Asides

‘दोन स्पेशल’ – बाजारू पत्रकारितेवर घणाणती टीका

Aside 17 July, 2015 Ullhas Shirke

हल्लीच प्रदर्शित झालेल्या ‘नागरिक’ या चित्रपटात आजची पत्रकारिता कुठल्या थरापर्यंत जाउ शकते आणि त्यामध्ये एका कर्तव्यनिष्ठ पत्रकाराची काय अवस्था होते, हे पाहिले. पण खूप वर्षांपूर्वी लेखक ह.मो. मराठे यांनी त्यांच्या ‘न्यूज स्टोरी’ या कथेत त्याचे प्रात्यक्षिक दाखविले होते.

संतोष काणेकर आणि जितेंद्र जोशी निर्मित आणि क्षितीज पटवर्धन लिखित व दिग्दर्शित नवीन मराठी नाटक ‘दोन स्पेशल’ याच कथेवर आधारित आहे. पंचवीस वर्षापूर्वीची पुणे शहरातील पत्रकारिता, नाट्यरूपात त्यांनी प्रेक्षकांसमोर प्रभावीपणे उभी केली आहे. एका वर्तमानपत्राच्या कर्तव्यनिष्ठ उपसंपादकाच्या आयुष्यात एका रात्रीत घडणाऱ्या दोन घटनांवर हे नाटक आधारित आहे. त्यातून, लेखकाने रात्रपाळीला असणाऱ्या मिलिंद भागवत( जितेंद्र जोशी) या उप संपादकावर, एका विशेष अपघाताच्या बातमीत एका बड्या बांधकाम कंपनीचे व कंपनीच्या मालकाचे नाव छापून न येण्याकरिता, वर्तमानपत्राच्या विश्वस्तांकडून आणि राजकारण्यांकडून येत असलेला दबाव दाखवून दिला आहे. मात्र, नायक खंबीरपणे आपल्या तत्वांना जपून, या अपघातात मृत्युमुखी पडलेल्या तिघांना न्याय मिळवून देण्यासाठी, कोसळलेल्या इमारतीच्या खराब बांधकामाबाबत पुरावे गोळा करण्यासाठी प्रयत्न करतो.

एवढेच नव्हे तर, मिलिंदची पूर्वीची प्रेयसी स्वाती( गिरीजा ओक ), जी आठ वर्षांपूर्वी त्याच ऑफिसात काम करत होती, तिचे त्याच रात्री तिथे अचानक येणे आणि तिचा त्या व्यावसायिकाशी सध्या असलेला संबंध, हे सर्व चांगल्या रीतीने जुळवून आणले आहे. त्याच रात्री, मिलिंदकडे आदर्श पत्रकार म्हणून पाहणारा आणि पत्रकारितेचा अभ्यास पूर्ण करून, त्याच्या वर्तमानपत्रात नोकरी साठी आलेला तरुण (रोहित हळदीकर ) याचा वापर मिलिंद कसा करून घेतो, हा प्रसंगही चांगला खुलविला आहे. एकंदरीत, रात्री ९ ते १२.१५ या वेळामध्ये एका वर्तमानपत्राच्या कचेरीत काय घडले, याचे हुबेहूब चित्र या नाटकात उभे केले आहे. नाटक जरी सव्वा तीन तासांपेक्षा कमी वेळेचे असले तरी, काहीप्रसंग घड्याळाच्या काट्यासोबतच पुढे सरकतात आणि त्या भयाण रात्रीची जाणीव करून देतात.

नाटकाचा पूर्वार्ध थोडा रखडला आहे, पण उत्तरार्धात मात्र नाटकाने चांगलाच जोर पकडला आहे. आपले वडील हॉस्पिटलमध्ये असून सुद्धा, रात्री ड्युटीवर येऊन, आपले कर्तव्य पार पाडणारा हाडाचा पत्रकार जितेंद्र जोशी याने उत्तमरीत्या साकारला आहे. त्याला उत्तम साथ लाभली आहे ती गिरीजा ओक गोडबोले हिची. द्विधा मनस्थितीत सापडलेल्या, एका स्त्रीची व्यक्तिरेखा तिने उत्कृष्टरीत्या साकारली आहे. लेखक दिग्दर्शक क्षितीज पटवर्धन यांनी नेपथ्यकार प्रदीप मुळे याच्या सहाय्याने २५ वर्षांपूर्वीचे वर्तमानपत्राचे ऑफिस हुबेहूब उभे केले आहे. त्यात टेलीप्रिंटर चा वापर, त्याचा होणारा आवाज, जुन्या प्रकारच्या टेलिफोनचा वापर आणि अनमोल भावे याच्या सहाय्याने केलेले ध्वनी संयोजन विशेष आहे. नाटकाचा क्लायम्याक्स ही उत्तमरीत्या सादर केला आहे.

