Aditya Sarpotdar – Bringing that desired change in Marathi
Aditya Sarpotdar is a young film maker, who is trying bring that quality change into Marathi films; with improvisation on technical aspects to make it look like any standard Bollywood film. His latest film ‘Satrangi Re’ is the best example of his work. Marathi Movie World spoke to Aditya Sarpotdar on the eve of his film’s release. Excerpts from his interview:
Q: How did you opt for direction ?
A: I have done my M.Com. from Symbiosis College, Pune. But, while I was studying my 11th , I did a short course in Film making from Pune’s FTII. Thereafter in Jr College, I did a short film in English, which was sent for International film festivals. Those days, I used to assist my father in direction. I also made 10-12 ad films later. After completing my college education, I joined ETV at Hyderabad and worked as a producer there. But, when I returned from there, I began my work on ‘Uladhaal’, which was my first independent film. This was possible because of the encouraging atmosphere at home.
Tejaa Devkar
Q Watching the promos of ‘Satrangi Re’ indicates that it’s a polished film like ‘Uladhaal’. What do you have to say ?
A: Basically, my background is from ad films. Therefore, when my Marathi film is released in a multiplex, I feel that there are other screens at the same place showing Hindi and English films with good production quality. Therefore, I decided to pay more attention on technical areas of my film. Whatever may be the subject, but I didn’t want my film to be falling short in these areas of post production. Highlight of the film is that we have engaged the colorist Mr. Rob Lang, who is an expert in DI . This is his first Marathi film and before that he worked for Bollywood films like ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Aarakshan’. We have used the best technical support, which makes a big difference.
Q: How did you manage the shooting schedule and how the locations were finalized?
A: Right from the days of script writing, we were thinking about Goa, to be an ideal location for the film’s script. We needed a backdrop of an urban touch, with youth passionate about music. And, Goa was the right place, with sizable Maharashtrian population. Having planned a 32 days schedule, it wasn’t possible to complete the entire shooting there. So, we planned outdoor shooting there and the indoors at Pune and Mumbai. But, you will not notice that change, while watching the film.
Q: How did you select the artistes ?
A: While casting, we had in mind that the artistes should look like real collegians and felt that Adinath, Siddharth and Bhushan, who were recognized faces would have a finest opportunity to prove themselves as natural actors through this film. To select an artist to play a real musician, we opted for Saumeel Shrungarpure, who is the nephew of Shankar Mahadevan and actually plays music in his team. This is his debut film as an actor. The other artistes had to undergo special training for three to four months and then we began the shooting. To say something about casting Pooja and Amruta, we felt that they were popular and well connected with youth and we also needed new fresh pairs.
Q: Would you like to share any particular incidence which took place, during the shooting ?
A: Oh, sure. This being a young team, they really had a great time during the shooting. This enabled them to have a fine tuning for their ‘on screen’ chemistry. One incidence that I can’t forget was when Adinath was shooting for a scene on a Scooter . We were shooting long shots, when suddenly he had head on collusion against a vehicle. We thought, he had major injury and may have to go for replacement. But, luckily, he survived with minor bruises .The next day, he removed his bandage and started shooting. Since the camera was rolling during this shot, we have retained it in scroll on. at the end of the film.
Q : Tell us, why should people watch ‘Satrangi Re’ ?
A: People from all age group should see this film, because it is not a youth film; but, it talks about the tuning between parents and their children. When the children complete their graduation, a time comes when they have to decide their future. At this juncture, parents have their own dreams about their child, while the child wants to pursue his passion. At this stage, what the parents should do ? So, from parents point of view, we have also paid more attention. In Marathi we have less youth films, compared to Bollywood and regional films. Therefore, we tried this experiment . And, to see that, people should watch this film.
Lokesh Gupte – inviting attention on small screen
There is one actor on Marathi television today, who has invited the attention of many households in Maharashtra. With his sharp and daunting looks in the role of Inspector Raorane in ‘Kashyala Udyachi Baat’ and very meticulously displaying his lead character in that challenging role of Mangesh in ‘Lajja’, Lokesh Gupte certainly makes everybody talk about his performance. No wonder, he has shot into fame, in just few days time. Lokesh is not new to Marathi entertainment industry, as he has worked before in all three mediums before. But, was never so popular, as he is today.
Here, he speaks to MarathiMovieWorld, sharing his experience in this industry. . Excerpts from an interview.
Q: How did you enter this profession ?
A: None from my family were interested in this profession. While in school and college in Pune,
I used to take part in drama competitions. After my graduation, I came to Mumbai. My first play was ‘Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy’. After some time, the play was stopped. Thereafter, for the next 3-4 years I worked as assistant director to Vinay Apte. The actor within me had to take a break. By that time I also focused on editing work, as I had my own studio. But, when it became strenuous, I was back to acting with a TV serial ‘Vadalwaat’.
