The Making of ‘Haapus’
Producer Sanjay Chhabria seems to have mastered the Marathi film making and distribution process. Through his previous two films ‘Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy’ and ‘Shikshanachya Aaichha Gho’ he made it a point to touch the hearts of Marathi audience. It was either by way of presenting a strong protagonist defending himself against insults or making a middle class father raise his voice against the age old and corrupt education system; so that the audience could co relate themselves with these characters. As a perfect businessman he not only paid his attention on script and direction, but also focused on marketing and promotion, which was lacking in Marathi film industry. Recently, in a TV interview, Mr. Sanjay made it very clear that the script and director are the real heroes of a successful Marathi film. “ Unlike Hindi films, which become hit because of a hero, the success of Marathi film is more dependent on a good script and fine direction”.
After being associated with Mahesh Manjrekar, he now joins hands with Abhijeet Satam, who is making debut as a director through their jointly produced film ‘Haapus’. Abhijeet was previously associated with ad films.With this film, he also turns a co-producer. ‘Haapus’ made with a budget of 1.5 Crore, with almost an equal amount kept in reserve for the film’s promotion, both of them seem to be confident about their film’s success. As a producer, Sanjay did not only handle the finance and promotion side, but also kept himself creatively involved in every aspect of production, including presentation of the script. “Emotion is the key to be used very cleverly in the script of Marathi films,” says Sanjay. And, when we look at the script of ‘Haapus’, it reminds us about the difference of opinion between father and son, when it comes to making business of Mangoes.
The story of ‘Haapus’ thus revolves around Gurav family with the head of the family – Shivaji Satam selling their crop through a middleman as per traditional practice, but when his son develops a new variety of crop, he decides to sell the same with direct marketing. This is where the conflict begins between father and son. In comes a school teacher, who has moved into their village and the story takes a different turn. In the story, you also find the two twin daughters of Mr. Gurav, who add some hilarious moments into the screenplay for a change, with one of them in love with an auto-rickshaw driver, only to give another twist to the story. “ In all, it is a package of entertainment for one and all,” that’s what the director feels. The film has been shot at some of the natural locations in picturesque Konkan, busy streets of Mumbai and inside the Vashi fruit market, to give a more realistic look.
But, as quoted by them in the film’s campaign, to know what is ‘Haapus’ all about, you need to not only taste it, but also enjoy it. With popular stars like Shivaji Satam, Subodh Bhave, Makarand Anaspure, Madhura Velankar, Pushkar Shroti, Sulabha Deshpande, Mrunal Deshpande, Manasi Magikar, Vidyadhar Joshi, Swarasha Jadhav, Sunil Dev & Dnyaneshwar in the cast and well known singers like Avadhoot Gupte, Vibhawari Apte, Urmila Dhangar, Rahul Saxena, Amruta Subhash, Anjali Kulkarni, Anuradha Marathe, Suvarna Mategaonkar, Pranjali Barve rendering their voices on the music of Dr. Salil Kulkarni, the film has certainly raised the hopes of the viewers. Now, all eyes on 25th June, when the film has its grand release all over Maharashtra.
‘Shikshanachya Aaichha Gho’ takes on the taxing educational system
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Rating: na
Presenter: Eros International, Satya Ashwami Films, Everest Entertainments Producer: Sanjay Chhabria, Ashwami Manjrekar, Satya Manjrekar Director: Mahesh Manjrekar Story: Mahesh Manjrekar Screenplay: Ravi Jadhav Lyrics:Guru Thakur,Shrirang Godbole, Nalesh Patil Music: Ajit, Atul, Samir Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Bharat Jadhav, Saksham Kulkarni, Gauri Vaidya, Siddharth Jadhav, Kranti Redkar, Vidyadhar Joshi, Vaibhav Mangle, Kamlakar Satpute, Kishore Pradhan, Sandeep Pathak Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Till now, our experts in education department and the Government representatives have ignored the most sensitive issue of rising suicides among children. No one has really bothered to find the exact cause and a solution. But, as they say, media has lot to do. Film making is a very creative filed and if a particular issue is presented properly, it can certainly invite the attention of one and all. A change in our educational system is a long time demand and director Mahesh Manjrekar decided to take on this issue seriously through his latest film ‘Shikshanachya Aaichha Gho’( SAG) .
He did face the opposition before release of his film, for using a konkani slang in the title; but managed the opposition diplomatically. Finally, ‘SAG’ saw the opening day at theatres all over Maharashtra with houseful shows even in multiplexes. A simple story of a teenager from a middle class family ( Saksham Kulkarni) , who is good at cricket but is an average student in his studies. The father ( Bharat Jadhav) who is working in Municipality office, wants his son to do well in his studies too. He does not approve his progress in cricket, as he feels that the game will only come in the way of his studies. One day, he scolds his son for non performance in exams and breaks his bat. He beats up his son and in a scuffle, pushes him away, when the child hits his head against the bed and bleeds turning nconscious. He is rushed to hospital and is operated upon, but does not recover as he moves into coma.
The father repents, but his friends and well wishers in the neighborhood including his daughter(Gauri Vaidya) extend both financial and moral support during this period of crisis. He brings his son back home under the advice of hospital doctor and offers all treatment at home. Finally, one of his friends who is working in a hospital, arranges an operation of his son by a US returned doctor(Mahesh Manjrekar) . The son recovers and the father wins his battle against the education system, with the chief minister giving him assurance to look into this issue. Now, to present this issue, director Mahesh Manjrekar has displayed a good cinematic presentation through touching scenes and hard hitting dialogues to make the audience think seriously about the change
required and instigating the parents to oppose such a system. At the same time, he has tried to convince the parents not to expect too much from their children and encourage them more in the areas of their interest. Very cleverly he has used certain locations to create the desired impact through his 1hour 48 mins long film.
In this film, you will find Bharat Jadhav in a different role. Though there are few scenes to bring in humour, especially in the company of a shop keeper cum money lender Ibrahim( Siddharth Jadhav) and his kind hearted neighborhood friends comprising of Kishore Pradhan and others. The character of Nalini (Kranti Redkar) having soft corner to this family, has been cleverly used to complete the requirement of female lead; as the hero is shown as a widower. And, she has played her part well.
Both the children Saksham and Gauri are proper choice in the film doing their respective roles. The director’s favourite -Sachin Khedekar makes his appearance as the chief minister in that climax scene. Overall presentation of the film is good, with not much scope for music, but clever editing work keeps the audience engaged with the screenplay. The sincere effort of the film maker is to be lauded for taking on this taxing educational system through this film.
The imporatnt changes in our education system at school level the film suggests are:
1) Allowing students with their choice of subjects.
2) Vocational guidance a must at seondary level. &
3) To do away with rank system.