Showing posts with label Film Journalist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Film Journalist. Show all posts
The 16th Mumbai Film Festival | MAMI 2014
While we were busy with the routine hop-skip and jumping between one fashion week to another, we just didn't how realize that it's Mid - October. Well, for film buffs in the city, October means just one thing - Mumbai Film Festival. Yes, its that time of the year again when cinema aficionados are offered a delightful bouquet of world cinema, ranging from Russian, French, Japanese to Indian regional language films and more. Our rendezvous with World Cinema started on Day 1 at Cinemax Versova this year, but boy, did the election delay create a frenzy at the registration desk or what! Nevertheless, the going was good and we thankfully reached Screen 2 to witness the legendary Akira Kurosawa's magic unfold on screen, just in time.
No one can shoot a film with great aesthetics, harsh locations and flawless casting the way Kurosawa did. After all, his films were known to have expensive production requirements. Having seen some of his work including Throne of Blood, Rashomon, High and Low, Yojimbo among others (and being a self confessed fan), I was excited to watch his 1975 masterpiece, Dersu Uzala. A simple film based on the 1923 memoir (by the same name) penned by Vladimir Arsenyve, it explores the life of a Goldi hunter named Dersu Uzala, his knowledge of the wild, relationship with Captain Arseniev and more. The basic plot shows how those living in the wild were content with their lifestyle, until civilization took over and changed their life forever.
But what stayed with me were the beautiful moments brought to life on screen by Kurosawa and his team of actors. Maxim Munzuk as Uzala is simply delightful! His relationship with Arseniev, essayed beautifully by Yuri Gantman, might just make you shed a tear or bring a warm smile on your face. When Uzala realizes that he cannot hit the perfect aim anymore, he is devastated, and tries to hit the aim at his own glove, before realizing that something is indeed amiss. Kurosawa blends in an individual's struggle with old age with perfection. It also shows that merely assuming that a wild or village folk is an illiterate ain't fair. They may not go to a traditional school, but they memorize, grasp and learn from everything that they encounter in their daily life. Uzala does that too, and that's how his journey with Arseniev begins. Kurosawa indeed made my afternoon with this magical offering!
Moving from one maverick to another (and from Screen 2 to Screen 3), Kurosawa's Soviet and Japanese co-production venture was followed by a French documentary (albeit uniquely presented) titled Mr Leos CaraX. This melange of interviews, clips from his popular films like Boy Meets Girl, Les Amants du Pont-Neuf among others and anecdotes made for an interesting watch. It may not be an in-depth, insightful offering, but definitely proved to be a perfect window for those, who have never experienced his work in the past. Carax is not your usual film-maker, mind you! He is known for films with dream-like imagery, physical humour and dark romance.
Just as the closing credits of Mr. X rolled out, I got ready for another marvellous cinematic experience. This time, in my mother tongue - Marathi. I stood in a never-ending queue, to watch a Marathi film with film buffs (it was a full house) who were just as excited as I was. Maybe it was the popularity of Marathi cinema that drew them here, or perhaps the fact that this film had won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale earlier this year. There was something enchanting about the stills that we had all seen. And just when the film opened, we all witnessed a spectacular visual treat. Well, I shall discuss the film in detail in a separate post.
The film festival continued to keep me entertained with some spectacular films. Right from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg to Court, Siddhant to Chauranga, Fever to Barf, it was like traveling through different countries with the help of an eclectic mix of films made for the global audience. Was I impressed? Oh boy, I sure am. Every year, the Mumbai Film Festival mesmerizes me with the bouquet of films presented by them and this year was no different. Each film has stayed with me for various reasons and has taught me a lot more about the way cinema works.
And now, I am sure all the fellow film buffs have begun the countdown to the 17th edition and are missing the daily walk between Cinemax and PVR ECX (with the schedule in their hand) already.
Love,
The Dancebee
Music Review - Creature 3D
Director Vikram Bhatt has got the perfect commercial music album for his most ambitious film,Creature 3D. The nine track album includes five original compositions, one unplugged version and three remixes. Bhatt has roped in music composer Mithoon for this romantic- drama, while one song has been composed by Tony Kakkar. But does it meet our expectations? Read the review to find out.
Music Review - Raja Natwarlal
Emraan Hashmi always managed to get away with the best of music. Be it Gangster, Jannat or Awaarapan, music has always been the biggest plus point of all his films. The upbeat and catchy songs from him latest venture, Raja Natwarlal, too are slowly and steadily climbing up the music charts. But has it managed to impress us? Read on to find out.
Top 10 Marathi Films - Part 2
As promised, here's the second part of my post: Top 10 Marathi films you must watch.
Once again, the post only has a few films (as of July 6 2012).
With endless Marathi films making a mark, guess a third part should be on it's way.
Golmaal (Marathi)
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Jitendra Joshi, Sunil Tawde
Once again, the post only has a few films (as of July 6 2012).
With endless Marathi films making a mark, guess a third part should be on it's way.
Golmaal (Marathi)
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Jitendra Joshi, Sunil Tawde
Directed by - P.R.Raorane
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| Photo credit: newmarathi.com |
This 2006 film didn't create a stir at the Box-office, but I can watch this film a hundred times and never feel bored. The dialogues were simply hilarious. Bharat Jadhav as the con-businessman did a brilliant job. This movie was almost like a Marathi version of the Akshay Kumar - Shahid Kapoor starrer Deewane huye pagaal, but the humor in this film is unbeatable. Sunil Tawde has outdone himself. The situations in this film will make you laugh like crazy. Dialogues by Sachin Darekar are the soul of this film. I mean where would you get to hear stuff like "Aamhi Kohlapur la centrally Air-condition karnaar aahot." Music by Avdhoot gupte was good. If you are down and out or stressed, then make sure you grab a copy of this film and watch it!
Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Saksham Kulkarni
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Saksham Kulkarni
Directed by - Mahesh Manjrekar
This 2010 film is a must watch for all those parents who believe that only good grades can assure a successful life for their child. Shrinivas Rane (Saksham Kulkarni) is very good at cricket, but never manages to score well in his exams. His father Madhukar Rane (gives me a whack or two everyday for not completing his homework or for not scoring well in exams. The father-son relationship deteriorates and one day, Madhukar does something so serious to Shree that their life changes within a second. This film is about Madhukar's struggle, who wants every parent to know that beating their kids and shouting at them everyday is of no use. He wants them to know that letting their child excel in what he/she likes is extremely important. Alas! Madhukar learns this very late. Performance wise, Both Bharat Jadhav and Saksham Kulkarni have done a brilliant job. The emotional and funny scenes are very well tackled. The supporting cast is also good. Mahesh Manjrekar made a serious attempt to reach out to all those parents who have been torturing their children for no reason. And the attempt was successful.
Harishchandrachi Factory
Starring Nandu Madhav, Vibhavari Deshpande, Vaibhav Mangale
Starring Nandu Madhav, Vibhavari Deshpande, Vaibhav Mangale
Directed by - Paresh Mokashi
How can I not add this film to my list? After all, This movie talks about the Beginnings of Cinema and That too, In a brilliant way! "Father of Cinema" in India, Dadasaheb Phalke accidentally stumbled across a tent theatre that was screening a silent motion picture. Thats when the idea of film making stuck him. Along with his hardworking family, He ventured into an area that was unknown to contemporary India. This movie traces the journey of Dadasaheb Phalke & The making of the 1st Indian feature film "Raja Harishchandra". Nandu Madhav has essayed the role of Dadasaheb Phalke brilliantly. The kids are super cute & Vibhavri as Phalke's wife is charming. The direction (By Paresh Mokashi) is bang on. Its a flawless film. Not to forget, Nitin chandrakant Desai's beautiful art direction adds more charm to the film. A must watch for all Cinema lovers & those who are studying the History of Cinema.
Vihir
Starring Girish Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Mandar, Dr. Mohan Agashe
Starring Girish Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Mandar, Dr. