Marathitheatre

NCPA Presents Marathi Film Festival - Nave Valan (A New Turn)

Marathi Theatre.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:23:00 +0000

The National Centre for Performing Arts, India's premier art and culture institution, presents "Nave Valan" (A New Turn)-A festival of Marathi films at the NCPA. The NCPA has collaborated with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, and Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal to make this festival possible for larger viewing. The festival aims to showcase the changing face of Marathi cinema and create a wider platform for reaching out to a varied spectrum of audiences. This is the first time that the NCPA is organising a Marathi film festival and it is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20, 2009 at Dance Academy Godrej, NCPA.

Nave Valan reflects the new turn in Marathi Cinema as the cinema of the new generation, where films are creating as much a buzz for their quality as for their content. "These films speak in a new Marathi voice," says Mrs. Vijaya Mehta, Executive Director, NCPA. "The Marathi film festival scheduled this year will focus on the new creative wave, reflected in the choice of subjects and their treatment by young filmmakers who have a very exciting and modern perspective on the medium of cinema," adds Mrs Mehta.

The five-day festival has been designed to draw working audiences and students alike, with five critically acclaimed Marathi films. The festival, which is curated by renowned filmmaker Ajay Sarpotdar, includes Harishchandrachi Factor - India's official entry to the Oscars - Gandh (The Smell), Gho Mala Asla Hava (I want a husband like this), Jogva (The Awakening) and Gabhricha Paus (The Damned Rain). Almost all films are now doing the rounds of international film festival circuits and have already received rave reviews.

Also, taking immense pride in showcasing some of the great work of this younger breed of the Marathi filmmakers, Mr. Khushroo Suntook, Chairman, NCPA says, "We are indeed very happy that the Marathi Film Festival 'Nave Valan' is finding its rightful place in the NCPA. We have been constantly endeavoring to encourage our Marathi artists both for theatre and other performing arts, and we will continue to encourage them on a regular basis."

Mrs Mehta adds, "The idea behind conducting the Marathi Film festival is to attract the non-Maharashtrian audiences, including youngsters, to watch these quality films regularly". In order to reach out to a wider audience, the films will be subtitled in English and entry is reserved on a first-come-first-served basis.

Apart from screening of the selected films, another unique feature of this festival will be the NCPA CHAURAHA session, to be held after every screening. Here the filmmakers, artists along with other key members of the crew will interact with the audience. The CHAURAHA session-an NCPA initiative-is essentially, an informal interactive arts forum where artists across the creative borders, exchange their work and dialogue with an intimate group of viewers. It is focused on exploring a creative process rather than presenting a finished product. Artists include the who's who of the Marathi cinema like Praresh Mokashi, Sachin Kudalkar, Milind Soman, Sonali Kulkarni and Vinay Apte.

Nave Valan - A New Turn Schedule:

'Nave Valan' (New Turn)

Marathi Film Festival with English Subtitles

Dance Theatre Godrej

Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th - 6.30 pm

Harishchandrachi Factory

(Col. - 95 mins)

Monday, 16th - 6.30 pm

Dadasaheb Phalke, the erstwhile owner of a well-established printing business, quits after a quarrel with his business partner. Unemployed and with a family to support, he stumbles upon a tent theatre where a silent motion picture is being screened - and is awestruck. He becomes the maker of India's first feature film - Raja Harishchandra - with a team of crazy, lovable people who believe in him. This film documents the life of this pioneer of Indian cinema, who set the foundation for the world's largest film industry. It has won several awards already, including Best Director at the Pune International Film Festival 2009, the 18th Aravindan Puraskaram 2009 from the Chalachitra Film Society, Pune and the Balasaheb Sarpotdar Award 2009 for Best Film. Will it stir up the Oscars for India?

Directed by Paresh Mokashi

Cast: Nandu Madhav, Vibhavari Deshpande, Mohit Gokhale, Atharva Karve, Dilip Joglekar and others

Gandh

(Col. - 96 mins)

Tuesday, 17th - 6.30 pm

Gandh is an ensemble of three independent films, bound together by characters who are going through experiences involving the sense of smell. The stories explore the complexity of relationships through this metaphor. The film got the Sant Tukaram, State Government award, for Best Screenplay at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2009.

