‘Pune Via Bihar’ follows Bollywood path
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Rating: ★★ ½
Studio: Shemaroo Entertainment Producer: Ketan Maru, Atul Maru Director: Sachin Goswami Writer: Sachin Mote, Sachin Goswami Cinematographer: Raja Satankar Cast: Umesh Kamat, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Abhay Bhargava, Sunil Kumar, Arun Nalawade, Bharat Jadhav. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘A’ and ‘B’ are friends from the same college for almost 4 years. ‘A’ loves ‘B’, but ‘B’ loves ‘C’. So, to make ‘B’ happy, ‘A’ goes out of his way to help ‘B’, to see that ‘B’ and ‘C’ are happily married. But, that doesn’t happen in traditional love stories. As, ‘B’ is meant for ‘A’ only. So, when ‘B’ comes to know about ‘C’ ditching her and knowing that ‘A’ really loved her through his heart; it is time for them to come together, in a typical climax. Haven’t we heard of such formula type stories in many Bollywood films? Now, through latest released Marathi film, ‘Pune Via Bihar’ we are subjected to see the repeat of that, with a touch of regional barriers.
Written by ‘Fu bai Fu’ TV show fame Sachin Mote and Sachin Goswami and directed by Sachin Goswami, ‘Pune Via Bihar’ is actually described as a love story of Abhijeet Bhosle (Umesh Kamat), a middle class Marathi student of engineering and Tara (Mrunmayee Deshpande), who is studying with him in Aurangabad. Tara is a daughter of Ramlal Yadav (Abhay Bhargava), a Central Minister from Bihar. Her father has fixed her marriage with a businessman’s natorious son, who is aspiring to become CM, with the blessings of Ramlal Yadav. Tara seeks help from Abhijeet, to run away from her home, as she wants to marry Baldev (Sunil Kumar), a final year student of MBBS. Abhijeet helps Tara to unite with Baldev, only because he is in love with her and wants to see her happy.
But, like a typical Bollywood film love triangle theme, Tara isn’t aware of his feelings for her. Abhijeet manages to release Tara from her house and brings Baldev and Tara to his home town Pune. Knowing about Tara escaping with Abhijeet, Ramlal asks Nishikant Nimbalkar (Bharat Jadhav) an encounter specialist from Maharashtra Police, to get Tara back to Bihar. Abhijeet seeks help from his father( Arun Nalawade) who is a Vada-pav vendor in Pune. When Nimbalkar reaches the venue of their marriage, Abhijeet and Tara run away from there. After this cat and mouse chase, finally Baldev is trapped by the Bihar Politician and is asked to return back, with a plan in his mind. In the meanwhile, Tara discovers Abhijeet’s love for her. All is well at the end, after witnessing a Bollywood style of climax.
From start till the end, the film does not look like a realistic gripping love story, as claimed by the film makers; for various reasons. Instead of showing a love story between a boy from Maharashtra and Girl from Bihar; the film goes on to display the love between the girl from Patna and the Boy from Ranchi. This goes on even in post interval session. It is only when, the girl tries to commit suicide, after disappearance of Baldev; that she comes to know about Abhijeet’s true feelings for her. In spite of that, she agrees to return to her home state with Baldev, who returns back. But, as we notice in majority of such love stories; there is always a last chance for the hero. And, that happens in the case of Abhijeet and Tara. The hero goes all the way to Bihar and dares to challenge the strong politician and his security, to marry Tara. ‘Everything is fair in love and war’ and that is what we witness at the end.
There are many illogical happenings in the film; such as travelling from Pune to Bihar and back by road, looks like travelling between Aurangabad and Pune. It is that easy for Abhijeet and his group and Tara’s father and brother; except for the last journey of Abhijeet by air. Then, Abhijeet’s college friends dodging and fighting with Encounter Specialist Nimbalkar and his two strong assistants, looks like a fight among their college colleagues. Even the chase scenes, where Nimbalkar and his men following Abhijeet and his group, looks like a humour filled chase noticed in comedy films. Also, Tara’s brother arriving in his car from Bihar with his goons and beating up Abhijeet’s father in his home town, looks like a typical Bollywood style action scene. At the same time, Abhijeet’s two friends stopping the mob from Bihar, entering a temple premises in their home state, in climax; looks unrealistic.
