The Common Man Speaks

Pune 52 inspired from real detective: Director

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By Keyur Seta

(Taken from the website Halti Chitre.)

Pune 52 is one of the rare Marathi films to have released its first teaser around eight or nine months before the film’s release. Apart from this, the reason for it garnering excitement is due to the fact that it is the story of a detective; a concept not explored much in Marathi cinema. As the movie is finally nearing release after being postponed, the eagerness has only increased due to the actual trailers. Naturally, debutant filmmaker Nikhil Mahajan is keenly looking forward to the response. He gets talking about the actual genre of his movie and the inspiration behind it, among other things.

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How would you describe Pune 52?

Pune 52 is a dramatic thriller. It’s a drama about urban relationships with a very subtle thriller undertone to it. The story is set in the 90’s about a private detective and the fall in his marriage due to another woman. It is set against the backdrop of financial reforms, how it changed the country and how the middle class was affected due to the reform policies. So it’s a personal story of this couple which is the representative of the society at that time.

How did the story idea originate?

I have a very close friend here in Pune whose uncle is a private detective. I met his uncle casually once and we ended up speaking a lot. He told me about his challenging, interesting profession. But what was more interesting was how it affected his personal life. This profession involves going against the law, meeting strange people, working at night and being in the shadow. It is not a very socially acceptable profession. There are multiple issues attached to it.

Girish Kulkarni in Pune 52

Girish Kulkarni in Pune 52

So I thought it would be very interesting to write a poignant drama about a detective. Hence, the story germinated and I slowly started adding layers to it. I worked on it for two years! The thrill element comes in naturally because of the profession. But the movie shouldn’t be mistaken for a thriller which a lot of people are doing. It is not a whodunit or a murder mystery. It’s a film which will get into your skin and make you uncomfortable. But it is not, not, not a conventional thriller!

Along with your film, Hou De Jarasa Ushir is also releasing on January 18. Don’t you think it can be risky for both the films?

No yaar I don’t think so. Both are different films. And when do you release a film? It’s always very crowded. BP (Balak Palak) released on January 4, this week it was Ajinkya, then our film and Hou De Jarasa Ushir are releasing on the 18th and after that, it is Aajcha Divas Majha. So some clash is bound to happen. Plus, Hou De Jarasa Ushir has a completely different genre from our film. So I don’t think both films will eat into each other’s business.

What is your background? How did you become a filmmaker?

I was studying to become an engineer. But I had this crazy passion for films since childhood. I started writing scripts for short films. Then I worked with Ram Gopal Varma’s production house. I assisted people there and even wrote with them. Nothing materialized but that fortified my idea of wanting to be a filmmaker.

Then I realized I need to be professionally trained and versed with the grammar of filmmaking. So I went to Australia and graduated in film direction from The International Film School in Sydney. After returning, I wrote Pune 52 while working as a writer with a company. I started hunting for a producer for my script. It’s been a long journey and struggle. It’s not at all been easy. I faced 40 rejections because of the content and the film not being conventional! Thankfully, I found producers and the film turned out very well.

Your film will also be released outside Maharashtra. How was this possible?

PVR Director’s Rare is a program by PVR Cinemas which releases path-breaking, independent cinema in as many screens as possible. Their idea is to support Indian independent cinema which normally doesn’t have the budget or capability to find a wide release. They might have heard about Pune 52 from those who saw it in MAMI Festival or somewhere else. Their director met me and said they will release the film outside Maharashtra on February 8.

Historic Event: Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth Anniversary

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(Taken from the website – Road to Divinity)

Exactly 150 years ago, when Vishwanath and Bhuvaneshwari Devi Datta were blessed with a son Narendra Nath, who would have thought that this kid would one day shake the world with his philosophies on humanity and fearlessness? As one looks back at the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda (name adopted by Narendra after becoming a Sanyasi), there is no doubt that his birth was one of the biggest historic events ever!

Heartfelt Namaskar to Swami Vivekananda on his 150th Birth Anniversary

However, just saluting or doing namaskar to him won’t be of any use if we don’t put his divine and spiritual principles into practice in our own lives. Looking at the miserable and anti-spiritual condition of India, following his principles is the only solution to the humongous problems our nation is facing. Doing this isn’t a huge task at all. Even if each one of us follow his teachings even in our personal lives, it will help the nation a great deal. We all know how intensely the fire of patriotism burnt inside Swamiji’s heart. So it is up to us to rejuvenate India as per his dreams and keep his fire of nation building alive.

