Har Har Mahadev review: Subodh Bhave & Sharad Kelkar are a deadly combo

October 25, 2022 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Making a historical on a personality like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a large scale can be a major challenge for any filmmaker. In the case of writer and director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande’s Har Har Mahadev, it was even tougher since there have been a series of films on the Maratha history in recent years.

Out of all these movies, Digpal Lanjekar himself has made four – Farzand (2018), Fatteshikast (2019), Pawankhind (2022) and Sher Shivraj (2022).

Har Har Mahadev tells the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Subodh Bhave) before his coronation. It starts off with a feud between the Bandal warrior Bajiprabhu Deshpande (Sharad Kelkar) and Shivaji Maharaj during the latter’s youth phase. He wants all Marathis to unite and fight against Adilshahi’s atrocities. He finally succeeds in making Deshpande his trusted aide.

The movie features the famous incident where Shivaji Maharaj kills Afzal Khan. Later on, it focusses on Siddhi Jauhar (Milind Shinde) acquiring Panhala, the struggle for the safe evacuation of Shivaji Maharaj from there and, more importantly, the iconic battle of Pawankhind.

Subodh Bhave and Sharad Kelkar in Har Har Mahadev

This makes it clear that Har Har Mahadev features the two events that were individually portrayed by Lanjekar in Sher Shivraj and Pawankhind.

But Deshpande’s movie still succeeds in being interesting through its entertaining narrative and some applaud-worthy heroic dialogues. The action sequences are impressive and they are enhanced by the music. In short, there is plenty for the masses to cheer, especially in single screen theatres.

Although Shivaji Maharaj is on the highest stature in Maratha history, Har Har Mahadev gives equal prominence to Bajiprabhu Deshpande as well. Hence, the film also works as one of those two-hero action films.

There is some powerful as well as moving chemistry between Bhave and Kelkar. They form a deadly combo that makes you go through various emotions. Bhave gets the act of playing a tough character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj incredibly right. His body language is the highlight of his performance.

Kelkar lights up with screen through an energetic act. He is terrific in both action-oriented and emotional moments.

The other supporting cast, including Amruta Khanvilkar, Nishigandha Wad and Sayali Sanjeev score decent in roles with limited screen time. Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), generates impact as the voice of Sahyadri.

The movie, however, uses the usual trope of portraying the bad guys as weak and, sometimes, as laughing stocks. It is important for the villains to be powerful in such films, but that is far from the case here. This, obviously, affects the performances of Milind Shinde and the actor who played Afzal Khan.

Har Har Mahadev has other issues too. The film doesn’t start on a smooth manner in terms of the screenplay. The momentum slows down after a while in the second half. The finale fight sequence is stretched. The movie should have gotten over before 161 minutes.

Also read: Ram Setu review – Last 1 minute somewhat saves Akshay Kumar’s movie

Also, you can’t help but realize that you would have liked the film more if there wouldn’t have been an overdose of films on the Maratha history in recent years.

Overall: Har Har Mahadev has enough going for itself for the masses.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Director: Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande

Producers: Zee Studios and Shree Ganesh Marketing and Films

Writer: Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande

Cast: Subodh Bhave, Sharad Kelkar, Milind Shinde, Nishigandha Wad, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sayali Sanjeev

When Subodh Bhave was rejected for the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

October 11, 2022 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Subodh Bhave will be playing the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande’s Har Har Mahadev. This is yet another real-life character played by the actor in his long list of biopics.

During the trailer launch of the movie, Bhave revealed that he had once got a chance to play the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj more than two decades before but things didn’t work out.

“When I had recently shifted to Mumbai to become an actor, Vinay Apte was making a TV serial on Shiv Chhatrapati in Hindi,” he said. “I had auditioned for the role of Shiv Chhatrapati. But I wasn’t selected. I had to wait for 22 years to play that character. Maybe it was Maharaj’s will to let me get prepared to play his character.”

Subodh Bhave further revealed that even after being offered the role, he, initially, had refused the film. He said that the same thing had happened with the earlier film he did with Deshpande Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar (2018)

“There is one similarity in both the films,” said the actor. “I didn’t want to play Kashinath Ghanekar’s character too but I did. Also when Abhijit wanted to shoot the film [Har Har Mahadev], I had the US tour coming up for my play. But in order for me to play this character, Corona arrived, there was lockdown and the shoot dates were postponed and I got the role.”