नाटकामधील एक प्रसंग मात्र खटकतो. तो म्हणजे, रात्रपाळीला आलेल्या कर्तव्यानिष्ठ मिलिंदचे, वर्तमानपत्राची पहिली कोपी निघण्याआधी, ड्युटीवर असताना, आपल्या पूर्व प्रेयसी सोबत बाहेर होटेलमध्ये जावून बेजबाबदारपणे सिगारेट व बियर पिणे व तेथे तिच्यासमोर जगातील सर्व बहिणींना उद्धेशून शिवी हासडणे. त्यापेक्षा, दोघांनी मधल्या ब्रेक मध्ये होटेल मध्ये जावून दोन स्पेशल चहा मागवणे, जास्त योग्य वाटले असते. वास्तविक, बियर आणि सिगरेट पिऊन असा अपशब्द उच्चारणे, पंचवीस वर्षांपूर्वीच्या पुण्यातील एका सुसंकृत पत्रकाराच्या तोंडी शोभत नाही. याचा प्रत्यय प्रबोधनकार ठाकरे सभागृहात प्रयोगाच्या वेळी पाठच्या रांगेत झालेल्या चूक.. चूक.. आणि कुजबूजीवरून आला . तसेही आजकालचे मराठी नाटककार( उदा. ‘मि आणि मिसेस’) , प्रेक्षकांना गृहीत धरून चालले आहेत, असे वाटते. हाच अपशब्द मराठी किंवा हिंदी चित्रपटात सेन्सोर च्या कात्रीत सापडतो, मग नाटकांच्या संवादांना सेन्सोर नाही का? खर म्हणजे, असा शब्द एवढ्या चांगल्या विषयाच्या नाटकात वापरण्याची गरजच नव्हती. पुढील प्रयोगात हा शब्दप्रयोग आवर्जून टाळावा. त्यामुळे नाटकाचा दर्जाही उंचावेल.

नाटकातील याच प्रसंगानंतर घडणाऱ्या सीन मध्ये दिग्दर्शकाने जरूर लक्ष्य घालावे. मिलिंद आणि स्वाती हॉटेलात जातात तेंव्हा स्वाती च्या हातात पर्स असते. पण बाहेर आल्यावर जेंव्हा मिलिंद स्वातीला रिक्षा मिळेपर्यंत त्याच्या कचेरीखाली रिक्षा मिळेपर्यंत थांबतो, तेंव्हा ती त्याचे ज्याकेट परत करते आणि रिक्षात बसून घरी जाते. मात्र त्यावेळेस तिच्याकडे पर्स नसते. उलट ती परत येते, तेंव्हा घराची चावी विसरल्याचे सांगते.

असो, हे दोन प्रसंग सोडले तर, नाटकाचे धारदार संवाद विषयाला धरून आहेत आणि सादरीकरणही अति उत्तम झाले आहे. सर्व नाट्यरसिकांनी आणि खास करून सर्व पत्रकारांनी आवर्जून पाहावे असे हे नाटक.

Featured, TV Watch

Housewives are keen to welcome Mrunal Dusanis on Colors

Aside 16 July, 2015 Shweta Khot

Last time, we had mentioned about actress Mrunal Dusanis making her comeback, through new Marathi serial ‘Assa Saasar Surekh Bai’. The promo of this serial itself, which is being shown on Colors channel, has generated lot of interest among the housewives in Maharashtra. Reports reaching us, from different places of Maharashtra, indicate that Mrunal is the topic of discussion among various groups of housewives, be it at the Kitty parties or at Mahila Mandal programmes.