(Swami Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary is being celebrated through a number of events. Click HERE to know about them.)

(To read the biography of Swami Vivekananda, click HERE.)

Swami-Vivekananda-religion

Ajinkya (Marathi Movie) Review

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Director: Tejas Vijay Deoskar

Producers: S K Production Films and Sandesh Films International

Writers: Tejas Vijay Deoskar

Cast: Sandeep Kulkarni, Kadambari Kadam, Sarika Nilatkar

Music: Susmit Limaye

Genre: Drama

Rating: * * *

Story Outline: For Basketball coach Anant Dharmadhikar (Sandeep Kulkarni), winning is everything. But his intense passion for Basketball and a sharp ego separate him not only from his wife Sai (Kadambari Kadam), who is highly successful in the corporate world, but also from the game itself. Amidst such dire consequences, will Anant find a ray of hope?

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Review: Winning is the ultimate motto for any team playing whichever sport. But in the midst of winning all the time and maintaining the number one spot, we often forget to enjoy the game both on and off the field. With the use of a story of an egoistic coach, Tejas Vijay Deoskar succeeds in giving this message in Ajinkya in a heartwarming manner. Although the film doesn’t provide as much impact in few portions as needed, the realistic portrayal of the life of a coach and the simplicity make sure it’s worth watching.

The narration is intelligent in the first half. The main point of the story and the character definition of Anant is established right at the start. The way the background is narrated by using flashback in between deserves applause. There is realism induced in every situation which makes the audience feel for the characters. Anant’s interaction with his wife’s friend and his wife after separation deserve special mention. Even his struggle to keep himself away from Basketball is smartly shown without using dialogues, especially in the cupboard shifting scene.

It is the second half which stops the film from becoming superlative. From the start of this part till the climax, there isn’t any real conflict and unpredictability. The story and the message should have been exploited more to create a much bigger impact. It is also in this period that the pace drops a bit. But due to Anant’s subtle return to the game, his change in outlook and a moving climax, you leave the cinema hall with a smile.

In a film where a sport plays an important part, there is a danger of the makers getting carried away by it. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen here. The game of Basketball is used only as per the need. It is also shot in a manner which makes it appealing even to those who aren’t interested in the sport.

The film has received apt support from the cinematography and editing. Although the background music suits the need, there are a lot of portions where they have simply not used it at all! Music wise, ‘Theme of Ajinkya’ and ‘Jari Maza Tuza’ are the tracks that go well with the situations.

Performances are a big plus point. Sandeep Kulkarni perfectly gets into the skin of a tough coach and delivers a top notch performance. He shows his talent in the emotional scenes too. His act is largely responsible for making you feel for his character and the story. Kadambari Kadam is also thoroughly mature as his wife. Sarika Nilatkar provides perfect support while the rest of the actors play their part well.

Overall, Ajinkya doesn’t win by 25 points (as said in the film) but it wins nevertheless. Due to the average hype, it needs some terrific word-of-mouth to succeed at the box-office.

(Personal Note: Recently, me and my friend had the privilege of having a long conversation with a tennis coach. He revealed about his coaching techniques and how his profession has badly affected his personal life. Whatever he told us, matched exactly with Sandeep Kulkarni’s character and his situation in the movie.)

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola Box Office Prediction

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Direction: Vishal Bhardwaj

Producers: Fox Star Studios and Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures Pvt. Ltd

Writers: Vishal Bhardwaj and Abhishek Chaubey

Cast: Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma, Pankaj Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Aarya Babbar

Music: Vishal Bhardwaj

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Release Date: January 11, 2013

Analysis:

Star Value: Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma are not big superstars but they are popular enough to pull a good section of the audience to the theaters, especially youngsters. Plus, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola also has legends of Indian cinema in the form of Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi.

Hype: The film has managed a decent hype before its release if not tremendous. The funny promos with unusual dialogues have made heads turn. Anushka’s ‘Dekho Magar Pyar Se’ tattoo and ‘Gulabi Bhains’  have also largely helped.

