Sonali Kulkarni making a comeback through ‘Pune 52′
Actress Sonali Kulkarni performed in Bollywood and Marathi films simultaneously in the past. Now, after taking a break, she is making a comeback in Marathi through forthcoming Marathi film ‘Pune 52’. In this film, Sonali plays a middle class housewife. Set on the backdrop of Pune city during the 90s era, the film presents her in an important role of Prachi Apte, who is the wife of a secret agent played by Girish Kulkarni. The film is based on their personal life.
Made under the banner of Indian Magic Eye Motion Pictures and Aarbhaat Nirmitee of Girish and Umesh Kulkarni, the film is directed by debutant Nikhil Mahajan, who has studied from International Film School, Sydney, Australia. The film’s story and screenplay is written by Nikhil himself, while the dialogues are penned by Girish Kulkarni. Besides Girish and Sonali, the film also stars SaieTamhankar, Kiran Karmarkar, Bharati Achrekar, Shrikant Yadav and popular lyricist Swanand Kirkire in a special role. Cinematography by Jeremy Reagen from new Zealand and music by Atif Afzal are other credits. The film is all set for release on 18th January 2013.
“Don’t cry, be bold and address your issues” – Raj Thackeray
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray has a terrific sense of humour. Whenever he is asked to speak at functions, he makes spontaneous remarks to create laughter among the audience. On the occasion of Music and website release function of the Marathi horror film ‘Sa ..Sasucha’, the charismatic leader while appreciating the efforts of the film maker Kishore Belekar, asked him if he needed any help from him. “ I can help you a lot with my own experience with horror films. My own film is treated sometimes by critics, as horror film,” he remarked with a pause; allowing the jam packed elite audience to burst into laughter. Obviously, he was referring to his recent ‘Khall and Phataak’ remarks and aftereffects.
While boosting the confidence of Marathi film makers, he stated, “ You focus on internal matters of the film and we will look into the external requirements. I will certainly look into your grievances with the Multiplexes.” Referring to the meeting he had planned with the Producers of Marathi films the next day, he appealed to all those and artistes to come forward openly with their issues. “ Don’t cry, be bold and address your issues. I will not ask for any favour in return. Don’t be scared that in future I may ask you to join my party’s election campaign or meetings etc.. All I can assure you that I am playing no politics with this issue. It’s my genuine effort to sort out your problems,” he remarked categorically. At the same time he appealed to Marathi film lovers to go and watch Marathi films at Multiplexes “I assure you that henceforth they will have to screen Marathi films during prime time. Now, it all depends on your response.”
Kishore Belekar, who is directing this film, thanked his producers Harish and Sunita Patil, Nupur Rathod besides thanking Sameer Dixit who is distributing the film and Videocon Group, who are presenting this film. Among those present on the occasion were Yatin karyekar, lead actress of the film- Sonali Kulkarni, Bharati Achrekar, Satish Pulekar, Lyricist & music director Sandeep Khare and young Music directors Viraj and Ankur, who have provided the background music for this film.
‘Sa..Sasucha, is a thriller which revolves around a woman and her deceased mother-in-law. It’s an unusual story about the quest of this woman who longs to find answers to the strange incidents that she experiences in the new house after marriage.The film is full of special and terrific sound effects, as experienced after watching the trailor of the film. While speaking to Media persons after the function, Director Kishore Belekar spoke about some of the issues during film’s promotion. “In some theatres, they were hesitant to show the trailor of my film, even against payment, which is strange”. Starring Sunil Barve, Sonali Kulkarni, Vinay Apte, Shubhangi Gokhale, Yatin Karyekar, Kamlesh Sawant, Omkar Karve, Vimal Mhatre, arun Bhadsavle, Rajesh Bhosale, Anita Ninave and k. Vrushali, the film is due for release on 27th August 2010.
Ringa Ringa – An Exciting Psychological Thriller !
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Rating: na
Presenter: Nishad Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd. Producers: Kanchan Satpute, Shiva Baba Naik & Suresh Pai Camera, Director: Sanjay Jadhav Story: Amol Shetge Lyrics: Guru Thakur Music: Ajay Atul Cast: Sonali Kulkarni, Ajinkya Deo, Bharat Jadhav, Ankush Chowdhary, Santosh Juwekar, Aditi Gowitrikar Movie Review by: Sandeep Hattangadi |
Looking at the way he handles the film technically, Sanjay Jadhav is today the most perfect cinematographer- director in the Marathi film industry. Through his first film ‘Checkmate’, as a director he showed promise and now with his second film ‘Ringa Ringa’ , he has proved that he is a master of films with suspense genre. Producer Kanchan Satpute’s ‘Ringa Ringa’ can thus be called an excellent edge -of- the seat thriller.