Even otherwise, housewives did appreciate watching Mrunal play those docile and weepy characters, through her previous serials ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet kalena’ and ‘Tu Tithe Mee’. And, the first look of her upcoming serial, also shows her, as an adjustive nature housewife, in a joint family.

It may be recalled, two years ago, when ‘Tu Tithe Mee’ was being aired, the serial had received maximum popularity, only because of the presence of charming Mrunal Dusanis. And now, with her return on small screen, it is not surprising that she becomes the topic of discussion, among the housewives.

The countdown for this serial has already begun and it remains to be seen, how Mrunal’s chemistry with Marathi film’s angry young man Santosh Juvekar, will be welcomed. But, one thing is certain that the 8 to 8.30 pm slot on Colors channel is sure to be booked by housewives, from 27th July onwards.

Now, talking about popular entertaining programme ‘Chala Hawa Yeu Dya’’ on Zee Marathi, two things need to be pointed out. The regular comedy players are repeating the mockery of famous Hindi serial CID characters, for more than required, thus taking away the interest from this show. Can they not think of something different ? Also, the programme host Nilesh Sable, does not leave a single opportunity, to tell the viewers that before becoming a professional actor, he was a doctor. On Tuesday 14th July, while entertaining the guests from forthcoming Marathi film ‘Bioscope’, he had this chance once again. While recalling his first meeting with director Girish Mohite, he once again narrated a story, how after becoming a Doctor, he was trying to find a role in his film.

We would like to mention here that in our Marathi entertainment industry, we do have many Doctors, Engineers and even foreign returned MBA’s . But, they never blow their trumpet, about their past profession. And, to mention about other Doctors turning actors, they generally avoid talking about their previous profession, unless and until, they are questioned about it. The best examples are Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Dr Amol Kolhe and few others.

Featured, Review

‘Murder Mestri’ – A comedy of coincidences and clumsiness

Aside 11 July, 2015 Ullhas Shirke

Rating: ★★★
Studio/presenter: Nadiadwala Gennext Productions, VTB Enterprises
Producer: Abrar Nadiadwala, Vaibhav Bhor
Cinematographer, Director: Rahul Jadhav
Story: Neha Kamat
Dialogues: Prashant Loke
Editor: Imran Mahadik, Faisal Mahadik
Genres: Comedy
Censor: U
Duration: 129 Min.
Cast: Dilip Prabhavalkar, Hrishikesh Joshi, Vandana Gupte, Vikas Kadam, Kamalakar Satpute, Sanjay Khapre, Mansi Naik, Kranti Redkar, Shruti Nigde

The ploy of ‘mistaken identity’ , used to be the plot of the Shakespearean comedies, including ‘Comedy of Errors’. Perhaps, inspired by the idea, debutant story writer Neha Kamat thought of writing the story of the film ‘Murder Mestri’, produced by Abrar Nadiadwala and director Rahul Jadhav.

So, the idea of a village based postman reading all the letters before delivery and then finding one of them, as murder plan of a person living in adjacent village, seemed interesting. So, we see the postman going out of his way, in search of the concerned person Madhav Mestri, whose murder has been planned. But, before this happening, the screenplay of the film by Prashant Loke failed to pick up in the first half. However, he succeeded in carrying forward the same, through the interesting second half, with some humour filled dialogues, penned by himself.

The actual plot picks up, when this postman Prabhakar Sawant (Hrishikesh Joshi) arrives in this adjacent village, to save the life of one Madhav Mestri, the real fun begins. On his arrival, he finds out through voters’ list that there are three persons with the name of Madhav Mestri. So, he is required to deliver the letter, cautioning all three of them, on the basis of the plan of murder, mentioned in the post card. With this limited plot, the screenplay takes you to the surprise climax, which reveals the real story behind the plan, mentioned in the post card.

Now, talking about the characters of Madhav Mestri, they comprise of three men, in different age groups, i.e 25, 35 and 75 respectively, living in the same village. The first being newly married (Vikas Kadam) with his over enthusiastic wife Hemlata ( Manasi Naik) eager to proceed on their honeymoon. The second one being a former Sarpanch (Sanjay Khapre) who is in a regular habit of drinking and his wife Saraswati ( Kranti Redkar) trying different tricks , to stop his bad habit. And, the eldest among them, being a retired medical practitioner ( Dilip Prabhavalkar), migrated from Mumbai to this village. His wife Malini ( Vandana Gupte) is fed up of his strange behavior. All of them have performed well, with good support coming from Shruti Nigade, as postman’s wife, Kishor Chougule, as tea stall owner and friend of the postman and Kamlakar Satpute , the wanted gangster.