The film, however scores on account of the performances by few artistes. Both Umesh kamat and Mrunmayee Deshpande have given their best, through their respective roles. They look a perfect match for each other. Mrunmayee in particular, looks pretty good, with her mod looks. Unfortunately, it is all one sided love for the hero, almost in 75% length of this 133 mins long film. The love between two Biharis, has been stretched too long, with Abhijeet being just a mute witness to that. His character of Abhijeet looks confused, in major part of the film. In the role of PSI Nimbalkar, Bharat Jadhav suits well, but even his character looks confused on few occasions. Arun Nalawade, who has limited scope, however makes his presence felt, with his finest performance. Bhalchandra kadam and Kishori Ambiye have very limited scope, through the only wonderful musical song, in this film.
Abhijeet and Tara’s college friends have offered good support through their natural performances in this film, besides few artistes from Bihar. There is nothing much noticed in the performance of Sunil Tiwari, who has been projected as Baldev Thakur, the boy friend of Tara. Except for being at her side in few romantic scenes and few confused scenes; he is just shown by her side, in almost more than 60% of the film. And that has failed to create the desired impact of the so called love story between Abhijeet and Tara. There were lot of expectations from this film, to be an intense love story, from both the sides; depicting the culture of both the places. But, that does not happen much. Only the item song and the Fisher folk’s song, represent the culture.
At a time, when Marathi films are handling ‘out of the box’ themes; this borrowed Bollywood formula, offers a typical love triangle. Just check, whether you find any similarity with Bollywood film ‘Rangrezz’ which was also adaptation of a Tamil film. Or does it resemble with the plot of any other Bollywood film? However, Cinematography by Raja Satankar and Art Direction by Santosh Phutane are two worth appreciating factors . Music by Amir Hadkar sounds good for two songs. ‘Pune Via Bihar’ is just another love story, following the Bollywood path.
‘Lagna Pahave karun’ – Marriages are made in heaven; but, they survive on mutual understanding
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Rating: ★★★★
Studio: Solariz Internation, Sprint Art Creations Producer: Kiran Deshpande, Mohan Damle Music & Direction: Ajay Naik Screenplay: Kshitij Patwardhan , Sameer Vidawans Cast: Mukta Barve, Umesh Kamat, Siddharth Chandekar, Tejashree Pradhan, Swati Chitnis Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Time is changing and so is the process of marriages. Love marriages are on the rise; but at the same time; people still have belief in arranged marriages. Now, whether it’s a love marriage or arranged marriage with proper horoscope matching; the cases of divorce are the same in both the cases. Taking up this timely issue, director Ajay Naik has presented his new Marathi film ‘Lagna Pahave Karun'; showing very tactfully, the happenings arising out of one such modern day arranged marriage.
Nishant ( Umesh Kamat) is a US returned youngster, who comes to India for his marriage; arranged by his mother with the help of a Marriage Bureau, run by a Professional lady ( Swati Chitnis), who provides all the help to her clients, right from matching horoscopes and bringing both the parties together. When Nishant meets his ‘would be’ wife, suggested by the marriage bureau, he tells her that he has lost his job and intends to work in India . However, the girl, who is more keen on moving to US, rejects his proposal.
Around the same time, Nishant comes across another smart girl Aditi ( Mukta Barve), who becomes friendly with him and suggests him to join her in a business of new style of Marriage bureau, where they decide to give ample scope to the Boy and girl, to understand each other before marriage. There is no horoscope involved in this procedure, as Umesh himself does not like the idea. But, they offer novel ideas to attract the forward thinking eligible youngsters. They start their office, exactly opposite the well established business of the professional lady.