The film is set in Goa with a political backdrop projecting Rangrao (Ajinkya Dev), who is all set to become the Goa CM in spite of his nexus with terrorists. But, his security chief played by Bharat Jadhav (in a total macho makeover) spills the beans of Rangrao to the Party chief (Uday Sabnis) . He is assigned the task of getting the evidence against Rangrao. In the meantime, a small time goon Anthony is bumped off by Rangrao’s hit-man (Santosh Juvekar).
The files, tapes and the photos of Rangrao, which are with an inspector (Kamlesh Sawant) turns dirty on Rangrao’s ‘odd job man’(Ankush Chowdhary’s ) offer of money. A deal is made and Rangrao hands over the money to the inspector but then Rangrao’s hit-man kills the inspector too. Now, the files and the tapes are with Bharat, who runs away from the crime scene and calls his beautiful wife (Sonali Kulkarni) to the bus stand but is chased by the hit-man. So, he hides the evidence at a safe place. In the process he is killed and dies in his wife’s arms but reveals to her about the evidence and the whole story of crime.
Then begins the cat and mouse game between Sonali and Rangrao and his henchmen, which ends with Sonali landing up in a mental asylum along with her aged father (Jayant Savarakar). But, before that there is a twist in the tale and it would be unfair to reveal the same. The film is a racy thriller and the director seems to be influenced by Hitchcock’s ‘Gaslight’, Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’, Sergio Leone’s ‘All his Sphagetti westerns’ (especially the liberal use of nursery rhymes) other classic thrillers like ‘To Chase a Crooked Shadow’ and ‘No Way Out’.
But the final product is a worth watch with slick frames and excellent music by Ajay-Atul, with a good beat like the ‘Bai Ga Bai Ga’(Kunal Ganjawala) song which has been choreographed well in a carnival like atmosphere. The screenplay and dialogues by Amol Shetge deserve praise. The editor Amit Pawar has done a good job, with quick inter-cutting of frames, especially the sepia toned sequences.
The performances are exemplary by the entire cast. Sonali Kulkarni, delivers her career best performance and is likely to win all major awards this year. Bharat Jadhav has a ‘never-seen-before’ kind of role and does well. Santosh Juvekar and Ankush Chowdhary are good but their characterization could have been better. Ajinkya Dev in a negative role sets the screen on fire. Sanjay Mone’s cameo as Dr.Shanbhag leaves a mark. Uday Sabnis, Jayant Savarkar lend good support. Aditi Govitrikar lends oomph to the film.
Watch this film for some exciting thrills and wonderful performances!
Newcomer Sonali Kulkarni turns Sonalee
Similarity in the name and surname in the same field does create identity crisis. Newcomer – Sonali Kulkarni who in the recent past made her debut through Kedar Shinde’s film ‘Bakula Namdev Ghotale’ had to face this identity problem, as there was already an actress with a similar name, who had made it big even in Hindi films besides Marathi films.
The new starlet has come out with a solution. She has now changed the spelling of her name from Sonali to Sonalee and decided to identify herself with her first name only. So, you will find this new name of Sonalee in the credits of forthcoming film ‘Natarang’ which is the attraction of the new year. Hope this new identity also proves lucky for this girl along with the film.
‘Natarang’- A Classic Tale !
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Rating: 4/5
Presenter: Zee Talkies Production: Zee Talkies, Athaansh Communications Director: Ravi Jadhav Story: Dr. Anand Yadav Screenplay: Ravi Jadhav Dialogues, Lyrics: Guru Thakur Music: Ajay – Atul Cast: Atul Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni, Kishor Kadam, Vibhavari Deshpande, Kishor Choughule… Movie Review by: Sandeep Hatangadi |
Debutant ad-filmmaker Ravi Jadhav’s ‘Natarang’ is a film that has raised the bar for quality Marathi films. The film adapted for screen from Dr. Anand Yadav’s classic novel, is a bench mark in Marathi films made on rural backdrop.