Q: In the ongoing serials we see you in negative roles? Any particular reason ?
A: I received such offers and I personally liked them. Though both of them were negative Lokesh Gupte in Lajja
characters; there is a diversity in these two characters. I totally get involved while shooting and enjoy playing these two challenging roles.
Q: What kind of roles, you would enjoy playing, if given a choice ?
A: I personally feel that after doing a particular role, if I derive total satisfaction; such roles I would love to play. Then, it does not matter, whether it is a negative or comedy role. Self satisfaction brings in lot of confidence.
Q: What are your hobbies ?
A: I hardly find time for my hobbies. But, when I find it, I love to cook. I enjoy watching old movies. I love music therefore during travel, I listen to the songs in my car.
Q: Whatever popularity you got through films like ‘Uladhaal’and ‘Sakhi’, double than that you have gained through the roles played in current TV serials. Why is it so ?
A: If you are talking about ‘Sakhi’, it was a guest appearance. On the request made by Bharati Achrekar and Sanjay Surkar, I had done that film. ‘Uladhaal’ portrayed me in a different role and I kept on receiving offers for similar type of role; but I had to refuse them as they were almost in the same get-up. Now, talking about the two serials I am doing, I would say that I have reached almost every household. They can meet me daily on the screen. They keep on thinking, as to what would happen next? And, that keeps them involved into these serials. It is not the same with films. As long as the film remains in theatre, they talk about the artistes. But, serials are in news all the time and so I am. That’s what I feel.
Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming film ‘Daavpech’ .
A: In this film , I am playing a Floriculturist, who encourages farmers to practice floriculture on their farming land. ‘Daavpech’ is actually an unlawful activity practiced once in a year in that village. I would not like to disclose much about this film, as it is a different film that you all would love to see in the theatres. The film has an unexpected end.
Q: And what about your other future projects ?
A: Besides ‘Daavpech’ which will release soon, I also have Girish Joshi’s ‘Pratibimb’ lined up for release.
‘ULADHAAL’ REVIEW
 |
Rating: ★★1/2
Producer: Vishwas Films Director: Aditya Sarpotdar Script, Screenplay, Dialogues: Rajesh Kolan,Vijay Patwardhan, Aditya Sarpotdar Camera: Sanjay Nair Music: Ajay-Atul Cast: Makarand Anaspure, Bharat Jadhav, Ankush Chaudhari, Siddharth Jadhav, Lokesh Gupte, Subodh Bhave, Madhura Movie Review by: Jitendra More |
Have you ever watched a Marathi movie with a perfect blend of all the genres of cinema? Well, veteran actors and directors concerned with the future of the industry do not have to worry anymore when there are directors like Aditya Sarpotdar coming up with debut movies like Ulaadhal.
The plot might look simple on paper but the way in which Sarpotdar connects the actors with the storyline is something that shapes up the movie.
Sayajirao’s (Makarand Anaspure) 250-year-old dhaal (shield), which has been safeguarded by generations is stolen by Guru (Subodh Bhave). Guru is helped by Sayajirao’s men after they are promised a share in the money that would come after selling off the dhaal. Guru, however, has other plans. He kills Sayajirao’s men but Baban (Lokesh Gupte) manages to save himself. He chases Guru, who is on his way to Goa to sell the dhaal.
When Sayajirao finds out the betrayal by his men, he determines to kill those who have been disloyal to him.
In Goa, Baban hires small thieves Vickey (Ankush Chaudhary), Bharat Jadhav and their partners in crime, Neha and Preeti (Aditi Sarangdhar and Madhura Velankar) to steal the dhal from Guru. While Sayajirao and his men get hold of Baban, Vickey and his partners fight out their nerves against the brutal Guru. Unable to find Baban, they decide to sell the dhal themselves. They ask Sikandar (Siddharth Jadhav), a dealer in selling stolen items to find a prospect buyer for the dhal. Sikandar ends up narrowing down on Guru. This is where the entire Ulaadhal or commotion begins.
The elements of a commercial cinema like the designer clothes and exotic locations of Goa and Mauritius take the movie a step ahead of the everyday movies. Scriptwriter Rajesh Kolan has maintained the seriousness, humour, and thrill that keep the logical element of the movie in place.
The lead actors Makarand Anaspure, Subodh Bhave, Bharat Jadhav and Ankush Chaudhary have given strong performances. Anaspure has moved nicely from his usual comic roles to a serious man-of-honour, who is proud of his family heritage and is ready to give his life to save the dhal. Bharat Jadhav and Siddharth Jadhav, as a Hydrabadi Kabadiwala add to the comedy element in the story. The appearances of Mahesh Manjrekar as an ‘item number’ and Nirmal Pandey as Tony are unnecessary but add to the glamour. What scores is the music by Ajay- Atul, the lyrics that have a fusion of Marathi, Hindi, and English words and the direction of Sarpotdar. All kudos to the Ulaadhal team.