Directed by Sachin Kundalkar

Cast: Milind Soman, Sonali Kulkarni, Neena Kulkarni, Amruta Subhas, Girish Kulkarni and others

Gho Mala Asla Hava (I want a husband like this)

(Col. - 120 mins0

Wednesday, 18th - 6.30 pm

The film, a musical, takes a humorous look at marriage. Savitri, a village belle, rebels against the age-old custom of arranged marriage and the entire village gets involved in fulfilling her wishes.

Directed by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar

Cast: Radhika Apte, Omkar Goverdhan, Nikhil Ratnaparakhi and others

Jogva

(Col. - 115 mins)

Thursday, 19th - 6.30 pm

Jogva tells the tale of one woman's journey to break out of sexual oppression and blind superstition. Putla, at 16, leads a carefree life. When she develops knots (jat) in her hair, society decides she has to be dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma, a jogtin. Finally, abjuring social sanction, she joins Raghu's troupe, which sings praises to the Goddess for a living. Her relationships with Tayappa, a jogtini who stands by her, and her attraction to Annu, a musician, are explored. Who will she find lasting happiness with? And will the village allow it?

Directed by Rajeev Patil

Cast: Mukta Barve, Upendra Limaye, Vinay Apte, Sakhya Patil, Mhartya Jadhav, Thorla Jadhav and others

Gabhricha Paus

(Col. - 100 mins)

Friday, 20th - 6.30 pm

Winner of the Best Marathi Film award at the Pune International Film Festival (2009) besides others, Gabhricha Paus is a story of simple aspirations. It alludes to the terrible odds stacked against those who depend on the earth for their livelihood, with farmer suicides becoming brutally common. Kisna's toil is of no use in the face of truant nature and his family is concerned about his welfare. His wife, convinced that he is contemplating ending his life, ropes in their six-year-old son, to keep an eye on the innocent Kisna, who's on an endless cycle of fruitless effort.

Directed by Satish Manwar

Cast: Girish Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni, Jyoti Subash, Aman Attar, Veena Jamkar and others

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis.

Source: indiaprwire.com

Kishori, like Pu La, is a phenomenon

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:36:00 +0000

"To know the purpose and essence of a performance, watch Kishori sing," said theatre doyenne Vijaya Mehta about Gaan Sarawasti Kishori Amonkar. She felicitated Amonkar with the Pu La Smruti Sanman' during Pulotsav at Tilak Smarak Mandir on Wednesday evening. The award comprises a citation, Rs 1 lakh and a shawl.

"She goes into a world of her own but sings for every person in the audience. It's a heart-to-heart connect that she has always established through her singing. That's why she too, like Pu La, is a phenomenon," said Mehta about her long-time friend Kishori Amonkar.

Recalling an old incident, Mehta said, "During the practise sessions of theatre group Rangayan, a young Amonkar walked in with a sore throat. She wanted to speak but could not, so she wrote down her feelings. This is the real Kishori that I have seen and known."

A 60-minute documentary on Amonkar's vocalist mother and guru, Gaan Tapasvini Mogubai Kurdikar, was a reminder of Amonkar's meticulous tutelage. The documentary features an exceptionally humble and pleasant Kurdikar happily explaining the finer nuances of classical singing and music. She is shown correcting her young daughter during riyaaz,' and her rememberances of her guru, Gaan Samrat Alladiya Khan Saheb, founder of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana.'

To Amonkar, Pulotsav was like home-coming. "P L bhaiyya', (as she calls Pu La), lived the sur' in the true and complete sense of the word. Even the unique laughter that emanated from his performances had a sur' of its own," said Amonkar.

Mehta, who has acted in plays written by Pu La, considered him and his late wife, Sunitabai, as family. "Pu La was known to share his happiness with others around him. Like a five-year-old, he would lap up the performances of other people on stage," recollected Mehta.