The story of ‘Nararang’ is about Guna Kagalkar (Atul Kulkarni) a village wrestler with bulging muscles who is a farm worker by profession and lives happily with his wife(Vibhavari Deshpande) and children along with his old father (Yakoob Sayeed).
It’s difficult for Guna to make two ends meet, especially because of his passion for ‘Tamasha’ a Maharashtrian dance form with ‘Lavnis’ (seductive songs).
Guna’s ultimate dream is to play a king’s role in ‘Tamasha’and so he gathers a team of unemployed friends in the village and starts his own ‘Tamasha’ troupe and a veteran ‘Tamasha’ artiste (Kishor Kadam) helps them find the ‘dancer’(Sonalee) for their troupe. But, soon Guna is in a soup to find a ‘Nachya’ or the so called clown, who brings on the laughter in the ‘Tamasha’.
Finally, the manly muscular Guna has to play ‘Nachya’ himself, much to his chagrin; but he does so for the sake of his troupe and gets a complete makeover by becoming thin and shaving his moustache off. Guna’s troupe becomes the talk of the town but he has to lose his wife and children for his ‘Tamasha’. Interspersed in this narrative is local politics besides the competition between various ‘Tamasha’ troupes, gay artistes, etc.
But the film grabs your attention right from start to end because of Atul Kulkarni’s powerful performance, especially the scenes where he has to pose girlie in a wrestler’s body. The rest of the cast is also impressive , especially Vibhavari Deshpande, Kishor Kadam, Sandesh Jadhav, Milind Shinde, Priya Berde, etc . Sonalee looks good and dances well. Amruta Khanvilkar’s cameo is also impressive.
The music by Ajay-Atul is already a hit with the masses especially the ‘Apsara’ song and other folk numbers with good lyrics by Guru Thakur. The dialogues by Guru Thakur are well-written. The cinematography by Mahesh Limaye is slick with lots of night scenes and back lighting with soft focus lens capturing the village landscapes beautifully.
Zee Talkies deserve kudos to back a project like ‘Natarang’ and actor Atul Kulkarni who in true Robert De Niro style, had to build a strong physique by extensive workout and diet and then losing it all for the role. The film is a must-see for Atul’s performance and Ravi Jadhav’s good debut (his flashback style is very impressive).
‘Natarang’ is a film that comes once in a while. See it ASAP!
Kedar Promotes ‘Iraada Pakka’ in his own style
Marathi Cinema is also moving in a professional manner, as far as the film’s promotion is concerned. Right from ‘Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy‘ we found this difference, when the powada based song was used in the film’s promotion. Now, film maker Kedar Shinde has used a new approach for promotion of his film ‘Irradaa Pakka’, staring Sonali Kulkarni and Siddharth Jadhav.
Recently, he picturised a song for the film’s promotion, where he had involved about 20 popular artistes along with their spouses. This experiment is first of its kind in Marathi cinema. “The film lovers will be happy to see their favourite artistes with their real life partners together in this song,” feels Kedar. When this song was picturised for two days, Kedar and his wife paid personal attention on all these special invitees, to see that they were comfortable for that event.
Some of the artistes who took part in this special promotional song were veteran Atmaram Bhende, Kishore Pradhan, Ramdas Padhye, Alka Kubal, Bharat Jadhav,Sandeep Kulkarni, Ashok Shinde, Ankush Choudhary, Sumeet Raghavan, Prasad Oak, Vijay Patkar & Shreyas Talpade. The film will be due for release soon .
‘Ringa Ringa’ nearing completion
Nishad Audio Visual Pvt Ltd are almost on the verge of completion of the shooting of their new film ‘Ringa Ringa’, which is an action packed thriller. After the success of ‘Chekmate‘ and ‘Bokya Satbande‘, producer Kanchan Satpute has paid more attention on making this film more entertaining suited to today’s audience. She has made a right choice in Sanjay Jadhav, who will be directing this film based on his own script. Sanjay, a talented cinematographer, who has recently won V. Shantaram Award for best Cinematography for ‘Jogwa’.