Their first such pairing of Rahul ( Siddharth Chandekar) and Anandi ( Tejashree Pradhan) turns successful and they get married; bringing more and more clients to Nishant and Aditi. Out of jealousy, their business rival, dares to challenge them about the survival of this marriage; quoting the horoscope facts of the couple. Nishant, who does not believe in horoscope, accepts this challenge; but his partner Aditi gets worried, as her Grandfather( Jayant Savarkar) who knows about horoscope, also cautions her about the hurdles in the life of Rahul and Anandi.
Keeping the track of developments in the married life of Rahul and Anandi, both Nishant and Aditi come more closer to each other and one day Nishant proposes Aditi; who however keeps avoiding the topic, asking for time. With more interesting happenings to follow, the film reaches the stage, where both the couples are required to take a decision with mutual understanding. The remarkable climax has been shot well, keeping the argument open to the audience. Whether, matching of horoscopes is all that important to decide a successful marriage ?
Director Ajay Naik, who makes his debut as a director, through this film, has generated a lot of interest in the screenplay written by Kshitij Patwardhan. We have seen a film ‘Sanai Choughade’ on somewhat similar subject of match making, in the past; but, ‘Lagna Pahave Karun’ offers a variety, through its screenplay. The idea of arranging the first meeting of the couple in a dark room, is something unique. Rahul’s patience in understanding the problem of Anandi, goes on to show the maturity of one of the partners. Above all, the director has succeeded in keeping the audience guessing , till the end. His selection of artistes for the important characters is most appropriate.
Music is another plus point of the film, besides good photography at appropriate locations and perfectly designed costumes provided to all the important characters. The involvement of parents and other elderly characters has been kept minimum, except for the scope given to Jayant Savarkar and Swati Chitnis. Watch the parents of Rahul in 2-3 scenes of the film . Without a dialogue, their body language suggests everything.
In the role of Nishant, Umesh Kamat is very much at ease, giving a very natural performance. Mukta Barve impresses in the role of Aditi, with her spontaneity to different situations in the film. In the role of Anandi, Tejashree Pradhan has done a good job. She is remarkable in that scene, when she is shown communicating with her father over phone. Siddharth Chandkar steals the show in the role of Rahul. In fact, he had a very difficult role to play; but, the young actor has displayed his talent in those two important emotion filled scenes with a lot of commitment. So, it is not only the fine performances and good music( by Ajay Naik himself); but, the proper presentation of sequences, makes this film a worth watch.
Amusing ‘TIME PLEASE – Gosht Lagnanantarchi’ is targeted at young couples
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Rating: ★★★
Studio: Everest Entertainment Producers: Anish Jog, Saurabh Gadgil Director: Sameer Vidwans Music: Hrishikesh Kamerkar Cast: Umesh Kamat, Siddharth Jadhav, Priya Bapat-Kamat, Saie Tamhankar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Trust in a relationship is everything. Whether it is a friendly relationship or a marriage. Without respect, love is lost. Without caring, love is boring. Without honesty, love is unhappy. Without trust, love is unstable. And life becomes miserable for those who pass through such a strained relationship. Based on this theme, director Sameer Vidwans and script writer Kshitij Patwardhan first presented a Marathi play ‘Nava Gadee Nave Rajya’, which became a hit. The play still draws a good crowd at auditoriums.
Now, the makers of this play have presented a film ‘Time Please! Love story Lagnanantarchi’ by making suitable changes in the script, to suit the cinematic form. So, we find the same lead stars and real life couple Umesh kamat and Priya Bapat, playing the screen couple- Hrishikesh and Amruta in this film, in the company of Siddharth Jadhav as Himmatrao and Saie Tamhankar as Radhika. In the original play the supporting roles were played by Hemant Dhome and Prajakta Datar respectively.
It may be recalled that though the play had its own limitations, the fine performances of the four artistes, their perfect timing and their spontaneous body language created a hilarious comedy. The play reached popularity heights and perhaps that was the reason for giving it a cinematic look. There is no doubt that the director and script writer have taken cinematic liberties to re write the script and add some more scenes to make the film more interesting; i.e. inclusion of songs, one of them being an item number pictured on Siddharth Jadhav and other artistes, during a Bollywood theme party in a unique style.
The film begins well with introduction of the lead characters Hrishikesh and Amruta and creating an atmosphere conducive for the entry of Himmatrao and Radhika, one after the other. But, the re entry of Radhika in the life of Hrishikesh causes more disturbance to Amruta; than return of Siddharth as a good old friend in the life of Amruta, for Hrishikesh. Being much younger to Hrishikesh ( Six year’s difference) causes more misunderstandings between the couple; with Amruta seriously thinking about separation. When their relationship is on the verge of a break, both Himmatrao and Radhika come to their rescue, calling for an happy end.
In the film, an unexpected arrival of Himmatrao in the house of the young couple and that too staying for few days, with his kiddish behaviour and closeness with the lady of the house, does create humour ;but, a peculiar scene, when Hrishikesh brings Radhika to his own house, knowing that his wife is away, doesn’t go well. In this scene, he consoles her, after listening to her story and later gives her a Mubnnabhai style Jhappi. Radhika takes this as a hint and walks into his bedroom, when Hrishikesh pushes her back . Then he tries to persuade her to leave, when she is once again into the arms of Hrishikesh. It is at this moment, Amruta walks in by opening the door. Seeing them in such a position, she leaves the house, preparing for a divorce. This looks like a typical filmy scene of misunderstandings.
Actually, there are few flaws in the film, related to unsuitable sequencing of the happenings. But, the timely Dialogues match well with the humour, at appropriate places. All the four artistes in the film have given wonderful performances. Music by Hrishikesh kamerkar is apt at two situations, with one male item number on Siddharth. Even the title song is good. Photography by Abhijit Abdhe is superb. His skilful camera work has captured the close ups and outdoor scenes very well. The last scene at the lighthouse is well taken.
Both Umesh and Priya have worked very hard on their emotional outbursts, besides displaying their happy moments together very naturally. Siddharth Jadhav has proved that his choice was not wrong for the role offered to him. He plays the happy go lucky Himmatrao in his style. In the role of Radhika, Sai Tamhankar is simply superb ! It seems that the film makers have spotted the real talent within her and Radhika is the best suited role for her.
But, why they should show her smoking all the time? Are the film makers not aware of the dangers of smoking among females ? It does pass a wrong message, at a time when Government has imposed anti-tobacco film before the start of such films. Others in the character roles, like Seema Deshmukh, Madhav Abhaynakar and Vandana Gupte have offered good support. This 2 hours 12 minute long film is amusing; but could have been still better, if more convincing outdoor sequences were added into the screenplay, taking the cinematic liberties. The film is timely and does pass a valid message to the young married couples; about the importance of ‘trust’ in each other. It also shows the limitations on involvement of old friends into an individual’s personal life, especially after marriage; unless both the partners know them well.
Dhagedore (धागेदोरे)
Genres: Drama
Rating: na
Censor: U
Duration: 130 min.