Mehta gave the example of Pu La's acclaimed play, Tujha Ahe Tujhapashi.' "That play lent a new dimension to Marathi theatre and brougt back the audience to Marathi theatre," said Mehta.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Family members consent, 11-day Pulotsav begins

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +0000

In keeping with the spirit of 'the show must go on', Pulotsav, the 11-day cultural festival dedicated to humorist Pu La Deshpande, started here on Sunday in the backdrop of the death of writer and Pu La's wife Sunitabai, a day before.

Stating that the family members of Pu La had given the nod to go ahead with the festival as per schedule, organiser of the festival, Virendra Chitrav said that both Pu La and Sunitabai would also have wished it to continue in case of any eventuality.

Actor Nana Patekar, who inaugurated the 7th Pulotsav, in his inaugural speech termed the death of Sunitabai as a 'big gift' offered by her to Pu La on the eve of his birthday. “We can have imaginary joy that both of them are now together in heavenly abode,” he exclaimed.

Patekar, who reminisced the beginning of his acting career with a role in Pu La's drama 'Amhi Latike Na Bolu' during the ’70s, hailed the virtue of charity practised by the couple.

Planning commission member Dr Narendra Jadhav threw light on Pu La's personality.

The 11-day cultural extravaganza kickstarted with a performance by 10 finalists of SaReGaMaPa, a popular Marathi musical show on TV. Festival convener Dr Meena Prabhu, Satish Jakatdar, Chief Operating Officer of Sakaal Media Group Uday Jadhav, Shashank and Shrikant Paranjape of Paranjape Schemes were present.
Sakaal Media Group is the media partner of the 11-day Pulotsav, which is being organized by Aashay Sanskrutik and Paranjpe Schemes at various venues around the city till November 18.

Source: sakaaltimes.com

'Pt. Bhimsen Joshi never misbehaved after drinking' – Pt. Ram Narayan

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:26:00 +0000

The complete words of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, a 14 CD pack released by music label Saregama was unveiled on Saturday by music veteran sarangi maestro Pt. Ramnarayan, composer Ashok Patki and Director of Cultural Affairs Ajay Ambekar.

Various facets of Panditji's life like - his love for fast cars, and the eagerness to don the role of the mechanic were all part of the concert 'Kanan Daras Karo' that was conceptualized by his son.

Srinivas Joshi (Pt. Bhimsen Joshi's son) gave him a thematic tribute on the occasion and highlighted the various facets of his illustrious father by the means of various bandish. This tribute highlighted his musical struggle when he started of, his popularity for singing abhangs, and the way he silenced critics with his roaring voice.

"Many critics would come to listen to Panditji when he was young, but before they could start noting his faults, they would get floored by his roaring voice," said Srinivas.

Popular Marathi composer Ashok Patki recalled a funny incident when Pt. Bhimsen Joshi recorded for 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara' –popular ode for national integration.

"Each artiste just had 20 seconds to sing their parts. By the time Panditji would finish his aalaap - his 20 seconds were already over," said Patki. It seems Pt. Bhimsen Joshi's part for the song was recorded in full and later the required part was inserted into the original song.

Long time friend Pt. Ram Narayan, who unveiled the compilation album also spoke openly about Panditji's drinking habits. "Whatever he did was for music - even drinking. Though at times he would drink a little too much – he never misbehaved, it was for music.” he added. The veteran sarangi player also expressed his displeasure over the commercialization of music.

Pt. Bhimsen Joshi was unable to attend the event on health grounds. Many fans attended this unique tribute concert which was not just about his music but his characteristics and his life. Ironically, very few from the music industry attended the event.

Source: radioandmusic.com

SC to look into prejudice against Hindi films

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Tax sops given by state governments to promote regional language films are set to be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

A bench comprising Justice S. H. Kapadia and Justice Aftab Alam on Friday issued notice on a petition by a Hindi film distribution company alleging discriminatory treatment of Hindi and other non-state language films by several state governments.