‘Ringa Ringa’ has been shot on the backdrop of picturesque Goa, where the film’s script revolves around a character Rangrao, with criminal background who turns a politician. The film picturises the ups and downs in his journey to politics. With Ajinkya deo playing a totally different role in this film, the other popular star cast comprise of Sonali Kulkarni, Bharat Jadhav, Ankush Choudhary, Santosh Juvekar, Sanjay Mone, Udhay Sabnis, Jayant Savarkar, Kamlesh Sawant and Aditi Govitrikar. Art direction by Mahesh Salgaonkar, Sound by Mandar Kulkarni, Choreography by Umesh Jadhav & Rajesh Bidwe, Editing by Amit Pawar, Screenplay-dialogues by Amol Shetge, co-producers Shvababa Naik and Suresh Pai , Lyrics by Guru Thakur and music by Ajay-Atul are the other credits of the film. The film will be ready for release during next two months time.
Rekha evokes with reminiscence of Smita Patil
She arrives on the dais in the capacity of a chief guest amidst a big applause, she releases the book on Smita and then conquers the capacity packed crowd in the auditorium with her emotion filled speech. This was the scene at Y.B. Chavan Centre, South Mumbai on Tuesday 22 September 2009. Indeed, Rekha still has that charisma to pull the elite crowd, whenever she attends such events. And, this one was a special one.
The occasion was to release the second edition of the Marathi book ‘Smita, Smit Aani Mee’ written by Lalita Tamhane. The event was supported by musical evening organized by Yashwant Ingawane. Prior to the release of the book, few memorable songs were rendered by popular singers and some scenes from Smita’s films were shown on the projection system. Sonali Kulkarni and Sachin Khedekar did the comparing of the event narrating some memorable happenings in the life of late Smita Patil. The programme was delayed by an hour due to heavy rains that lashed the city almost coinciding with the time of the function.
Renowned photographer Gautam Rajadykshya who was present on the occasion in the capacity of special invitee, spoke first in Marathi and later switched over to English. He had a chit chat with Rekha, trying to recall their friendship and memorable moments she shared with her best friend. Dressed in a beautiful light Golden shade saree, Rekha appeared Stunning. With soft spoken words and alluring smile, she captured the hearts of the elite audience who responded spontaneously to every answer that she countered to Gautam’s witty questions. After releasing the book, she asked for two copies of the same and held them close to her heart. Then observing the cover photo of her friend, she kissed her photo.
While handing over copies of the book to Smita’s parents Shivajirao and Vidyatai Patil, she bowed down to seek their blessings. Smita’s sisters were also present on the occasion. When Smita’s son Pratik was called on the dais, Rekha greeted him with a hug and appealed to him to display his talent as early as possible, as she couldn’t wait any longer. She was more keen on Pratik giving his best as an actor. “If I were to imagine Smita in a male form, it is only Pratik I can think of,” said the veteran actress.
Few celebrities from Marathi and Hindi films were present on the occasion. Event was hosted by Ameya Infotainment.
‘Gandha’ bounces back with Fame
The unexpected attack of Swine Flu and the fear psychosis arising out of it had prevented many film lovers from going to theatres during the last month. Unfortunately, the release of a sensible film like ‘Gandha‘ had almost coincided with the closure of theatres due to Government directive. The film did receive a big jolt due to this natural calamity. But, as somebody has rightly said, “You cannot stop good creation from reaching to the people with a word of mouth publicity.” With the opening of theatres and with the rise in demand for ‘Gandha‘ in Pune, the film has bounced back with the screening in six theatres.
Directed by Sachin kundalkar ‘Gandha’ has tried out a new experiment in Marathi cinema, combining three different stories knitted into one theme. ‘Gandha’ has already received appreciation in the form of best screenplay during the International Film festival in Pune. It has also been appreciated by well known filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar. Above all, the director has also added one more feather into his cap, when his name was announced recently for National Award for best direction for his previous film ‘Nirop’.
‘Gandha’ has a super combination of popular stars like Milind Soman (who makes his debut in Marathi films through this film) Sonali Kulkarni, Girish Kulkarni and Amruta Subhash, who display their talent through different roles.