The film has been shot at a totally different location, somewhere in Sawantwadi and surrounding areas, which gives a perfect feel of a village; but, the director has not been very clear about the exact period. Except for showing the postcard period. But, still, few errors are noticed, in the screenplay. However, looking at the sincere effort put in by all versatile artistes, these can be ignored. Music of the film provided by Pankaj Padghan is apt for the location, it is not very impressive, except for one song. In one of the songs, Bollywood’s influence has been clearly noticed. What impresses most, is Amar Mohile’s background music. It is too good.

It was only because of some cinematic skills used by cinematographer and director Rahul Jadhav, the film has turned out to be a little above average comedy. Overall, it has turned out to be a comedy of coincidences and clumsiness. Nevertheless, it is still enjoyable, by those, who keep their logical thinking aside, while watching such type of plots.

Featured, TV Watch

Are Marathi TV artistes more popular than Marathi Film stars?

Aside 9 July, 2015 Shweta Khot

Recently, Marathi Movie World carried a news, wherein it was mentioned, how the young artistes of ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ stole the show; during the first look of their director’s forthcoming film. Incidentally, they were also invited for this event. But, this is the fact. And, one has to accept it.

At a recent award function of Marathi films, only those artistes who have performed in Marathi TV serials and are presently part of films, invited more attention of press photographers, than those little known film artistes, who had even won awards.

The reason is simple. Marathi TV artistes are reaching every household in Maharashtra. Moreover, more than their real names, they gain popularity with their character names. Also, their serials go on to create record, with the score of 300 or 500 episodes. After playing the role of Shubhra in ‘Asambhav’ few years ago , Urmila kanitkar is still known with this name, though she has done four to five Marathi films, after that.

Now, Swarda Thigale, will also be known by this name Shubhra, because of her ongoing serial, which is being aired for the past two years. Another example is that of Mrunal Dusanis. Mrunal did act in a film , after her performance in ‘Tu Tithe Mee’, but even today, she is recognized as Manjiri.

The character names of our popular TV artistes, become household names. Swapnil Joshi who played the character of Ghana in ‘Eka Lagnachi Doosari Goshta’, about four years ago, is still fresh in the memory of almost all Marathi TV viewers. Ask them, what were the names of characters played by Swapnil in films like ‘Duniyadari’ or ‘Mitwa’? But, majority of Marathi people will not be able to tell the same. The same is the case with Ila Bhate, who is still known as Ghana’s mother. By the way, has anyone tried to take a survey, to find out, how many people regularly watching Marathi TV serials, watch Marathi films?

This is the magic created by our Marathi TV stars. The Marathi home viewers spread across the state and all over the world, get attached or co relate themselves with the characters played by these TV artistes. No wonder, popular Marathi TV stars like Swapnil Joshi, Mukta Barve, Siddharth Chandekar, Mrunmayee Deshpande ,Umesh kamat, Priya Bapat and few others, have also gained popularity as film stars.

Play Review

Gajendra Ahire impresses with his play ‘Shevgyachya Shenga’

Aside 7 July, 2015 Ullhas Shirke

Gajendra Ahire began his career as a playwright 20 years ago, with Marathi play ‘Aaicha Ghar Unhacha’ which brought the ‘best actress’ award for Neena Kulkarni, for her role in this play. Later, he was associated with three more Marathi plays as a writer. Today, Gajendra Ahire is a reputed writer director of Marathi films, having made about 40 Marathi films, during the past 12 years. But, through his latest Marathi play, ‘Shevgyachya Shenga’ Gajendra has made a comeback to Marathi theatre. And, he has certainly impressed as a writer & director, through this play.

‘Shevgyachya Shenga’ produced by Lata Narvekar, presents a sensible story revolving around different characters, representing three generations. Each one of them, have something to convey, sometimes emotionally; but through humour filled dialogues, which is the biggest plus point of this drama. The only drawback noticed was, frequent breaks, each lasting about 10 to 15 seconds ,taken to change the set arrangements. There is no doubt that they were the demand of the script, with shift from one scene to other; however, this has not been the practice on Marathi stage, in the recent times. But, the beautiful set designs by Nitin Nerurkar and wonderful lighting used by Shital Talpade makes you ignore the breaks.

As the play begins, we find two senior citizens , Ms. Sathe ( Swati Chitnis) and Mr. Sudhir Sasane ( Sanjay Mone) both living a lonely life in the same colony. Ms. Sathe lives in a huge bungalow with a young beautiful paying guest Vinaya ( Kadambari kadam)who hails from Kolkata. While, Mr. Sasane lives on the third floor of an adjacent building. Initially, not getting along well with each other, both of them (having lost their respective spouses), later become good friends. There is another middle aged lady, Aarti Tai( Atisha Naik) living in their neighborhood, who has her own story of separation from her husband. But, she shares all her thoughts with young Vinaya, who is close to her.

Vinaya who is MBA and looking for a job, is more keen on pursuing a career in Photography. She has a boyfriend Rahul (Nikhil Raut), who is very ambitious of starting his own business. As the drama progresses with humour filled happenings in the lives of all these important characters, we find the arrival of Ms. Sathe’s only son living in US, to take his mother along with him to US. Almost at the same time, we see Mr. Sasane’s only married daughter coming from Delhi, to meet her father. It is at this stage, we see lots of happenings in their lives, with few twists and turns; towards the climax.

Gajendra Ahire, as a writer has tried to make every scene interesting, with humor filled dialogues. Most of them have come to the share of versatile actor Sanjay Mone, who with his extraordinary skills, made very good use of delivering them in his different style. Young actors can learn a lot, from this actor, about the body language and his style of delivering the dialogues, suited to character’s requirement. No wonder, he is also a good director himself. Good support comes from veteran actress Swati Chitnis, who has proved, that she has still lot to offer in acting. Aatisha Naik has a totally different role and she seemed to have enjoyed, playing that character, with her total involvement.

Among the youngsters, both kadambari kadam and Nikhil Raut were at their best and perfectly suited in their respective characters. Kadambari finds additional responsibility of playing a narrator, in between, during shift of scenes, at important stages. Nikhil Raut has been used in double role or rather double part, playing two different characters, those of Rahul the boyfriend of of Vinaya and Ranjan the US returned son of Ms. Sathe. Another actress Seema Parkar, has also been cleverly used by director Gajendra Ahire, to play three different characters, namely, the vegetable vendor, Mr. Sasane’s daughter and Rahul’s business consultant. What is important, that all together, they made a very good team, with perfect co ordination, with each other. All in all, writer director Gajendra Ahire has highly impressed through his skillful presentation, to make this play a worth watch for all age groups.

Interviews

“I am more keen on doing Marathi projects”- Shweta Mahadik

Aside 4 July, 2015 Ullhas Shirke

She is more popular today, as a Hindi serial actress. Thanks to her performances in the serials like ‘Meri Bhabhi’ and ‘Balika Vadhu’. But, she has also performed in popular Marathi serials, including ‘Devyani’. Last year, we saw her playing an important role of Satyabhama , wife of Lokmanya Tilak, in the Marathi film ‘Lokmanya- Ek Yugpurush’. However, not many people could recognize her in this period film, because of her particular get up in this film. It was a big transition from glamour to a simple housewife ,as noticed 100 years ago.

Shweta Mahadik, found her life partner on the sets of her serial, when she met today’s award winning cinematographer Prasad Bhende, few years ago. Soon the friendship turned into marriage and now the couple has a little son. Now, Shweta is back to acting, as we noticed her recently, in ‘Lokmanya’ in a totally different non glamorous role.

MarathiMovieWorld spoke to Shweta recently. And, in this exclusive interview, she did speak about her transition from glamorous to non glamorous roles. “I was already looking for that change. Though I was doing glamourous roles in TV serials, they were negative roles. The role of Satyabhama was a blessing to me. And, when it was offered to me, I immediately said, Yes.” said Shweta.

Surprisingly, many people who knew her personally, could not recognize her in that character of Satyabhama. And, that was the achievement of the costume designer and make up artiste of ‘Lokmanya’. A talented actress that she is, Shweta is currently in talks with a Hindi serial maker. But, she seemed to be more keen on taking up Marathi projects.