Music: Although Bhardwaj is known to be a talented music director, the songs of this movie haven’t become known. But the reason for this is that the makers haven’t used the music much to promote the movie. The title song is the only one which is famous and appreciated.

Prediction:

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola will get a decent to good opening at the box office, although not excellent. Even if it gets a decent response, it will make the producers happy as it has good two weeks to earn. Since it is a rural film, it has a chance of earning even in smaller centers, provided it doesn’t get initial negative response.

Picture Courtesy - MKBKM Facebook page

Picture Courtesy – MKBKM Facebook page

 

BP (Balak Palak) Review

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Direction: Ravi Jadhav

Producers: Ravi Jadhav Films, Viva In-En and Mumbai Film Company

Writers: Ravi Jadhav, Ambar Hadap, Ganesh Pandit and Guru Jadhav

Cast: Rohit Phalke, Bhagyashree Sankpal, Shahwati Pimplikar, Madan Deodhar, Kishore Kadam, Prathamesh Parab, Sai Tamhankar, Anand Ingle

Music: Vishal-Shekhar

Genre: Drama

Rating: * * * *

Story Outline: The story takes place in the 1980s when Avya (Rohit Phalke), Bhagya (Madan Deodhar), Dolly (Shahwati Pimplikar) and Chiu (Bhagyashree Sankpal) are close teenage friends living in the same chawl. Circumstances and their school friend Vishu (Prathamesh Parab) introduce them to the world of sex through porn books and blue films (BP). But is this the right method of getting enlightened about sex? What would happen if the elders of their chawl find out about their secret activity?

(For more reviews, news and information on Marathi cinema, click HERE) (To join us on Facebook, click HERE)

Review: In most Indian families, it is almost impossible for children to talk about sex openly with their parents since the topic is considered a taboo. Due to this, naturally, they receive half or false knowledge about it from their friends. Ravi Jadhav’s BP (BALAK PALAK) gives a bold message that instead of children or teenagers getting a wrong notion about sex from unreliable or harmful sources, it is better that the parents themselves enlighten them about the curious phenomenon. Jadhav comes out as a winner by putting forth the point without being vulgar or cheap. But what makes the film further special is the fact that he has narrated the tale like a laugh riot throughout!

Picture Courtesy - BP Twitter page

Picture Courtesy – BP Twitter page

While dealing with such a sensitive subject, it is extremely vital for the writers to achieve utmost perfection. This is exactly what Jadhav, Ambar Hadap and Ganesh Pandit have done. They have encountered the very difficult task of narrating a curious tale about sex without making it look offensive whatsoever. Even the jokes or one-liners about sex are innocent than anything else. Since they are aplenty, there is nonstop entertainment!

The narration is smooth flowing yet very fast with a smart use of flashback. The introduction of the topic of sex through the proverb Shen Khane (eating cow dung) is an intelligent idea. Talking about intelligence, it is also seen in abundance in the dialogues, both funny and serious ones. Jadhav has also highly succeeded in getting top notch performances from his young cast. This greatly helps in generating great chemistry between the four friends.

Coming to the negative points, there is a moment in the pre-climax portion where the story appears stretched, especially due to the inclusion of a song. But this doesn’t cause any problems as such due to a greatly moving climax. Apart from this, the nature of the subject doesn’t ensure much of a repeat value.

Perfection is also seen in Mahesh Limaye’s cinematography and Dilip More and Santosh Phutane’s art direction. The editing is perfect while the background music (Chinar-Mahesh) is effective. From Vishal-Shekhar’s music, ‘Karuya Danga’ is a well composed, peppy number that stays with you.

The film is blessed with excellent performances. Rohit Phalke, Madan Deodhar, Shahwati Pimplikar, Bhagyashree Sankpal and Prathamesh Parab are flawless and mature in their respective acts. It’s a pleasure to see them perform! Kishore Kadam is wonderful in a difficult role. Sai Tamhankar provides perfect support while Anand Ingle, Avinash Narkar, Vishaka Subedar and Supriya Pathare play their parts well. Subodh Bhave and Amruta Subhash shine in their cameos.

Overall, BP (Balak Palak) succeeds in dealing with a sensitive issue in a non-offensive and entertaining manner. The film is sure to earn accolades at the box office due to a positive response. It has a good two week period to earn before Pune 52 and Hou De Jarasa Ushir release on January 18.

S Vivekananda 150th Birth Anniversary Events

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(From the website –  Road to Divinity)

The keenly awaited 150th Birth Anniversary of the greatest sage Swami Vivekananda will be celebrated in a grand manner throughout India through a number of events organized by the Ramakrishna Mission. In fact, they have planned a year long program to celebrate the occasion and spread Swamiji’s message starting from January 12.

The celebrations will be kicked off on January 12 with the inaugural ceremony of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swamiji and National Youth Day at Shanmukhananda Hall, King’s Circle, Mumbai from 2:00 pm onwards. The passes of the same are available at Ramakrishna Mission Math office in Khar, Mumbai.

The rest of the events planned to celebrate Swamiji’s Birth Anniversary are as follows:-

Picture Courtesy - sainathreddy.com

January 27, 2013 (Sunday)
Bengali Drama BILAY by Lokkrishti, Kolkata at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai at 7:00 pm
Tickets available for Rs 300, 200 and 100 at Ramakrishna Mission Math office, Khar, Mumbai

March 16, 2013 (Saturday)
Musical tribute to Swami Vivekananda by renowned artists from Kolkata. (More info shall up updated soon)

August 24, 2013
Youth Convention on Philosophies and Teachings of Swami Vivekananda. (More info shall up updated soon)

November 29 to December 1, 2013
Parliament of Religions and Spiritual Retreat (More info shall up updated soon)

December 21, 2013
Classical Musical Tribute to Swami Vivekananda by Ustad Rashid Khan, Pandit Debashis Bhattacharya, Pandit Bikram Ghosh, Pandit Uday Bhawalkar and others. (More info shall up updated soon)

There are many more such events. Please BOOKMARK this page for further updates.

Traffic cops say, Hou De Jarasa Ushir

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Picture Courtesy - HDJU Facebook page

Picture Courtesy – HDJU Facebook page

If you are in Pune, don’t be surprised if you witness traffic cops instructing – Hou De Jarasa Ushir. Confused? Well, the city’s traffic police department has started an awareness program from January 1 to 15 to highlight the importance of traffic safety. And to do this, they are using the title of Biroba Films’Hou De Jarasa Ushir as they feel it suits the campaign.

“I had approached DCP (Traffic) Vishwas Pandhare and he liked the title Hou De Jarasa Ushir and the tagline Thamba Paha Jha. He said he will adopt our concept and title graphics for the traffic awareness campaign which will encourage motorists for ensuring safety and following traffic rules. We are very happy that our title is being put to good use and will help towards making the roads of the city a little bit safer,” said Tahir Maner, producer of the movie.

As per the campaign activity, various hoardings are put up across Pune displaying the message of traffic safety along with the film’s title. The same was visible in the New Year greeting cards which were distributed to the public not just by the traffic police but also the producer, director Wasim Maner and important members from the film’s crew. In order to show their concern, they also distributed flowers.

With Marathi films in dire need for promotions, we might well see makers of a number of upcoming films adopting such creative measures to achieve visibility.

Hou-De-Jarasa-Ushir           Hou-De-Jarasa-Ushir-traffic-campaign

Hou-De-Jarasa-Ushir-Pune-traffic                         Vahatuk-Suraksha-Abhiyan-Pune

Make 2013 a Happy New Year in real sense!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all! However, it will be a ‘happy’ new year for INDIA only if its people stay awake and continue to fight against various evil forces. Wild parties, dancing and drinking won’t ensure a ‘happy’ new year. Only raising your voice and doing every bit for the betterment of the nation will!
“INDIA is to be raised. The poor are to be fed. Education is to be provided. The evil is to be removed.”
– SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
Picture courtesy – http://swamivivekananda.jnanajyoti.com/

Picture courtesy – http://swamivivekananda.jnanajyoti.com/

Vijay Aso (Marathi Movie) Review

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Direction: Rahul Jadhav

Production: Artha Motion Pictures and Nirmit Nirmitee

Writer: Chinmay Mandlekar

Cast: Chinmay Mandlekar, Murli Sharma, Namarata Gaikwad, Ganesh Yadav, Kedar Shinde

Music: Amit Raj Sawant

Genre: Political Drama

Rating: * * *

Story Outline: Shankar Gawde (Chinmay Mandlekar) is not just a karyakarta (party worker) for Forest Minister Prakash Jadhav (Murli Sharma). He considers the politician as his demigod. He helps fulfill Jadhav’s political motives by staging fake protests, gatherings, etc.