Also read: Play review – Ashrunchi Zali Phule starring Subodh Bhave

Produced by Zee Studios, Har Har Mahadev will be releasing during Diwali on 25 October. The film will also be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malyalam. This is the first Marathi film to be released in five languages.

Jhimma: When travel heals and bridges gaps

November 27, 2021 by Keyur Seta 3 Comments

On the surface, Hemant Dhome’s Marathi movie Jhimma is about a group of seven women (Suhas Joshi, Sonalee Kulkarni, Sayali Sanjeev, Nirmiti Sawant, Kshitee Jog, Suchitra Bandekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande) from different families going on a trip to London. It’s the first trip organized by the travel company founded by a young man Kabir (Siddharth Chandekar).

But deep inside, Jhimma is much more than a group characters sightseeing in a European city. The film doesn’t have a definite storyline, twists or even any major conflict. But despite that, it not only keeps you engaged but also makes you feel related to the characters in some way or the other.

All eight characters are distinct and each have their own problems or issues. For example, a typical housewife, who might have not gone out of city alone, goes all the way abroad. A widow facing anxiety and panic issues while going out alone shows courage to go on such a trip all by herself. A young woman unsure about marrying a guy she has recently got engaged to.

Jhimma Marathi movie — A still from Jhimma

Another youngster who has a habit of keeping things in possession (literally). Most interestingly, a senior citizen having her own reasons to take this trip and not appearing old by her thoughts in any way.

By the time Jhimma ends, one doesn’t realize how the characters find their own answers, get healed of an old wound or make peace with something that has been bothering them. It happens organically while keeping the audience entertained.

Without being preachy whatsoever, the film successfully highlights that great trips are those that evolve you either mentally or emotionally. Although the characters might have gone as far as London, this is applicable even while touring within your country. My last few trips inside India have made me experience the same.

Also, after a point of time, the gender of the seven characters doesn’t really matter. They start appearing more like human beings having their own issues, challenges or flaws, who ultimately achieve glory in their own way.

Note: Jhimma has revived Marathi cinema at the box office by going full even in its second weekend despite the release of quite a few big-ticket Hindi movies. In fact, the shows of this film have been increased in the second week due to public demand.

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When Milind Soman played an EVIL politician who orchestrated riots

September 18, 2021 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Think about Milind Soman and the first thing that comes to your mind is his physical appeal. It astonishes people on how can someone be so fit and good-looking even after crossing the age of 50. This is the reason why he has such high number of fan following among females.

But it would be unfair to tag Milind only for his good looks. He has also shown his acting abilities quite a few times but this side of his is often overshadowed by his looks.

Once such on-screen character of his that hasn’t been talked about much is that of an evil and communal politician.

Yes, you read it right. He played such a negative character in Jayprad Desai’s Marathi movie Nagrik (2015). Named Vikas Patil, the character was that of a young, fiery politician who is ready to take any step to gain votes and thereby acquire power.

In fact, Milind’s character not only uses religion to gain votes but also orchestrates communal riots where people from the minority community are killed. On top of that, the next day he visits the victims to display a fake show of sympathy.

Those who haven’t seen Nagrik might feel that someone like Milind isn’t suited for such a role. But the character was such that I feel he was the right choice.

Vikas Patil isn’t your conventional evil politician who is aged and speaks and behaves like a villain. The character, in fact, is that of a young and sophisticated politician who devices his evil plans in a calm and calculative manner.

Patil’s character is also seen boasting about being able to get votes from the people of Maharashtra by merely shutting down few toll nakas. This dialogue, which is also a part of the trailer, gave rise to speculations about the character being similar to that of Raj Thackeray. But barring this dialogue, I couldn’t find any similarity between Patil and the chief of MNS.

As a film, Nagrik is an interesting political drama. It sees Patil pitted against an honest and upright journalist Shyam Jagdale, played by Sachin Khedekar. Jagdale is known for his column ‘Nagrik’ in the newspaper he works for.

But when he exposes Patil in one of his columns, his editor, a part of the new management, refuses to publish it since the newspaper is getting an enormous advertisement revenue from Patil. Hence, Jagdale goes through an episode of frustration. However, he is not someone to give up so easily.

Nagrik is also one of the last few films of acting legend Shreeram Lagoo. He plays Milind’s political mentor, who is disappointed to see his pupil going ashtray.

There are quite a few reasons why Nagrik remains memorable. For me, the biggest one is to see Milind play such a negative character. He has played a couple of villainous roles in Tamil films though.

Also read:

Nagrik movie review

Asif Basra’s suicide in 2020 never triggered an uproar

Dithee review – Sumitra Bhave’s last film heals the grief of loss

May 22, 2021 by Keyur Seta 2 Comments

Filmmaker Sumitra Bhave passed away last month on April 12, just over a month before her first solo and last film Dithee released on Sony LIV. She and fellow filmmaker Sunil Sukthankar have been instrumental in making films that touch you purely through visuals and unspoken words over the decades.

Their 2017 offering Kaasav provided a feeling of healing, apart from being a brilliant cinematic experience. Bhave has provided a healing touch at a much larger level in Dithee through a completely different story, characters and milieu.

Based on the short story Aata Aamod Sunasi Aale by DB Mokashi, Dithee is based in a village occupied by a large number of warkaris; those who worship Vitthal-Rakhumai and take a pilgrimage every year. Ramji (Kishore Kadam) is devastated with the death of his young son after he drowns in the river. Worse, he is also shattered to see his daughter-in-law (Anjali Patil) giving birth to a girl at the same time. Ramji has lost all interest in life.

Dithee cast — Mohan Agashe, Girish Kulkarni and Dilip Prabhavalkar

Meanwhile, the cow in the house of Parubai (Amruta Subhash) and her husband (Shashank Shende) is having grave problems in pregnancy. They are unable to see the pain and suffering of the animal. Parubai thinks of taking Ramji’s help as he is an expert in this field. However, she is hesitant as Ramji himself is going through a terrible time with his loss.

Three other people [Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mohan Agashe and Girish Kulkarni] from Ramji’s warkari group are severely concerned for his condition and are ready to take efforts to make him feel better.

Dithee transforms you into a different world of the grieving Ramji and the worried Parubai. Despite the constant rains being symbolical to the inner gloomy state of the characters, you can’t help but appreciate the visual treat the film provides. Dhananjay Kulkarni, the cinematographer, has made fine use of the village Aalandi and other rural locations.

Dithee might appear like a slow-burner in the first half but that was necessary to establish the characters and their gloomy world. And once that happens and the film reaches the last 30-40 minutes, it brings out a number of moving as well as nail-biting moments as the cow is about to deliver the calf.

Kadam’s performance is the key here, especially in the ending moments. His emotional determination to get the cow deliver while going through a personal turmoil easily makes this as one of his best performances.

As is the case with Bhave’s past films, the entire cast has risen to the occasion. Amruta shines as a concerned yet strong woman while Shende gives her able support. The trio of Prabhavalkar, Agashe and Kulkarni put their right foot forward. Patil also contributes well as the mother of a new-born going through a tumultuous phase.

Due to the subject, it is a no-brainer that Dithee has quite a few devotional numbers aimed at Lord Vitthal. The one at the end not only takes the cake but also heals and uplifts you.

Dithee is currently streaming on Sony LIV

Rating: 4 out of 5

Director: Sumitra Bhave

Producers: Dr Mohan Agashe and Sumitra Bhave Films

Writers: DB Mokashi (short story) and Sumitra Bhave

Cast: Kishore Kadam, Amruta Subhash, Shashank Shende, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mohan Agashe, Girish Kulkarni, Anjali Patil

Music: Parth Umrani and Saket Kanetkar

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Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli Part 2 Review

February 8, 2019 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Director Mahesh Manjrekar’s Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli, the biopic on the legendary artist Purushottam Laxman Deshpande aka Pu La Deshpande, is released in two parts in a span of about a month. It is not often that you see this in India. Ram Gopal Varma’s Rakht Charitra (2011) and Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) are the only recent names to emerge in memory.

The Purvardha or the first part concentrated on the happy-go-lucky Deshpande’s (Sagar Deshmukh) commencement as a literary figure, theatre personality, music composer and his second marriage with Sunita Bai (Iravati Harshe).

The Uttarardha or the second part is about the events that take place in his life after he becomes not only an established artist but also an icon of Maharashtra. Hence, aspects like his social work (with Baba Amte) and political stints also get a mention here.

To put it simply, the second part of Bhaai continues the good work of its predecessor. This doesn’t come as a surprise after having enjoyed the first part. The journey picks up from the time Deshpande starts his one act play Batatyachi Chaal, which later goes onto become historic.

Just like the first part, we are presented with a compilation of important and relevant events revolving around the protagonist in a thoroughly light-hearted manner. Of course, the second part has more emotional moments, especially since it covers Deshpande’s ailing health that led to his death. But the feel and mood remains the same.

In an important sequence, fellow literary great Vijay Tendulkar is seen urging Deshpande to start mirroring the stark realities of society in his work. But he politely refuses saying he just wants to make people happy. This ideology of his is seen in the narrative of the film again.

Deshpande’s relationship with his close ones is one of the highlights of the film. His unusual yet strong bond with his wife Sunita is one of the most sensible portrayals of a married couple in a long time. His friendship with fellow artists like G D Madgulkar, Vasant Kanetkar, Bhimsen Joshi and Kumargandharva reaches another level during the classical mehfil. The opening credits song ‘Indrayani Kathi,’ written by Deshpande and sung by Joshi, is also a pleasure to the ears.

Also read: Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli Part 1 Review

The film also touches the sensitive political side of Pu La’s story. After supporting the Janata Party during its opposition to the Emergency, Deshpande warns of speaking against them after they gain power in case they turn out to be the same as the previous government. Later, Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray (Sarang Sathaye) gets offended when Pu La criticizes one of his statements despite accepting an award from his government.

The execution of the aforementioned incidents is sensible and mature and at the same time doesn’t let the film move out of the entertaining zone.

One might argue or feel that any story should have a definite aim for the protagonist, which is missing here. But such conventional storytelling isn’t possible in this story simply because Pu La never planned anything in life and just went with the flow, one incident at a time.

The narrative does threaten to suffer at one point in the second half, especially when the character Barkya (Girish Kulkarni) turns up and displays his antics. This is the only questionable moment in the film.

The main cast continues its good work from the first part. Sagar Deshmukh shows the same consistency while exploring the latter period of Deshpande’s life. He once again thoroughly lives the character. The same goes for Iravati Harshe’s mature and high quality act as his wife.

Shubhangi Damle also gets a good amount of footage as the older Sunita Bai and she is phenomenal. Vijay Kenkre also does justice to the older Deshpande. Sarang Sathaye stays firm in your memory with his convincing act as Thackeray despite having just two scenes.

Overall: Bhaai: Vyakti Kee Valli Purvardha (Part 2) gives an impressive end to the life story of one of Maharashtra’s most loved personalities.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review by: Keyur Seta

Director: Mahesh Manjrekar

Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Mahesh Manjrekar Movies

Writers: Ganesh Matkari and Ratnakar Matkari

Cast: Sagar Deshmukh, Iravati Harshe, Shubhangi Damle, Vijay Kenkre

Music: Ajit Parab

Genre: Biopic/ Drama

Duration: 130 minutes

Does Thackeray hint at Shiv Sena’s changing relationship with Congress?

January 27, 2019 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

Director Abhijit Panse’s Thackeray, the biopic on the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, is garnering various reactions from the audience and critics. But here is an attempt to read between the lines of the film’s content with retrospect to the current political stand of Shiv Sena.

Thackeray shows the supremo’s journey from his early days as a cartoonist. From that time itself he was a staunch opponent of the Congress. As an artist and a politician, Thackeray was never known to mince his words or sketches against anyone, including Congress and its leaders.

But surprisingly, the movie doesn’t feature Thackeray’s hatred for Congress through any of his speeches or conversations. Of course, Shiv Sena’s protest against the then deputy Prime Minister Morarji Desai gets a good footage. But that was a key incident, so that couldn’t have been skipped. Other than that, Thackeray isn’t shown speaking or acting against Congress.

The 1995 Maharashtra Assembly Elections were the first time that Shiv Sena came to power through a coalition with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The mammoth task of the coalition was to defeat Congress for the first time. So, it is obvious that speaking against your main opponent becomes your important task.

But that is not shown in Thackeray. Surprisingly, Shiv Sena’s road to the 1995 State Elections, which was their first major success, is hardly given any importance. Without showing any moment of their journey till the results, we are abruptly shown a scene of Shiv Sena workers celebrating the victory.

One of the highlights of Thackeray’s career was his fiery speeches at Shivaji Park, which were keenly awaited by his supporters as well as opponents. But strangely, the film doesn’t feature any of his speeches. Most of his speeches always targeted Congress. Was this the reason to omit it?

One might argue that the makers wanted to play safe. But it is not possible to buy this argument for a film that openly speaks about the party’s role in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.

Now, let us see why such soft stand against Congress gets more interesting. Since recent times, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who is also the film’s producer and story writer, has been showering praises at Congress, the Gandhi family and its President Rahul Gandhi, of all people.