Studio/presenter: Shri Mahakali Creations
Producers: Pankaj Challani, Abhijit Apte
Executive Producer: na
Director: Akshay Yashwant Dutt
Writer: Shrinivas Bhange
ScreenPlay: Shrinivas Bhange
Dialogues: Shrinivas Bhange
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Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: na
Director: Akshay Yashwant Dutt
Assistant Director: na
Writer: Shrinivas Bhange
ScreenPlay: Shrinivas Bhange
Dialogues: Shrinivas Bhange
Lyrics: Sandeep Khare
Music: Salil Kulkarni
Playback Singer: Anjali Kulkarni, Salil Kulkarni, Shankar Mahadevan
Cinematographer (DOP): Ramesh Shelke
Editor: Bhakti Mayalu
Starcast: Umesh Kamat, Sai Tamhankar, Bhargavi Chirmule, Vinay Apte, Uday Tikekar, Uma Sardeshmukh, Sanjay Mone, Dhananjay Gole,
Costumes: Soniya Lele
Makeup: Mahesh Barate
Sound : na
Background Score: Avinash Vishwajeet
Choreographer: na
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: na
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
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‘Dhagedore’ : na
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Review
‘Mani Mangalsutra’ defines Man and Woman relationship
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Rating: na
Presenter: Big Cinemas Producer: Dr. Dilip Sarwate Director: Gauri Karekar Sarwate Script, Screenplay, Dialogues: Madhvi Kunte, Gauri KarekarSarwate Camera: Saleel Sahastrabuddhe Music: Awadhoot Gupte Cast: Hrishita Bhatt, Ravindra Mankani, Anjali Kusre, Umesh Kamat, Lalan Sarang, Ashalata Wabgoakar, Vandana Gupte, Madhurani Gokhale, Seema Deshmukh, Madhav Abhyankar, Omkar Karve, Late Vihang Nayak Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Marathi films are going global. And, who says that our Indian films are short of good subjects? Here is our own Marathi film ‘Mani Mangalsutra’ based on an original true story written by Late Advocate Supriya Sarwate , which goes on to define the perfect man and woman relationship, which is more out of affection and caring for each other rather than just limiting it to sexual relationship. Young Film maker Gauri Karekar Sarwate was so much inspired by this unusual story written by her late mother-in-law, that she decided to make a film on this true story.
The film opens up with the leading lady of the film Savitri (Hrishita Bhatt) in her 50 plus welcoming young Shantanu (Umesh Kamat ) and his girl friend Swati (Anjali Kusre) at her house. The boy has lived in her neighborhood for a long time since his childhood and has come to see her after completing his higher education. He is so much impressed with the successful live in relationship of Savitri with the school master (Ravindra Mankani) for 30 long years that he tries to convince his girlfriend to begin their life in the same manner. The girl, though modern and London returned however does not agree to his views and suggests him that marriage should be supported by legality. That’s where the conflict begins. In the meanwhile, a case stands up against Savitri, after her husband’s death to vacate her house, as she has no legal documents to prove her relationship
Very cleverly the director has presented these two relationships of two different generations and their fight for recognition in the society. Actually, the film debates on the sanctity of marriage. Are the black beads around your neck enough to indicate your true love relationship? At the same time the film goes on to show, how difficult it is for a woman to live such a life, without wearing a Mangalsutra. The film also highlights the most important aspect of Maharashtrian culture, through its well presented screenplay.
While showing the childhood of Savitri in the flashback, the director has shot that part in black and white, including one wonderful song that reminds us of Prabaht films during the olden days. Paying more attention on rituals like Mangalagauri, a beautiful song rendered by Shreya Ghoshal only goes on to add that special flavour to this technically well presented film. Every character in this film has a special place, be it witty Joshi Kaku played by Vandana Gupte or Savitri’s friend Gauri played by Madhurani Gokhale Prabhulkar. The young couple played by Umesh Kamat and Anjali Kusre make a perfect match for each other. And how can you forget those veterans like Ashalata Wabgaonkar and Lalan Sarang? They all have supported well in the cast. Especially Savitri’s interaction with her friend Gauri and her encounter with Joshi kaku have been shot well.
Hrishita, in particular has given her best performance in the role of Savitri. Watch her sharp expressive eyes emoting at every important sequence and you feel that she certainly deserves an award for her brilliant performance on debut in a Marathi film. She has worked very hard to dub in her own voice. Ravindra Mankani as a school master has also done exceptionally well. In one particular scene where he confesses his own weakness before Savitri, both of them have displayed their emotions very naturally. Seema Deshmukh, Madhav Abhyankar and Omkar Karve have given their best in supporting roles. Avadhoot Gupte’s music is impressive and so is late Debu Deodhar’s photography. ‘Mani Mangalsutra’ does have an international appeal and should catch up with the audience with the word of mouth praise. It is certainly a technically well presented film.
