‘Kaasav’ shows the way to overcome depression with a purpose in life
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Renowned director duo Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar made 17 Marathi films together and won various national and international accolades for their previous films like ‘Doghi’,‘Dahavi Fa’ , ‘Vastupurush’,‘Devrai’, ‘Samhita’ and ‘Astu’ (movie review). Two of these films were based on mental illness such as Schizophrenia and Alzimer’s disease. And they presented these two subjects very skilfully handling the subject with the support of Dr. Mohan Agashe himself a Psychiatrist, who was part of both these films.
In ‘Kaasav’ (कासव) we saw Dr. Mohan Agashe contributing in the form of a producer along with the film maker duo Bhave and Sukhtankar. This film has won the National award for the best feature film at the 64th National Film awards. Unfortunately, this film could not be released in a big way in theatres like other Marathi films, but was released recently on Sony Liv OTT platform, which has made it possible to reach out to the Marathi film lovers scattered all over the world.
‘Kaasav’ truly stands to the appreciation it received during the Golden Lotus National award for best feature film. The film’s story is presented in a beautiful cinematic way, to show the relevance of the issues of depression suffered by the youngster (Alok Rajwade) in the film, in relation to the life and nesting cycle of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, being researched by Janaki (Iravati Harshe) a middle aged divorcee, who herself consults a psychologist for her panic attacks.
Shot at the beautiful beach location of Devgad in Sindhudurg district, the film captures some realistic moments to show, how this middle aged woman tries to treat the depressed youngster, by understanding his problems with the help of a local doctor. There are few other important characters in the form Yadu( Kishore Kadam) driver cum cook of Janaki, Dattabhau (Mohan Agashe) a local, who is working on an olive ridley sea turtles conservation project, Devika Daftardar ( short appearance) playing the step mother of the depressed youngster and others with their perfect Malvani accent, who provide very good support.
Beautiful cinematography by Dhananjay Kulkarni captures the beauty of Devgad beach, while Saket Kanetkar’s music provides good support to this artistic film with a timely message of showing the purpose of living life to a depressed youngster. Perfect editing by Mohit Takalkar has made this 104 minutes length film look very interesting. But, the overall credit goes to the director duo Sumitra Bhave – Sunil Sukhtankar for handling this difficult subject brilliantly with the help of Dr. Mohan Agashe, who has contributed his bit as an actor, but more as a producer. Certainly a worth watch film for all.
Prominent Marathi filmmaker Sumitra Bhave passes away
Prominent Marathi writer and film maker Sumitra Bhave is no more. She passed away today morning after suffering from lung disorder, for which she was being treated for sometime. She was 78. She had completed her graduation from Ferguson College, Pune, and received a Master’s Degree in Political and Science Sociology from Pune University. She received another master’s degree in Political Science and Sociology and a Diploma in Rural Welfare from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, and later began her voluntary work for various organisations.
Along with Sunil Sukhtankar she had made 17 films and 4 TV serials all of them written by her. All her films gave a new direction to Marathi films with the subjects of these films highly appreciated by Marathi film lovers and critics. The duo had received many awards. Prominent among them were films like ‘Dahavi F’, ‘Doghi’, ‘Astu’ (Movie Review) and ‘Kasav’ Movie which had won National awards. With her passing away, there will be a big vacuum left in Marathi film industry. Many prominent film personalities have paid their tributes on social media.
Now, Satish Kaushik also turns Producer of a Marathi film
Popularly known as a comedian and Hindi film maker, Satish Kaushik has now entered Marathi film industry as a producer with the film ‘Mann Udhaan Varaa’ made under the banner of ‘The Satish kaushik Productions’ & Loka Entertainment and presented by Pen Movies of Jayantilal Gada, the poster of this film was unveiled recently. This film is directed by cinematographer turned director Sanjay Memane and will be released all over Maharashtra on 11th October 2019.
This film presents a new pair in the form of Monal Gajjar & Ritwik Vaidya along with other Marathi artistes like Kishore Kadam, Uttara Bavkar, Sagar Karande, Sharvari Lohakare, Dr. Sharad Bhutadia, Vinod Kulkarni, Bharti Patil, Vaibhav Rajadhyaksha, Sakshi Gandhi, Julia Mone & Anuradha Atlekar. The story of this film is written by Pradeep Kurba while screenplay and dialogues are penned by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar. Cinematography is by Milind Jog and editing is by Krushnat Gharge.
According to director Sanjay Memane, he has tried to explain the philosophy of life and love through this love story. Producer Satish Kaushik who praised the Marathi films for handling good subjects, is confident that the story of his film will be appreciated by Marathi film lovers.