Less than a week ago, Raut said, “Rahul Gandhi has always been mocked. But we cannot forget the sacrifices made by the Gandhi family for the country. If you do not agree with his policies, then criticise him, but do not make personal attacks. Personally, I am against this type of politics. He has never given false promises.” (Read the whole statement HERE)

Priyanka Gandhi’s decision to enter active politics few days ago met with sarcastic jibes from the opposition. But Raut had other views. Speaking about the decision, he said, “It’s a good decision by Rahul Gandhi. The people of India have always had a relationship with the Gandhi family. Indira Gandhi’s legacy will always remain strong in this country, Congress will benefit from this.” (Read the whole statement HERE).

The praise for Rahul started last year when Congress lost the Gujarat state elections to BJP after giving a tough fight. Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna hailed Rahul for being ‘Baazigar’ (indicating that he lost elections but won hearts). These are just few examples though.

For those not in the know, Shiv Sena has been throwing a volley of attacks against BJP, their ally both in state and centre, in recent years. In words one would only use for the opponents.

I have come across people and articles claiming that it was Congress that provided massive secret support to Shiv Sena during its early days so that the latter would help wipe out communists from Mumbai (then Bombay). But Shiv Sena leaders have never been comfortable with this question.

However, Thackeray, the film, shows no qualms in showing this relationship between Shiv Sena and Congress.

So, is the party paying back to the Congress for their initial help going by the recent heavy praise? Or is it just to score brownie points against your ally-cum-enemy BJP? And did we see a glimpse of it in the movie?

By: Keyur Seta

Bhaai: Vyakti Ki Valli Review – Delightful biopic on P L Deshpande

January 6, 2019 by Keyur Seta 2 Comments

The end of last year saw an impressive biopic on Marathi theatre’s superstar Kashinath Ghanekar in the form of Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar (2018). Less than two months later, the life of Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, one of Maharashtra’s most loved personalities, is portrayed on screen through Mahesh Manjrekar’s Bhaai: Vyakti Ki Valli.

Although both films are about the life of a yesteryear artist from Maharashtra, they are hugely different simply because of the vast dissimilarities between the two personalities.

Bhaai: Vyakti Ki Valli is the first of the two part films that traces the life of Purushottam Laxman Deshpande aka Pu La Deshpande aka Bhaai. Born in 1919, he (Sagar Deshmukh) was a multi-talented personality. Although he was mostly known as a legendary humourist, he also excelled as a music composer, singer, theatre and film actor and script writer. Despite becoming a lawyer, Deshpande was always inclined towards music, theatre and literature.

He marries Sundar (Mrunmayee Deshpande) as his late father (Sachin Khedekar) had promised her father of the same. Unfortunately, she dies just a week after their marriage. He then finds love in the school teacher Sunita Thakur (Iravati Harshe) while being employed in the same school. How Deshpande follows his dreams with Sunita’s support forms the rest of the film.

Bhaai focuses on Pu La’s personal life (maybe the second part will feature more on his career). It follows a light-hearted and humorous method of storytelling, which is a reflection of Pu La’s character and literary works. His real-life incidents are interesting enough to be told in a movie form in 119 minutes.

During this duration, important personalities and incidents are recreated albeit with creative liberty. It is a delight to see the likes of Bhimsen Joshi (Ajay Purkar), G D Madgulkar (Sagar Talshikar), Kumar Gandharva (Swanand Kirkire) and Vasantrao Deshpande (Padmanabh Bind) together with Deshpande in the golden era. But one appearance that takes you by pleasant surprise is the child version of Bal Thackeray.

This is a film where there is a lot of onus on the writing. Ganesh Matkari’s screenplay is fast paced and well-knitted. You get no time to think. Ratnakar Matkari has ensured that the dialogues are not only humorous but they play a role in making the character of Pu La believable.

Bhaai is very much in the Harishchandrachi Factory (2010) zone. That film was also a light-hearted affair about a late celebrated artist (Dadasaheb Phalke). The major difference is that the 2010 movie only focussed on Phalke’s work-related goal (to make India’s first motion picture), which also provided with conflict.

This clearly isn’t the case with Bhaai. In fact, it won’t be wrong to state that the film challenges conventional storytelling by not aiming at any specific goal of the protagonist and not relying on any major conflict (although there are a few conflict elements) to keep you hooked. The effect of the content is ably complemented by Manjrekar’s presentation, which is way different from his other films.

However, the simplistic mood should have been done away during the climax. It would have been better if the first part had ended with some dramatic moment instead of a song. Nevertheless the incredible track ‘Kanada Raja Pandharicha’ does ensure that you move out with a smile.

