‘Nagrik’ has a strong subject of investigative journalism
Journalism is considered as the fourth estate of a democratic society. This term was earlier used mainly for print media. The invasion of modern technology saw rise of electronic media and digital media, which has also become part of the fourth estate. This fourth estate, though dreaded by inactive politicians, corrupt ‘babus’ and businessmen, tries to keep check on wrongdoings in the society, apart from hailing the good deeds.
A film fully dedicated to this profession, i.e. Journalism, is very rare, in Marathi cinema. But producer Aarti Sachin Chavan under the banner Sachi Entertainment is coming up with a new Marathi film Nagrik, the story of which has a major backdrop of investigative journalism. ‘Pen is mightier than sword’ is theme of the film which focuses on the political and social realities of the times, through the eyes of common man.. Nagrik, which is directed by Jayprad Desai, has already bagged a prestigious Maharashtra State Film Award for best cinematography (Devendra Golatkar).
Also it features in nominations for five categories of the state awards, i.e. Best Debut Director (Jaypraad Desai), Best Actor (Sachin Khedekar), Best Dialogues (Mahesh Keluskar), Best Lyricist (Sambhaji Bhagat) and Best Film. Nagrik has a strong star cast, comprising of Dilip Prabhavalkar, Dr Shriram Lagoo, Milind Soman, Sulabha Deshpande among others. The film is all set to release soon.
‘Avtarachi Goshta’ speaks about other side of faith
 Rating: ★★★
Genres: Drama Censor: U/A Duration: 120 mins Studio/presenter: Asian Entertainment Producer: Sachin Pandurang Salunkhe Director: Nitin Dixit Writer: Nitin Dixit Lyrics: na Music: Gandhaar Cinematographer (DOP): Nagaraj M.D. Cast: Adinath Kothare, Mihiresh Joshi, Yash Kulkarni, Sulabha Deshpande, Leena Bhagwat, Sunil Abhyankar, Rashmi Khedekar Movie Review by: Keertikumar Kadam |
In the past, we have seen many famous plays and films, opposing blind faith. Recently, there was a film ‘OMG’ which openly challenged the blind faith. Last week released Hindi film, ‘PK’, was also an advanced version of such a plot. And now, the recent Marathi movie Avatarachi Goshta produced by Sachin Salunkhe and director Nitin Dixit , has also tried to make a comment on superstition & miracles, in today’s advanced world based on science.
Set on the backdrop of a small town in Maharashtra, the film shows two school going friends, Kaustubh (Mihiresh Joshi) and Mangya (Yash Kulkarni), living their normal lives, like other children from small towns. Kaustubh being fond of listening to mythological stories from his Grandmother (Sulabha Deshpande), starts believing that after nine reincarnations of lord Vishnu, he is the chosen one for the tenth reincarnation, to end the miseries of mankind on the earth. Mangya, being a strong believer in Koustubh, supports his belief and both start noticing unusual happennings as miracles. Kausthub also starts believing in his superpowers.
Kaustubh’s family, comprising of mother ( Leena Bhagwat), father (Sunil Abhyankar), Grandmother( Sulabha Deshpande) and adolescent sister Shweta (Rashmi Khedekar), are unaware of this development. When Mangya is convinced that Kaustubh possesses the power of God, he encourages him to jump into a pit. In this attempt, Kaustubh fractures his leg. As a result of which, he turns violent against all family members, including Mangya. At this stage, Amod (Aadinath Kothare) the paying guest living with Kaustubh’s family, plays an important role, explaining Kaustubh the coincidental miracles and rationalizes them with convincing examples. Kausthub too realises the futility of his belief.
The limited story is by Nitin Dixit ( Dhag fame); who also has written the dialogues and screenplay, besides directing the movie. Though his screenplay and dialogues are of high quality, they have limitations due to thin story-line. The film however shows promise, with suitable mythological narration in the opening part and achievements of scientists in the credits in the end. The film has become slower in the interior part. Camerawork by Nagraj Diwakar aptly captures the tone of the story and settings, giving it a real and authentic look. Missing love-angle doesn’t give scope to music by Gandhaar, though the songs are good. However, the background music is far better and does justice to the story telling.
Aadinath looks cute and boyish and has delivered ably, what was expected from him, but he has been wasted in the first half. However, in the second half, director has given his character maximum scope. Also, very cleverly , he has shown the one sided love of Shweta towards Aadinath . Supporting cast is extremely good, with names like, Leena Bhagwat, Sulabha Deshpande, Sunil Abyankar, Aashish Vidhyarthi (special appearance). Child actor, Mihiresh Joshi has a central role, which he manages well by displaying various forms of emotions, through different scenes. He has been ably supported by another child artist Yash Kulkarni.
One thing is for sure that as a script writer Nitin Dixit has done a good job. No wonder, the film has bagged nine awards in various categories, at different popular awards and festivals. But, as a director, he needs to work harder.