Mrunal Kulkarni is all praise for Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar
We are all aware of the enormous contribution made by director duo Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar to give a new look to Marathi films. Together they have offered sensible award winning feature films like ‘Doghi’, ‘Dahavi Fa’, ‘Nital’’ Ek Cup Chya’, ‘Samhita’, ,’Astu’ and ‘Kasav’ besides other award winning short films. For more than 30 years now, they have worked together on creative subjects. Their forthcoming film ‘Welcome Home’ is now all set for release, with Mrinal Kulkarni in the lead along with multi star cast.
When Mrunal was asked to give her reaction about her role in this film, she was all praise for the director duo and their working style. “Actually Sumitra Maushi had narrated the story of this film to me about 8-10 years ago and she wanted me to play this important role. Finally that day came when I got an opportunity to do this film. I have seen all the films of this director duo and liked the way they think about the subject and make it happen realistically on screen. There is lot to learn from them. I admire their work and salute them.” she said.
Finally, talking about the film’s subject, Mrinal says that this film is a must for all women and their husbands too.
Actor Sumeet Raghvan turns a singer of Marathi films
We are all aware that actor Sumeet Raghvan is a good singer. He has been part of musical plays in Marathi. But now, for the first time he has turned a singer in Marathi films through the forthcoming film ‘Welcome Home‘. The highlight of this song titled ‘Radhe Radhe..’ is that it has a Bengalee touch and has been rendered by Sumeet without the support of any musical instruments.
Produced by Abhishek Sunil Phadtare, Vinay Bele, Ashwini Sidhwani, Deepak Kumar Bhagat and directed by Sumitra Bhave, Sunil Sukthankar, ‘Welcome Home‘ film is now due for release on 14th June 2019. The star cast of this multi starrer film comprises of Mrinal Kulkarni, Sumeet Raghvan, Spruha Joshi, Subodh Bhave, Jitendra Joshi, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Prasad Oak, Uttara Bavkar, Seva Chauhan, Siddharth Menon, Milind Phatak, Iravati Harshe, Deepa Shriram, Ashwini Giri, Renuka Daftardar, Shruti Atre, Shalv Kinjavadekar & Pranjali Shrikant. Written by Sumitra Bhave the music of this film is composed by Parth Umrani.
‘Welcome Home’ will be Sumitra Bhave & Sunil Sukthankar’s next film
Having won 7 National awards, renowned director duo Sumitra Bhave & Sunil Sukhtankar recently launched their next Marathi film ‘Welcome Home’ in presence of the artistes and special guest on the occasion film maker Umesh Kulkarni, who gave the muhurat clap. Incidentally, their last film ‘Kaasav’ also won national award. ‘Welcome Home’ stars reputed artistes like Mrunal Kulkarni, Sumit Raghavan, Spruha Joshi, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Uttara bavkar, Deepa Shreeram, Seva Chouhan, Siddharth Menon, Sarang Sathye, Ashwini Giri, Abhay Kulkarni and child star Pranjali Kamble in lead roles.
This multi starrer film will be the 15th film of producers Shree Ganesh Marketing & Films, which has in the past presented films like ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali’, ‘Saavar Re’ & ‘Tya Ratri Paus Hota’. Vinay Bele, Abhishek Sunil Phadtare, Dilipkumar Bhagat, Arpan Bhukanwala are the producers of this film. In short, there will be lot to expect from this film, as it will a woman oriented film focusing on the issue, as to which is the real home of a woman, whether it is of her parents, her husband’s or her own ?
Astu (अस्तु)
Genres: Family drama
Rating: ★★★★
Censor: U
Duration: 130 min.