GANDHA REVIEW
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Rating: na
Presenter: Flashbulb Ventures Producers: Pritam Bhandari, Rajesh Goyal, Sandeep Kankariya Director: Sachin Kundalkar Camera: Amalendu Chowdhari Music: Shailendra Barve Cast: Milind Soman, Sonali Kulkarni, Neena Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash.. Movie Review by: Saurabh Karni |
Marathi Theater is known for new experiments and the new generation entering in the Marathi film industry is closely associated with Theater. Films and Theater has its own advantages and disadvantages. Yes, combination of both would definitely enrich the feel of the movies only if the combination of both mediums is perfect. And that’s what Sachin Kundalkar made with ‘Gandha’ and took the movie at different level and makes it ‘great’ rather than a ‘good’ movie.
The movie has combination of three stories. There is no interconnection as such in the stories but at the end even a common viewer can connect the stories. Prospective toward movie can differ from person to person but each and everyone can definitely connect himself with the film.
First story – ‘Lagnachya vayachi mulgi’ starts with a light comedy mood. Veena (Amruta Subhash) waiting to be a bride (infact her parents in hurry to see her in bridal get up), her dreams (sometimes sound ‘typical’), little expectations from her life partner, her ‘Puneri’ parents, traditional ‘Dakhavne’ or ‘Kande-Pohe’ program and so on is presented. She finds her dream partner in a student of art school – Girish Kulkarni where she works as a clerk. Then her feelings, attraction, realization between dream and reality are put across amazingly.
Second story – ‘Aushadhe ghenaaraa maanus’ is based upon a modern relationship. Sarang (Milind Soman) is a HIV positive person.
Her wife Raavee (Sonali Kulkarni) who had left him long time ago visits Sarang’s place and the story moves forward through their conversation. Various incidences of their past life, relationship comes as references.
Third story – ‘Bajula Basleli Bai’ is presented with background of Kokan with a bit feministic approach. Jaanaki (Nina Kulkarni)- a typical wife and daughter in law of middle class Marathi family doesn’t have any child even after many years of marriage. Her husband’s sister is pregnant and came for the delivery. Unfortunately Jaanaki couldn’t help at all as it is not allowed to her during ‘those days.’ Though the story has lots of feministic approaches, it has presented in entirely different manner. It not only shows her sorrows but also explains her importance at her home, what so ever.
The movie has huge starcast including Sonali Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Nina Kulkarni, Milind Soman, Jyoti Subhash and many others. Each and everybody have played character beautifully. Every character of the story has it’s own features, nature, emotions and that sounds perfectly natural. We could feel that every character can be find around us in real world.
Director has skillfully used more facial expressions than words and every expression takes the story forward. Sonali is great as usual. Nina Kulkarni’s acting is haunting, as usual. Jyoti Subhash, Girish Kulkarni have supported the movie perfectly. Milind Soman’s first
ever experience in Marathi film is pleasant. Amruta Subahs’s acting sound effective but a bit monotonous. Audiences are so used to her ‘typical’ expressions (especially smile) that most of the times they could easily predict her expressions.
I would give 110 out of 100 to Sachin Kundalkar as a director. I have no words to admire him. As the name ‘Gandha’ suggests various things like ‘Balantinichi kholi’, flowers (particularly Sonchafa), perfumes, rain, ‘gandha’ of love and anger, ‘gandha’ of body are used skillfully in the movie. Sachin Kundalkar has transformed himself from the theater to film and he has amazingly combined plus points of both mediums. Theatrical language used so marvelously in the movie that we could feel live ness of the film just like theater. Use of space is always a plus point of Sachin’s plays and he has deliberately used extremely efficiently in the movie. conjested place of Puneri Peths, different diemetters of Wada at Kokan, modern home is used remarkably well. The spaces also make comments over the spaces between different relations.
The movie moves forward with expressions, music and different sounds rather than dialogues. Various forms of music have been used quiet effectively and logically. Credit must be given to Shailendra Barve and Anmol Bhave. Shailendra Mehetre has enriched the flavor of the movie with his cinematography. Abhijit deshpande’s performance as an editor is remarkable.
Like love, anger, sorrow, joy, ‘Gandha’ is undetectable part of our life. We feel it in our life while first rain, romance, flower, newly born baby and with many other examples. But do we really notice it? Admire it? Like love, meaning of ‘Gandha’ changes person-to-person, situation-to-situation, age-to-age, and context-to-context and that has been superbly presented through the movie. Someone cannot find any connection in three stories or someone can find several. Everybody would describe the movie as per his/her experiences. But the fact of the matter is the movie relates each and every audience, irrespective of prospective and that is the real success of the movie