In a writ petition before the Supreme Court, Aashirwad Films submitted that as many as 14 state governments were discriminating between films on the basis of language while levying entertainment tax.

This was despite the fact that the court had earlier ruled that the practice was in violation of the fundamental rights to equality and freedom of speech and expression.

Taking note of the contention, the bench directed the court registry to dispatch notices to all state governments arrayed as respondents in the writ petition filed by the company.

On the extent of discrimination against Bollywood movies, Aashirwad Films - in its petition drafted by advocate K. V. Dhananjay - pointed out that Karnataka had issued a formal order in 2004 directing that a non-Kannada film could be released in its territory only after seven weeks of its release outside the state.

Hyderabad-based Aashirwad Films had approached the Supreme Court for the second time. Allowing its petition in 2007, the apex court had struck down an Andhra Pradesh law discriminating between Telugu and non-Telugu films.

Holding that imposition of a mere 10 per cent tax on Telugu films against 24 per cent levied on others was discriminatory, the court had stressed that a statute also had to be tested on the touchstone of social values as mentioned in the Constitution.

"In any case, it cannot be the object of any statute to be socially divisive in which event it may fall foul of broad constitutional scheme enshrined under Articles 19 and 21, and also the Preamble," the apex court said.

Rajan Sharma, the proprietor of Aashirwad Films, said he had to approach Supreme Court again because the Andhra Pradesh government had found a way out and was still discriminating between Telugu and non-Telugu films.

With the apex court prohibiting discrimination on the basis of language, the state government had issued a fresh notification levying 7 per cent entertainment tax on films produced in the state against 20 per cent on those produced outside.

"I am fighting against the discrimination for long," Sharma said. "There was a total exemption for Kannada films in Karnataka and Marathi films in Maharashtra, The Hindi film distributors have suffered."

Source: indiatoday.intoday.in

Kambli shakes a leg in Marathi item number

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:22:00 +0000

After trying his hand at various reality shows, former cricketer Vinod Kambli is now chancing his arm in the Marathi film industry. The southpaw, who is currently holed up in the Bigg Boss house, has taken on an item number in a Marathi film Lagli Paij. The film is slotted for release all over Maharashtra on November 20. The item song was shot in Pune at Pan Club's dance floor Era 51.

"I really enjoyed doing this item song. "It was my first experience of working in a Marathi film," said Kambli.
"The item song has been shot with Kambli and Shruti," said director Milind Shintre. Interestingly, the love song, penned by Shintre, is based on cricket terminology. Usha Uthup is also giving her voice for the first time to Marathi film, he added.

Source: mid-day.com

Pulotsav begins minus Sunita Deshpande

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:19:00 +0000

A two-minute silence in memory of noted writer and wife of Pu La Deshpande, Sunita Deshpande, who passed away on Saturday, marked the inauguration of the seventh edition of the Pulotsav' before a packed audience on Sunday.

An annual event organised by the Aashay Sanskrutik in memory of renowned litterateur and humourist P L Deshpande or Pu La as he was popularly known, the festival was inaugurated by actor Nana Patekar in the presence of Narendra Jadhav, member of the Planning Commission and former vice-chancellor of the University of Pune and popular writer Meena Prabhu on the New English School ground on Tilak road.

The festival, which is on till November 18, promises a bouquet of offerings including music, art, theatre, literature, documentaries and some other cultural programmes.

This year's festivities, however, will miss the presence of Sunita Deshpande. "Her contribution to the festival has been immense. We had even a second thoughts about holding the festival just days after her demise. But both Sunitabai and Bhai (P L Deshpande) believed that the show must go on, and this sentiment was echoed by their family members," said Virendra Chitrav, festival director. "Both Pu La and Sunitabai were part of Aashay Sanskrutik and we never envisaged a day where we would start the festival the day after she passed away," said Satish Jakatdar, festival director.

In his speech, Jadhav, who had come all the way from New Delhi for the function, said that he was glad that this is his first public function since he was appointed on the Planning Commission. "My wife and I have been associated with the Pulotsav for a long time. So, we had to be here this year too. It is admirable to see new programmes being introduced at the Pulotsav every year and that is exactly what Sunitabai wanted, a festival that turns younger by the year," he said, while recounting his memories about Pu La.

Patekar, meanwhile, spoke about how it felt a bit strange in the absence of Sunita Deshpande. "I never saw Sunitabai as being separate from Bhai and that was wrong. That said, I'm glad that there is such a programme that plays tribute to the great person that Bhai was," he said. He further spoke of how he started his career in theatre with one of Pu La's plays. "Soon after I did Ankush' and the director, N Chandra and me invited him for a screening. He loved the film and wrote a letter appreciating it which worked wonders for our publicity because every Marathi speaking person believed Pu La's words," said Patekar.

The inauguration was followed by a musical programme wherein a number of singers from a reality show performed.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Bollywood: Fitting tribute to the father of indian film

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:12:00 +0000

Harishchandrachi Factory, a masterpiece directed by Paresh Mokashi, is a definite Oscar and Bafta winner,writes DEVANSH PATEL in this world exclusive review

TODAY the word Bollywood is heard more than Barack Obama across the world. The Indian film industry is the most productive in the world, releasing more than 900 features each year, but it traces its lineage back to one movie and one man - Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke - the father of Indian cinema.

Harishchandrachi Factory is one such film, made in Marathi (one of the many spoken languages in India), which has been selected as India's official entry in the Best Foreign Film category at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

Just like Sir Richard Attenborough's Gandhi opens with an acknowledgement that it can't do justice to an entire life but will content itself with capturing the spirit of the man called Gandhi, Paresh Mokashi's Harishchandrachi Factory does the same. He captures the essence of Dadasaheb Phalke in just under two hours to such an extent that you are transported to the early 1900s to witness the making of India's first full-length feature film.

Dhundiraj Phalke (Nandu Madhav) was raised in a traditional orthodox Hindu family but turned his back on the priesthood in favour of photography, theatre and the emerging art form of cinema.

Venturing forth as a director, he found himself inspired both by an imported European film, The Life of Christ, which was screened in Bombay in 1911, and by the swadeshi movement of economic self-sufficiency which aimed to undermine British rule.

He thought, 'Why can't we produce our own films, based on our own stories? Why can't we make purely Indian films in India?'. With the help of his wife, Saraswati Phalke, (Vibhawari Deshpande) and his two sons, Bhalachandra Phalke (Mohit Gokhale) and Mahadev Phalke (Atharva Karve), Dhundiraj embarked on his ambitious journey to give birth to India's first silent motion picture.

But before his epic journey began, Phalke had to undergo a lot of criticism from his colleagues and family members. While some of his well-wishers thought he was going insane, others were of the opinion that he would never be able to accomplish his mission.

Phalke was so hooked on moving pictures that he was on the verge of losing his vision due to the huge number of screenings he would attend of foreign films shown in his village. His passion soon turned to addiction, but his will to succeed never took a back seat. He went to London in February 1912 to learn the art and craft of film-making. It was Cecil Hepworth of Walton Studios who trained him.

Phalke bought a Willamson camera and returned to India to find a cast and crew to be a part of his first ambitious film Raja Harishchandra. The money for this venture came from a loan against an insurance policy.

His wife, Saraswati, was an active partner in the venture. She not only managed the unit but also looked after the technical aspects of filmmaking.

The end result was a full house show of Raja Harishchandra in India in 1913; it was India's first official blockbuster hit.

One thing is certain - If you know nothing about Dadasaheb Phalke before going to the theatre, you will know a whole lot more coming out of it.

The director has captured nuances in the speech and movement of Phalke which make it seem as though he has stepped through black and white newsreels into the present technicolor reincarnation. While a lot of research may have gone into making this masterpiece, the director made sure that the journey of one man's struggle to make the first ever film in India was a treat for the eye.

Harishchandrachi Factory is clearly the work of a mature film-maker, one with patience and self confidence. Paresh Mokashi makes a smart film whose success is largely in the hands of its talented cast. Both script and camera serve only as a canvas upon which the masterful Phalke, beautifully played by Nandu Madhav, paints a touchingly lifelike picture of one of the greatest men in India's history.

Some brilliant performances by supporting characters need special mention: Vibhawari Deshpande, Atharva Karve, Tryambak Telang, Mohit Gokhale and Dilip Joglekar make you want to shout 'encore'.

Amlendu Chaudhary's cinematography is also top notch and Amit Pawar's editing is of an international standard.

Watching flawless cinema like this makes you want to stand up and bow down to Dadasaheb Phalke, for today the Indian film industry is reaping what he sowed.

To sum up, Harishchandrachi Factory is about one man, one camera and one dream - a dream to make India's first feature film. It deserves one Oscar for sure! [25cf] Harishchandrachi Factory premieres in London's Cineworld cinema at Shaftesbury Avenue on November 6.

Source: ealinggazette.co.uk

Marathi movie Natarang a hit at MAMI fest

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Natarang, the first ever production by Zee Talkies, is a poignant movie which revolves around the life and times of Guna, a ‘tamasha’ artist from Maharashtra and the challenges he faces while pursuing this passion.

Recently, at the 11th international MAMI festival, Natrang became the only Indian movie to be screened in the ‘Above the cut’ category of feature films of extraordinary cinematic merit. There were 14 international feature films in the ATC category, and Natarang was the only Indian film. As the festival is host to a number of international cinema lovers and even acclaimed Indian film critics, the honour given to Natarang must be applauded.

Natrang is based on a novel by the same name by acclaimed marathi author Dr. Anand Yadav and is set in 1970’s rural village of Maharashtra. This movie is not just a tale of the times and travails of the ‘tamasha’ artist Guna (played by Atul Kulkarni), but also reflects the lives of every passionate artiste, in whichever field he is. The passion, the zeal and the dream — Natarang is the story of a young artiste’s journey to achieve one unthinkable dream.

As Atul Kulkarni, who was present at the 11th MAMI festival, where the movie was screened in front a huge audience, shared, “Looking at the response here, I can surely say that the efforts of director Ravi Jadhav and his team have won much deserved appreciation.”

“The more the rooted, the more the global impact. And that can happen only through regional films, as that’s where the soul of real India lies,” said Kulkarni. Adding, “A number of people are saying that this is the golden period for marathi cinema, but I think only when we start making more meaningful films like these on continuous basis and invest more in our industry, will we start towards that golden period.”

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Renowned Marathi novelist Sharanchandra Tongo passes away

Marathi Theatre.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:12:00 +0000

Yavatmal: Renowned Marathi novelist Sharanchandra Tongo passed away in his residence here at 2 pm today. He was 94.

Tongo was suffering from throat cancer and was operated upon in 2005. He is survived by his son Dr Abhay Tongo and daughter Rohini Shende. He had donated his body to the local Govt Medical College, hence, the College authorities received the body.

Thousands of his fans and Marathi Literature lovers thronged his local Bajoria Nagar residence and paid their homage to the departed soul.

Late Sharadchandra Tongo has written a number of Marathi Novels. He has also written books for children besides having a drama to his credit. His drama was staged at the All India Marathi Natya Sammelan held in 1975 and the former MP Jambhuwantrao Dhote had played the lead role in the drama.

Tongo was a professor of Marathi Literature in the local Amolakchand College and retired in 1974 from active teaching service. He was the President of Vidarbha Marathi Sahitya Sangh and worked as the President of the reception committee of All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held in Yavatmal in 1970s.

Tongo was one of the panel members of the Maharashtra State Secondary Textbook Advisory Committee for a considerable period. He was on the editorial board of Marathi weekly Lokmat when it was initially published from Yavatmal and worked as editor of the Marathi monthly Sonali of former chief minister Late Sudhakarrao Naik.

Tongo's sudden demise has created a void in the field of Marathi Literature and it is rather difficult to fill up the gap.

Source:PTI