Timely ‘Investment’ is a thought provoking film
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Rating: ★★★★
Studio: Indu Enterprise Producer: Mahadwar Story & Director: Ratnakar Matkari Associate Director: Ganesh Matkari Editor: Sagar Vanjari Cast: Tushar Dalvi, Supriya Vinod, Sulabha Deshpande, Sanjay Mone, Sandeep Pathak, Praharsh Maik, Milind Phatak Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘Investment’ written and directed by Ratnakar Matkari, has already won National award before its official release. The film also received critical acclaim at various international film festival, during the past few months. Now, its timely release has brought to the notice of the audience not only a socially relevant and hard-hitting subject; but a timely and thought provoking film.
Actually, ‘Investment’ is an extraordinary film, presenting the story of a typical Upwardly working couple Aashish ( Tushar Dalvi) and Prachi ( Supriya Vinod) and their twelve-year old son, Sohel(Parharsh Naik), who is being pampered with more than required care. The mother has a dream of raising her son to be a successful Politician of the Future, a field, which she believes, is promising, due to its lucrative opportunities of growth, power and finance. But, Sohel who turns a spoilt & self-centered brat, wants to follow his father’s footsteps. Only success formula he believes in is, “Achieve, what you wish”.
One day, he sends a love note to his classmate Deepa Gangan, who hails from a totally different social strata. As a result, her father (Sandeep Pathak) informs Ashish and Prachi to keep their son at bay. Prachi takes it as an insult; but Aashish’s old mother (Sulbha Deshpande) who keeps visiting their house; smells some trouble. Very next day, Deepa goes missing and Sohel who is approached by Deepa’s father, tells that he is unaware of her whereabouts. But, when Deepa’s dead body is found by the police; the suspicion points towards Sohel.
It is at this point, the film takes a break for interval, to generate more interest among the audience. In the post interval session, the issues of morality of different characters come to the fore, with the declaration of the actual crime. The film makes a clever statement on the materialistic point of view, with which today’s generation is ignoring moral values. The outcome of the case, signifies the selfish attitude, besides lack of regret of the educated young middle-class. Such disregard for moral values, concludes with a terrible climax of the film. But, that one last scene goes on to say everything; leaving it to the sensible audience to understand the effects of wrong court judgements.
There is no doubt about the strong impact created by the story of this film written by Ratnakar Matkari; but, as a director that too on debut, he has done a very good job. Through the film’s gripping screenplay, he has not only tried to generate curiosity at every moment; but has also sent a strong social message, through the contrast characters of Grand mother and the Mother of the child. The father does have some conscience; as seen through some cleverly shot scenes, but he too turns materialistic, at important situations.
Through the characters of influential criminal lawyer (Sanjay Mone) ,the school principal, class teacher and Police Inspector, the director has lot to convey, about the corrupt existing system. At the same time, through the characters of Sandeep Pathak, Bhagyashree Pane, Milind Pathak and Soham Kolvankar, he has presented the helpless voice of common man fighting for justice.
Except for the terrible climax, which leaves to the audience to decide the fate of such juvenile criminals; the film does send a clear message ‘As you sow, so shall you reap’. There are no songs in this film and therefore you focus on the series of events; which generate a lot of interest at every stage of the screenplay. Cinematography by Amol Gole and clever editing by Sagar Vanjari are other plus points of the film; besides superb realistic performances from all the artistes. A must see film for all..
‘Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha’ is a timely film on generation gap
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Rating: ★★★ ½
Studio: A. K. Films Producer, Director: Anil Kakade Writers: Anil Kakade, Deepak Bhagwat,Raj Kuber, Natasha Poonawalla Editor: Vijay Kochikar Cinematographer: Ishwar Bidri Cast: Vikram Gokhale, Ajinkya Deo, Sulabha Deshpande, Varsha Usgaonkar, Nikhil Kakade, Swarda Thigale, Natasha Poonawalla, Dr. Vilas Ujawane, Pushkar Jog, Ashok Samarth, Siddharth Jagtap,Neeta Donde,Siddhesh Ghag, Nikunj Hiwarkar,Anand Burad, Radhika Gadgil,Ranjit Randive.. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Family is the most important thing in this world. And in Maharashtra, there is a lot of importance for family bond. No matter, today there is a generation gap existing in almost every family; but, the traditional culture in Maharashtra has always kept such families together. Today, we see our new generation following the westernised culture. But, in spite of that today’s wise parents don’t put many restrictions on their children’s movement during late night hours , realizing the pressure of studies and competition they are required to face. However, many a times, it is the bad company of their children, that poses serious problems. New Marathi film ‘Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha’ takes up this most timely sensitive subject, to present a sensible film, involving all the three generations.
Set on the backdrop of Pune city, the film opens up with a raid on a Rave party of youngsters. In that group is a young boy Sameer Sawant( Nikhil Kakade) from a well to do family and only son of his parents Ramesh & Malati Sawant ( Ajinkya Deo and Varsha Usgaonkar) . When Sameer’s father seeks the help of his influential friend and goes to the Police station, to rescue his son, he faces humiliation. It is not only the ACP at the Police station( Ashok Samarth) , who makes him realize his duty as a parent; but also a TV news reporter exposes him. While the boy is released on bail; with the report of the blood samples awaited, the father who feels cheated by his pampered son, drives him out of the house.
Luckily for the boy, his grandparents, who are on a visit to their place, take him along with them, to their native place. The Boy finds a big change in his own self and returns back to Pune, to give a big surprise to his parents on their 25th Wedding Anniversary. But, around this time, the parents receive another news. And that’s the turning point of this film in the climax.
It’s not that films on such subjects haven’t been dealt by Marathi cinema. In the past Smita Talwalkar had presented one such sensible film ‘7 Chya aat Gharat’ , to show how too much of liberty could land youngsters into trouble. ‘Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha’ shows both the sides very well. While showing the concern of parents, it has also shown the point of view of youngsters. Through this film, the film maker has tried to show that it is the proper communication between the youngsters and their parents, could avoid many problems. At the same time, he has also shown how a bad company could land such youngsters from well to do family into trouble.
The youngsters selected in this film are most appropriate choice and look like real final year college students, with their body language and other activities. It is only the young hero of this film, falls short in acting in their company, especially while delivering some of the dialogues . But, at some important situations, while interacting with parents, he seems okay. The sincere effort put in by the film maker in presenting such a timely subject with a message, is to be highly appreciated. In the role of grand parents, both Vikram Gokhale and Sulbha Deshpande have played their parts with perfect understanding, trying to find quick solutions on differences between parents and their only child.
In the role of Sameer’s father, Ajinkya Deo is a perfect choice. He has been able to deliver, what was expected from him, at different situations. Varsha Usgaonkar, who plays a wise mother, looks still beautiful and fit, setting an ideal example before today’s young actresses. In the role of Sameer’s girlfriend, Model turned TV actress Sukhada Thigale (‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ fame) does a satisfying debut, though she doesn’t find much scope in this film. Pushkar Jog does a cameo in style, indicating that today’s youngsters pay more attention to their work, rather than formal clothes. Music by Tabi Parik is just fine; but Ishwar Bidri’s photography is something very special. He has captured the beauty of Konkan very nicely. Ashok Samarth plays the aggressive ACP in his typical style, while Dr. Vilas Ujavane plays his part with ease. All others in supporting cast have done a good job.
‘Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha’ is a worth watch for entire family. It has something very important to convey, which is so relevant to parents and their young children.
‘Swatantryachi Aisi Taishi’ – a lesson to learn
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Rating: 2/5
Presenter: Four aces productions Producers: Dr. Nandkumar Tasgavkar, Mrs. Vandana Nandkumar Taasgaonkar Story, Director: Ramesh More Camera : Aniket Khandagale Cast: Arun Nalawade, Sulabha Deshpande, Amita Khopkar, Uday Sabnis, Jayant Sawarkar, Avinash Narkar, Aishwarya Narkar, Sushant Shelar, Shailesh Datar Movie Review by: Sandeep |
Ramesh More‘s latest Marathi film ‘Swatantryachi Aisi Taishi’ talks about the present generation gap between children and parents. Mr. Jadhav (Arun Nalavde) wants to perform the ‘shradha’ ceremony of his late wife (Amita Khopkar) . But his four well settled children, the first one -a corporator (Avinash Narkar), second – an NRI (Shailesh Datar), third one- a doctor(Sushant Shelar) and the fourth son – a C.A, make a mockery of this ceremony.
The ‘shradha’ to be performed in the village thus turns into a circus, as the children try to project it as a ‘five star event” and make their trip into a picnic. The children are callous enough to return back home, even before their mother’s ‘shradha’.
Mr. Jadhav is agonized . His only support system are his two good friends – Uday Sabnis and Jayant Savarkar, who too are victims of their children’s apathy. Finally, the ‘Shradha’ is complete, after Jadhav pleads for his wife’s soul to free and attain ‘mukti’.
The film discusses in detail the lack of emotions and cultural values in today’s generation, due to the effect of globalization and recession. And above all, highlights the most important money factor, which has turned today’s children into money making machines, not finding time for their
parents. Parents also rue the fact for having given too much of freedom to their children and having failed to instill discipline in them
The film is a worth watch only because of the performances of Mr. Nalawde, Mr. Sabnis and Mr. Savarkar. Jyoti Subhash and Sulabha Deshpande lend good support. Avinash Narkar is impressive. Aishwarya Narkar is good in a guest appearance. The music by Ashok Patki is tuneful. The cinematography by Aniket Khandagle is lighted up well, by using different filters to show the village and city landscapes. The editor Vasant Kubal should have trimmed off the drinking session scenes, that has taken a long time. In all, the film can be watched only for it’s bearing on the subject presentation and deft direction .