‘I was confident about my acting career’ – Umesh Kamat
For the past few years, acting has opened a new career for youngsters. Even after Graduation, many youngsters have preferred singing ,acting and film making as their career. Some of whom who were Doctors, Engineers and even IT professionals have switched over to this profession. One such youngster who took up acting as his career, after his Post graduation is Umesh kamat. Today, he is not only an established Marathi actor but happily married to Priya Bapat , who is also from the same field.
Since childhood, Umesh was associated with stage performances as a hobby; but, he pursued his education till post graduation; only to choose acting as his career. Umesh began with stage plays and later performed in many TV serials and about 10 Marathi films released so far. Some of the prominent serials he has performed in are ‘Asamnbhav’ and ‘Eka Lagnachi Doosri Goshta’. Though Umesh has not been lucky to find his films becoming hits; his performances in these films were really very good. He has worked with many popular and new actresses like Saie Tamhankar(in two films), Nisha Parulekar, Urmila kanitkar, Bhargavi Chirmule and Priyanka Yadav. Two of his plays ‘Gandhi Aadva Yeto’ and ‘Nava Gadee Nava Rajya’ are presently drawing good crowds.
Umesh Kamat, ActorNow, Umesh is eagerly waiting for two of his films to be released shortly .Both are romantic films. One is ‘Time Please’ opposite his own wife Priya for the first time on Big screen, apart from Siddharth Jadhav and Saie Tamhankar in supporting cast and the other is ‘Lagna Pahava Karun’ opposite Mukta Barve. Marathi Movie world spoke to this young brilliant actor, to know more about his experience in this field. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: After completing your education, you entered acting field to make a career. How was the response from your family?
A: They were very supportive; as they saw the confidence in me. Till then, I was into acting as a hobby. But, then I wanted to take it seriously. So, I gave my full time.
Q: How was your childhood like?
A: I lived in RBI Colony, Santacruz( West) for 20 years; as my mother worked for Reserve Bank of India. It was a good community living with social gatherings and programmes in the colony. In fact, it was a good platform to exhibit my acting talent.
Q: When exactly you turned to professional acting?
A: It was only after I completed my Post Graduation. At that time, Ii was matured enough to take my decisions. Moreover, I was confident about myself.
Q: You shot into limelight, after your performance as Adinath in the popular TV serial ‘Asambhav’. Isn’t it?
A: Yes, that’s right. The serial offered a good subject and I really enjoyed working in that serial. The role was good and people appreciated it.
Q: You are really having a good time with your ongoing play, ‘Nava Gadee Nava Rajya’. Now, you are doing a film, ‘Time Please’ based on this play. How confident are you about this film?
A: Actually, when I was offered this film by the makers of this play, I was initially hesitant, thinking that it would be the repeat of same things what we did on stage. But, when the developed script was shown to me; I was convinced that the cinematic format would be appealing with addition of new things, which were not possible to show on stage. For example, the lifestyle of IT people, their weekend parties and other liberties enjoyed by them outdoors. When Priya and myself did the reading of the dialogues for the film for the first time, we found them very interesting for a change. Many occasions, after reading a scene, we used burst into laughter.
Q: You are also doing a film with Mukta Barve. What is that film about ?
A: Yes, this is Ajay Naik’s own film. It is a romantic film. Ajay is a good friend and when he approached me with this subject, I found the subject new and related to lives of today’s youngsters. Moreover, my chemistry with Mukta had worked well in the concluding episodes of ‘Eka Llagnachi Doosari Goshta’. So, I immediately agreed to do it.
Q: Are there any other films in the pipeline?
A: Yes, I am doing a film ‘Pune via Bihar’ which is a love story of a Boy from Pune and Girl from Bihar. Mrunmayee Deshpande is playing the lead opposite me in this film.