Shock Katha’. The writer of this series is by Yugandhar Deshpande. Till now, two episodes of this series have already been released, while the third episode is being released now. Youngsters on social media have welcomed it. The trailer of this episode says it all.
Sameer Patil returns to acting with web series ‘TarTiTo’
Actor Sameer Patil who had switched over from acting to writing and direction is now back to his acting profession with a web series ‘Tartito’ directed by Santosh Kolhe. It may be recalled that Sameer Patil with his writing had switched over to direction with films like ‘Vikun Tak’ , ‘Poshter Boyz’ read review, ‘Poshter Girlz’ read review & ‘Shentimental‘ read review. But now, it seems during this worst period of lockdown in the industry, he is back to his acting profession.
This web series ‘Taritito’ is made by Virus Marathi and the story of this web series revolves around a father and his two grown up children living at Ghodbunder Road, Thane. Sameer plays the character of Manohar a father who lives with his two children – daughter Kshiti and Son Tosh and has to look after all their needs, as his wife is away in Sangli on her job assignment. How Manohar handles the responsibility of his college going son and daughter is what this series presents to the home viewers. The role of daughter is played by Ankita Desai while Srujan Deshpande plays the role of his son. 3 parts of this series have already been released on youtube and the trailer of the next part is released now.
Lockdown Film festival – a novel concept
During this period of Lockdown, in order to keep the creative people busy, Virus Marathi a YouTube channel has organised a ‘Lockdown Digital Film festival’ . The film could be a short film or a documentary , shot at home, observing all the rules of lock down set by the Government.
This offers a good opportunity to young film makers to attempt something creative which could be noticed . The film can be shot on a mobile or a camera and should have neat presentation with proper editing.
This unique Digital Film festival will offer three prizes in short film section as well as documentary section. The first prize will be of Rs. 7,500/- Second Prize : Rs. 5,000/- and the third prize : Rs. 3,000/-.
Writer Arvind Jagtap, actress Sonali Kulkarni, director Santosh Kolhe, director Sameer Patil have been appointed as Judges for this contest. Last date for submission of entries is 10th May 2020. The bet 10 films will be shown on Virus Marathi channel. For more details: e mail : vmffest[at]gmail[dot]com
Santosh Kolhe’s ‘Hijada’ Shock Katha crosses 1 Crore views
Now days Short films on You tube are receiving good response from viewers. One such Marathi short film ‘Hijada‘ Shock katha has created a record by crossing viewership of 1 Crore. Directed by Santosh Kolhe , this 9 minute short film stars Chhaya Kadam playing the title role along with Akshay Shimpi. The film ‘Hijada‘ covers a train journey where a commuter gets upset and loses his temper, when a Hijada begs for money, after approaching him.
The turning point of this video is noticed when the Hijada turns emotional to narrate the humiliation suffered by such people in the society. It is a thought provoking story very cleverly told by the film maker through this short video film. Above all, the talented actress like Chhaya Kadam has performed this character very naturally. The response received for this video film clearly shows that the viewers appreciate and love to watch the reality in our society.
‘Baazi’ takes a new twist with Shera posing as Diamond dealer
Marathi serial ‘Baazi‘ which is being telecast on Zee Marathi which is set on the backdrop of Peshwa regime in Pune. Having seen the main villain Shera trying to destabilize the rule, Shera had posed as an old man in earlier episodes. But now, he will be returning by posing as a diamond dealer , which is a new twist in this serial. It is clear that he is part of the plan from Nizam.
Prakhar Singh who plays the role of Shera, has already invited the attention of the viewers with his performance and style of delivering the dialogues which are targeted at the political decisions taken at Shaniwarwada which ultimately spread across the country. Based on some historical facts, this grand serial is produced and directed by Santosh Kolhe and is being telecast on Zee Marathi from Monday to Saturday @ 10.30 pm.
Santosh Kolhe’s ‘Jatra’ to return on ABP Majha
The first edition of 26 episode programme ‘Jatra‘ on ABP Majha received good response. The programme covered the traditional cultural fairs held at different places in Maharashtra and covered all the aspects in detail about all such fairs. And, this helped the home viewers to understand the significance of all these fairs. The programme was directed by Santosh Kolhe.
Now, director Santosh Kolhe is returning with 2nd edition of this programme on ABP Majha channel soon. According to him, the information about such fairs is known to only local people living at such places; but there is no available information about all such fairs at one place . “This programme did help to reach out people from different parts of Maharashtra. Therefore, we appeal to all the people to inform us about any such cultural fairs to us, so as to enable us to shoot such events,” he says.
Santosh Kolhe, Director
Renowned director of superhit hindi serials like ‘Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki’, ‘Kusum’, ‘Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ Santosh Kolhe has come up with his first commercial film – ‘Made In China.’ The film is a socio-political thriller based on a fight of farmer for his ethics, principles and survivals. The film analyses a latest eco-political concept – Special Economic Zones.
Sandeep Kulkarni has performed the lead role of Mohit- a farmer who is developing his agricultural land nicely and generating handsome income by utilizing modern mechanism. Suddenly a politician declares his land as special economic zone. The further film is based upon his struggle with brutal political and corporate world.
“I am quiet happy with the film” says Santosh Kolhe “The film is exactly came out as per my visualisation. I was a mainstream serial director and it was quite easy for me to go for a Hindi film. But I wanted to make a film at my conditions, as per my thinking rather than a market driven film. I wanted my crew, my actors, my script and complete satisfaction and I was fortunate to get a chance to fulfill my wish. We had done shoot for 55 days and it is probably largest shooted marathi movie. Nor we sacrificed with actors, nor with technical aspect.”
Santosh Kolhe Santosh had read lots of news regarding SEZ and that attracts him toward the subject. He says, “The film is based upon extensive research. We had visited more than 50 villages around Pune, Mumbai, Uran, Alibag and Raigad We had talked to the local farmers, realized their views and problems. We had done detail study of similarities and differences between SEZ at China and India. That is why we could able to frame such a sound script.”
“Our actors were also part of the research. All of our actors including Sandeep Kulkarni, Upendra Limaye, Milind Gunaji, Madhura Welankar and Mrunal Kulkarni had visited the villages. Despite their stardom, they mixed up with local villagers, understood their style of living, culture, accent and actually adopted local lifestyle. That’s why all filmi factors are avoided in the movie.”