“After ‘Lokmanya’, I am looking forward to take up more Marathi film assignments, where I will have more scope for acting. In ‘Lokmanya’, I didn’t have much to do with dialogues. It was to do more with my facial expressions and body language. Today, Marathi films are more subject oriented and I would certainly love to be part of it.” she remarked.

With both husband wife, belonging to Marathi film industry, we asked Shweta, as to how both of them managed time for their little son? And, she said, “I can manage it, as whenever I am shooting, it’s in Mumbai. It is Prasad, who has to go on tour sometimes, with his assignments. But, still, we make our son happy, enjoying family functions together and on few other occasions, adjusting our schedule.”

By the way, Shweta is also the daughter in law of veteran actor , film maker & renowned painter Prakash Bhende and former actress Uma, who received Lifetime achievement award last year, from Maharashtra State Government.

Review

Entertaining ‘Online Binline’ is a timely film with a message

Aside 3 July, 2015 Ullhas Shirke

Rating: ★★★ ½
Studio/presenter: Ganraj Associates
Producers: Shreyas Jadhav , Neeta Jadhav
Director: Kedar Gaikwad
Writer: Hemant Edlabadkar
Cinematographer: Kedar Gaikwad
Genres: Rom Com
Censor: U/A
Duration: 115 Min.
Cast: Siddharth Chandekar, Rutuja Shinde, Hemant Dhome, Arun Nalawade, Prasad Kamat

We find new subjects being dealt with, by our Marathi film makers. We have seen love happening through social networking sites and matrimonial sites on internet. In fact, internet has become a God for many of them. Today, some people are totally dependent on internet. Many collegians are using their smartphones for internet and other applications offered by the phone companies. But, what if internet stops functioning? What will be the effect of it on all those who are so much addicted to it. They may go into the stage of Nomophobia, which in medical term means, the fear of being out of mobile phone contact. Latest released Marathi film ‘Online Binline’ cautions one and all about such occurrence of Nomophobia.

The film revolves around one such collegian Siddharth (Siddharth Chandekar) who is from a rich family and only son of his parents. Besides his college, he is all the time so engrossed with his ‘i-phone’ that he doesn’t find time to talk to his parents. Sometimes, he has video conferencing with his father, while in toilet, sitting on a commode . Siddharth has a girlfriend Kimaya ( Rutuja Shinde) from his college, who is also friendly with Ishwar alias Idya ( Hemant Dhome) from the same college. Ishwar lives in a hostel, as he belongs to a village, where his father owns a big house and agricultural property.

Now, when it comes to moving closer to Kimaya, Siddharth uses his internet methods, while Ishwar being street smart, always manages to please Kimaya. Their competition is witnessed by all their common friends from the college. When Siddharth fails in all his attempts, he loses hopes and is on the verge of depression, when his parents consult a doctor. A stage comes, when after being persuded by his sensible parents, he accepts his defeat. But, there is a surprise for him. What is it? It is only revealed in the climax. Actually, the film begins with the scene little before the climax, goes into the flashback and then ends with the climax.

Director Kedar Gaikwad, who is also cinematographer of this film, makes a good debut through this film. Through the story of the film penned by Hemant Edalabadkar, he has not only tried to show the consequences of the addiction to cell phones and internet; but also has given a solution, to send a timely message to youngsters and their parents. Incorporating some fun filled moments, at every stage of the film, he has tried to keep the audience involved into the screenplay. He has also used the music very well at appropriate places, so as to invite the attention of young Marathi audience, at whom the film has been targeted.

With limited content, this film produced by Shreyas Jadhav, has become a performance oriented, situation based comedy. Full marks to Siddharth Chandekar and Hemant Dhome. They were so natural, playing their respective roles. Newcomer Rutuja Shinde, who is a stage artiste from Pune, scores well. She doesn’t look like a newcomer, in any scene and has a good screen presence, though she has not been shown very glamorous. Arun Nalawade, Prasad Kamat and other artistes have provided good support. All in all, ‘Online Binline’ is a good entertaining film with a timely message.