All hell breaks loose for Jadhav when television journalist Shrikant Pathak (Ganesh Yadav) exposes him for corruption in the land sector. Hence, the party chief demands Jadhav’s resignation. In order to show his power and hit back at the party chief, Jadhav orders Gawde to organize a violent protest outside the party chief’s office. An emotionally charged Gawde obeys the orders only to realize that he has been taken for a ride. Angry and heartbroken, Gawde sets out to take revenge from Jadhav for the betrayal!

Review: There have been a number of political dramas in recent years. But despite that, debutant filmmaker Rahul Jadhav’s Vijay Aso stands out for portraying the real picture on the working of a karyakarta (party worker). Although there is an absence of flawlessness, the above mentioned point, a fast narration and above all, Chinmay Mandlekar’s bravura act make sure that Vijay Aso is surely worth watching.

What works most for the movie is a fast paced narration with hardly a dull moment. After an average beginning, the writers have nicely presented a number of interesting events one after the other. But the biggest plus point has to be the inside story behind political events like rallies, gatherings, protests, etc.

This surely brings back memories of Avdhoot Gupte’s Zenda. But Vijay Aso treads on a different path by focusing more on their working style with respect to the manner in which they organize staged political events. Later on, the most defining moment and Mandlekar’s transformation take the movie to a new level.

Picture Courtesy - Vijay Aso Facebook page

Picture Courtesy – Vijay Aso Facebook page

The film, however, would have been superlative but for some negative points. The evil motto of one of the main characters is not clearly explained. The writers should have exploited Mandlekar’s transformation by including more clap-worthy moments. An important incident in the pre-climax portion and the events in the climax needed to be presented in a more impactful manner.

Jadhav shows his class in his cinematography, which is a big plus point of movie. The background score succeeds in creating the desired effect. The tune after Mandlekar’s transformation is very impactful! Music (Amit Raj Sawant) doesn’t have much scope in such films but the title rock track manages to impress and suits the subject. ‘Holicha Danka’ too is memorable but the item song ‘Ishqachi Boat’ is just average.

Chinmay Mandlekar is brilliant as the central character Santosh Gawde. He shows his acting prowess by playing two different characters with perfection. This is the first time that Murli Sharma is playing one of the main characters in a Marathi movie. He gives a terrific act as a cunning, manipulative politician. His Marathi pronunciation should be applauded except on a couple of occasions which is surely forgivable considering his background.

Ganesh Yadav is mostly famous for playing the role of a cop in Marath films. For the first time, he plays a television journalist and he is just outstanding! Namrata Gaikwad fits the bill as Gawde’s love interest, although she is more of a supporting character. Kedar Shinde, Janardan Parab, Amita Khopkar and the rest of supporting cast play their parts well.

Overall, if you enjoy realistic political dramas, Vijay Aso won’t disappoint you. The film desperately needs a strong word-of-mouth due to the average hype and the fact that it is clashing with a number of other Marathi movies.

Gang Rape Victim Death: Last wake up call!

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I have always had doubts about the concept of reincarnation. But after the terribly tragic news of the passing away of the 23 year old gang rape victim (also called Damini), I am hoping such a phenomenon does exist. Such brave-heart fighters surely deserve another chance! May her soul Rest In Peace and may God give strength to her family and the entire nation to overcome this grave tragedy.

The only way justice can be given for such unimaginably torturous crime is by giving extremely painful deaths to the offenders. Death merely by hanging is as bad as acquittal!

The number of rapes, especially in Delhi, has increased tremendously in the last few years. But what measures have the government taken to amend laws for rapes and to ensure safety of women? Absolutely none!

There is also no doubt that the Delhi Police has the dedication required to improve the situation. This was clearly seen by the way they mercilessly beat up protestors which also included women and, shockingly, senior citizens! If they had shown such fierce determination in protecting the women, such an incident wouldn’t have taken place!

If the same attitude is continued by our authorities, I am sorry to say such incidents will keep taking place, unless some weird creatures, who call themselves men, start behaving humanly!