Despite the content, a lot relied on Sagar Deshmukh’s performance as Pu La in creating the overall effect. To put it simply, he has literally lived the happy-go-lucky character of the late great. He makes sure that he appears likeable even when he acts being immature or a bit irresponsible.

Iravati Harshe has been giving commendable performances in the last few years. She has continued her good work here too by fitting in perfectly as an independent woman. The film has quality supporting acts and cameos from a lot list of actors including Ashwini Giri, Purkar, Talshikar, Bind, Kirkire, Sachin Khedekar, Hrishikesh Joshi, Mrunmayee Deshpande and others.

Overall: Bhaai: Vyakti Ki Valli Purvardh (Part 1) is a biopic that will leave you delighted even in case you don’t know anything about Pu La Deshpande.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review by: Keyur Seta

Director: Mahesh Manjrekar

Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Mahesh Manjrekar Movies

Writers: Ganesh Matkari and Ratnakar Matkari

Cast: Sagar Deshmukh, Iravati Harshe, Ashwini Giri

Music: Ajit Parab

Genre: Biopic/ Drama

Duration: 119 minutes

Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3 box office: How much will Swapnil-Mukta starrer earn?

December 5, 2018 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

The Marathi movie Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3 is expected to earn well at the box office. Directed by Satish Rajwade, this is the third film in the franchise starring Swapnil Joshi and Mukta Barve. It is slated to release on 7 December.

Mumbai Pune Mumbai (2010) became a runaway hit and the jodi of Swapnil and Mukta became one of the most loved in Marathi cinema. Naturally, the second film Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2 (2015) was made.

The film not only clashed with Salman Khan’s biggie Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) on Diwali but also with another multistarrer Marathi film Katyar Kaljat Ghusli (2015). But despite that, it became a hit, along with the other two films as well. It was a rare occasion when three big films became successful at the box office despite each other’s presence.

The success of the first two films speaks volumes about the brand Mumbai Pune Mumbai. Needless to say, there is immense excitement for Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3. The film is surely expected to get a big opening at the box office in the first weekend, irrespective of the content.

If the content receives thumbs up from the audience, nothing will be able to stop the film from being a superhit. God forbid if the content doesn’t live up to the expectations, MPM 3 will still have a fair chance of becoming a hit.

Also read: Did Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar succeed only because Thugs Of Hindostan failed?

It is difficult to predict the exact number Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3 will earn at the box office. But roughly it is expected to make around Rs 15 crore at the box office in the first 10 days provided the film doesn’t receive a thumbs down for its content.

The good thing for the film is that the next big Hindi film Zero will be releasing on 21 December. Riteish Deshmukh starrer Mauli will be releasing on 14 December. This might pose some challenge to MPM 3.

If everything does fall in place for MPM 3, it will be another success for Marathi cinema in this year in a short duration after Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar, Naal and Mulshi Pattern.

Box office: Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar worked only because Thugs Of Hindostan failed?

November 18, 2018 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

The Marathi movie Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar has turned out to be a success at the box office. The Subodh Bhave starrer has been attracting the audience right from its release on 8 November. In fact, the shows of the films have increased in the last few days and the producers have claimed that right now it has around 6000 shows in India.

Directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande and also starring Sonali Kulkarni, Sumeet Raghvan and Vaidehi Parshurami, the biopic on the superstar of Marathi theatre Dr Kashinath Ghanekar has been widely accepted by audience and critics alike.

The film was pitted against the biggest Bollywood movie Thugs Of Hindostan, which saw the union of two of the biggest superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan for the first time ever.

The Vijay Krishna Acharya directorial, however, wronged all the box office predictions by turning out to be a flop. It is the most expensive Hindi film till date with a cost as enormous as around Rs300 crore. After 10 days the film has earned only Rs137.25 crore in India.

There have been talks on the social media that Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar has worked at the box office only because Thugs Of Hindostan has failed. How true is it?

In my personal opinion, it is not true whatsoever. When a Marathi film gains wide acceptance, it really doesn’t matter if any other film it released with worked or failed, no matter how big it is.

This can be proven by a simple recent example. During the 2015 Diwali period, Salman Khan and Rajshri Productions joined hands after a long time for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. On the same day, two big Marathi films Katyar Kaljat Ghusli and Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2 also released.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo turned out to be a superhit. But despite that, both Marathi films remained unaffected and managed to attain success at the box office.

If the success of one Hindi film didn’t affect two other Marathi films, it is obvious that the success of one Hindi film wouldn’t have affected one Marathi film released on the same day.

By: Keyur Seta