Studio/presenter: Gauurikaa Films, A Vichitra Nirmiti Creation
Producer(s): Sheelaa Rao, Dr.Mohan Agashe
Executive Producer: na
Director: Sumitra Bhave, Sunil Sukhtankar
Writer: Sumitra Bhave
ScreenPlay: Sumitra Bhave
Dialogues: Sumitra Bhave
Official Facebook Page I Twitter
Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: na
Director: Sumitra Bhave, Sunil Sukhtankar
Assistant Director: na
Writer: Sumitra Bhave
ScreenPlay: Sumitra Bhave
Dialogues: Sumitra Bhave
Lyrics: Deviprasad Kharwandikar
Music: Dhananjay Kharwandikar, Saket Kanetkar
Playback Singer: na
Cinematographer (DOP): Milind Jog
Editor: Mohit Takalkar
Starcast: Dr.Mohan Agashe, Iravati Harshe , Milind Soman , Amruta Subhash, Nachiket Purnapatre , Devika Daftardar, Ila Bhate
Costumes: Sumitra Bhave, Kalyani Kulkarni Gugle, Radhika Pathak
Makeup: na
Sound : Pramod Thomas
Background Score: Saket Kanitkar
Choreographer: na
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: na
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
Synopsis
‘Astu’ : Life is what’s happening to us and around us now….We create the story of our life sometimes playing the victim sometimes playing the guilty ! But life is always somewhere else other than web of stories that we weave. But Perhaps, we all,who are still struggling with the conditioning of our memories have to go through a life changing experience lik temporary loss of a loved one to shake away the grip of our life stories. How can we achieve the state of life “ASTU-SO BE IT”
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News / Article / Interview
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Review
Sumitra Bhavve & Sunil Sukthankar
Known for their well researched issue based presentation of subjects, the film maker duo- Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar have contributed a lot to lift up the level of Marathi films not only in India but at the international scenario.
Their latest film ‘Ek Cup Chya’ which is their 9th feature film, has been shot on the backdrop of picturesque Konkan focusing on the day to day happenings in the life of a simple self respected Bus Conductor employed with State Transport Corporation. This film is due for release in the coming week.
It was a great pleasure sharing that sweetness of ‘Ek Cup Chya’ with Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar during the early hours of the day on which the film was to be premiered. Excerpts from the discussion :
Q: Having successfully passed the social message be it Schizophrenia or any other topic so far, what’s new in ‘EkCup Chya’?
A (Sumitra) : The producers of ‘Devrai’ who wanted to spread awareness about Schizophrenia felt this time that they could extend their area towards some other issues and that’s how the concept of ‘Ek Cup Chya’ was born. The story of this film revolves around a self respected Bus conductor, whose conscience does not permit him to be destructive or violent just to prove his point. Through the film’s script we have supported him with the most powerful ‘Right to Information act’ so as to preserve his dignity while living a purposeful life. There are so many people living in this world, who do not like to participate in strikes or adhere to destructive practices, just to prove their point. Our film offers them a different tool to protect their self respect.
Q: So, ‘EkCup Chya’ will try to show the power of RTI Act ?
A (Both) : Exactly! Through this film we have tried to emphasize on the rights of the people under this act and to educate them about the strengths of the act through this medium of entertainment.
Q: Tell us something about the various characters of this film ?
A (Sunil) : We have Kishore Kadam playing the central character of a Bus conductor, while Ashwini Giri plays his wife.The four children are played by Mrinmayee Deshpande( Kunku and Agnihotra fame) a talented artiste , along with child artistes – Om Bhutkar, Parn Pethe and Mandar Devdhar. We have Kamal Desai playing Grandmother’s role dressed up in that typical 9 yard saree. Devika Daftardar plays Dr. Durga, while I myself play the role of Sayyad- the driver.
Q: All your films are issue based focused at a particular target audience. When are you going to give a commercial look to your movies ?
A (Sumitra) : We wouldn’t agree that our films are focused only on a particular target audience. Except for ‘Devrai’ which obviously could not be called a commercial film, all other films can be categorized under Mainstream cinema. Take for example Dahavi Pha ( 10vi F) ; when this film was shown at Delhi Festival, it was categorized under Mainstream cinema section and this film was an opening film in that section. Look at the presentation of ‘Doghi’, ‘Vastupurush’, ‘Gho Mala Asla Hava’. Were they not mainstream cinemas? Now, talking particularly about commercial angle, that’s not in our hands. It is for the producers to market the film at different theatres in a commercial manner. May be because of the budget limitations, they may not be able to give our films a complete commercial look, but we call our films commercial. We leave it to the audience and media to appreciate and brand them as commercial hits.
Q: How was the response received from people abroad to your films during various international festivals ?
A (Both) : We were always confident about our subject presentation, but we were not very sure as to how our cinematic presentation would be accepted by people from different countries. But, they appreciated that part too. In Germany and Japan they were rather surprised as to how we could manage the technical sides within our restricted budget. In short, we tried to reach the world audience through festival audience at various international screenings of our films.
Q: How do you both coordinate during the making of a film ?
A (Sunil) : We first sit together to research on the script details. Once that is finalized, Sumitraji takes the charge of art direction and costumes. During actual shooting I myself handle camera and artiste movements, while Sumitraji takes charge of the monitor and decides on the final shot. Even on the editing table, she has her final say. This has worked well so far.
Q: So, can we expect a commercial success for ‘Ek Cup Chya’ ?
A (Both) : Yes, of course. Thank you.