Interviews

“Every actor has a wish to become a director”- Prasad Jawade

Aside 3 July, 2015 Ullhas Shirke

You may call it a family marriage drama, or a love story. ‘Ase He Kanyadaan’ on Zee Marathi, shows the challenges taken by a youngster, to win the heart of his would be father in law; only to marry his daughter. This character of Kartik , the young dashing businessman, belonging to a high profile family, is played by Prasad Jawade.

Incidentally, Prasad came into reckoning, during the Maharashtracha Superstar talent hunt show , organized by the same channel, few years ago. He was among the last five contestants; but, his talent was noticed by Balaji Telefilms, who casted him in their serial ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’ in a negative role.

Generally, an actor beginning with a negative role, gets branded as a villain in his next projects. But, that did not happen in the case of Prasad. He received some good offers from his next TV assignments, including lead role in ‘Arundhati’, where he played a blind young man. When the auditions for ‘Ase He Kanyadan’ were going on, they were looking for an actor with some experience. And, that helped Prasad, to prove his mettle. Today, Prasad has proved his selection right . He has that spontaneity of changing his expressions quickly, like a button artiste, the skill required from any good actor, to prove his ability. MarathiMovieWorld spoke to Prasad during a function recently.

Very polite and jovial, as observed in our first meeting, Prasad was kind enough to share his experience, as an actor. The very first thing, he spoke, was about the city of Mumbai, which has offered him scope in this acting field. “I shall always remain grateful to this city of Mumbai and people living here. At every stage of my progressing career, well wishers have come forward to help me. This has happened , since my days of struggle.” said Prasad.

Actually, Prasad who is a stage actor from Pune, made his entry into films, as an assistant to well known cinematographer of Bollywood and Marathi films Umesh Kabre. It was during this period, he learned the technique of facing camera with confidence. “In fact, I became more camera friendly. My appearance in the serial, ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet kalena’, only boosted my confidence .So, when I played the lead role of a blind hero, in my next serial ‘Arundhati’, I worked harder. Before the beginning of the shoot, I actually visited a blind school, getting the feel, by closing my eyes. It was the most challenging role for me.” he added.

Prasad did perform in recently released film ‘Classmates’. One wonders, as to why he is not getting prominent roles in Marathi films ? Looking at his caliber, he is a hero material. But, Prasad believes in destiny. “All my friends are doing well in films and I am happy about it. Let me wait for my turn.” he reacted with smile on his face.

When asked about his role in ‘Ase Hey Kanyadaan’, Prasad expressed his satisfaction for finding the lead role in this serial. “Here again, I am thankful to Subodh Bhave, who recommended my name, as the makers, wanted an experienced actor, to play the role of Kartik.” he said.

Kartik loves to watch something entertaining at the end of the day. He feels that Marathi serials should attempt new subjects, other than the traditional Saas-bahu dramas. “Sometimes, we as artistes, are compelled to accept roles in serials, with traditional subjects. But, now the change is noticed. I like the fresh subject taken up in ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’. It is refreshing!. Instead of watching routine serials, I prefer watching Comedy shows like ‘Chala Hava Yeu Dya’.” he added.

Finally, when asked, whether he would like to direct a project, considering his previous experience as assistant, on the sets of films; he remarked with a smile on face, “Every actor has a wish to become a director.”

TV Watch

‘Julun Yeti…’ sets a new trend of product endorsement as part of serial

Aside 1 July, 2015 Shweta Khot

We had seen some of the film makers, openly opting for product endorsement through their film’s screenplay. But, now our TV serial producers have also started the same. As it is, there are plenty of commercial ads, during the frequent breaks, taken by popular serials almost on all TV channels. On Monday 29th June, we witnessed the characters of Archana and Mai, openly advertising a particular Pain relieving cream. It was not just a casual mention of the cream, but repeatedly hammered its brand name, stating that it was also recommended by the doctors.

Since, the beginning has been made now, others are likely to follow; taking the home viewers for granted. So, don’t be surprised, if you find Shree suggesting his Aai Aaji to massage his hair, with a particular brand of oil, recommended by a popular actress. Then, Runji suggesting her sister to use a particular brand of lipstick and Shubhra using a particular brand of baby soap and oil, for her new born baby. And, what if, Ashu is presented a popular brand of longer lasting vest , by his room mates? By the way, Meenal is already in search of a cream for her face and shampoo for her hair care. Can you guess, which brands Anna would suggest her?

Now, there is a good news for actress Mrunal Dusanis fans. The popular small screen actress is returning back to small screen soon. This time, she will be seen on Colors channel, through their forthcoming serial ‘Asa Saasar Surekh Bai’. Promos of this serial have already started appearing on Colors channel. But, this time Mrunal will not be seen with her previous co star Chinmay ; as he is busy with ‘Tu Majha Sangati’. His place, seems to have been taken by Santosh Juvekar, another angry young man of Marathi films. By the way, this time Mrunal is playing a smart young woman, unlike her previous roles of woman undergoing sufferings. Frankly speaking, she did need that change. Hope, this serial doesn’t turn a typical Saas-Bahu serial, after few episodes. All the best Mrunal.

Review

Insightful ‘Killa’ takes you down memory lane

Aside 27 June, 2015 Ullhas Shirke

Rating: ★★★★
Studio/presenter: MR Filmworks, JAR Pictures, Essel Vision Production
Producers: Madhukar Musale, Ajay Rai, Allan Mcalex
Director: Avinash Arun
Dialogues: Upendra Sidhaye
Cinematographer: Avinash Arun
Genres: Drama
Censor: U/A
Duration: 90 Min.
Cast: Archit Deodhar, Parth Bhalerao, Gaurish Gawde, Swanand Raikar, Atharv Upasani, Amruta Subhash

Today, Marathi cinema has reached that stage, where the new audience are expecting something more and different. It does not matter, what subject a filmmaker is presenting. All that is important, is to keep the audience engaged, with the screenplay that touches their heart and at the same time presents something realistic. Latest released Marathi film ‘Killa’ falls in this category. It has tried to offer both, with the right selection of artistes, ideal locations and excellent technical support.

Set on the backdrop of pictographic Konkan, that too during monsoon time; the film talks about the emotional bonding between mother and son, who are displaced from Pune , to arrive in Konkan, as the mother who is in Government job, is transferred to Konkan zone on promotion. Having lost her husband in the recent past, both mother and son feel isolated. Mother (Amruta Subhash), who is busy in her new office, , adjusts with the new environment quickly. But, she faces problem in her job, due to political pressure to clear certain documents. Son Chinmay (Archit Deodhar) is treated as an outsider by the four notorious children , namely Bandya, Yuvraj, Umesh and Omkar played by Parth Bhalerao, Gaurish Gawde, Swanand Raikar and Atharva Upasani,

Chinmay, who has been brought up with good moral values, does try to adjust with his new friends; but gets upset when they run away, leaving him alone, at the deserted fort. Thereafter, how he copes up with this notorious gang and thereafter prepares to go with his mother, at a third place , on her next transfer, is all that this film is about. But, the manner in which this limited story has been handled, makes a big difference. Cinematographer & director Avinash Arun, who has himself seen the transfers of his father from one place to other, knew his subject well. And, that perhaps made the task easy for him. The attitude of different people who interact with mother and son, has been captured very realistically.

Amruta Subhash is at her best, in the role of Mother of an innocent adolescent boy. In the role of Chinmay, Archit Deodhar seems to have worked very hard, to display his emotions. Watch his reaction, when he comes to know that his four friends deserted him at the fort, where all of them had gone for a day’s picnic.

It is not an easy job to extract such expressions from children in this age group. But, Avinash Arun has done a good job as a director. However, the boy who steals the show is Parth Bhalerao, who plays the role of mischievous Bandya in this film. He is simply superb! It seemed, the director had given him the responsibility to create humour, through well suited dialogues uttered by him. But, Parth has gone beyond it, displaying his gifted talent. Incidentally, this film was shot before he was selected to play the most important role in ‘Bhoothnath returns’.

The film also scores on account of wonderful photography by director himself, suitable background music by Naren Chandavarkar & Benedict Taylor and excellent sound mixing and sound design By Anmol Bhave & MohandasVP .

Produced by Essel Vision, Madhukar Musale, Ajay Rai, Allan Mcalex, this insightful ‘Killa’ will certainly take you down memory lane. Director Avinash Arun deserves a pat on his shoulders. He has handled a sensitive emotion filled subject, with a touch of humour , through the character of Bandya. Certainly, a worth watch film, with entire family.

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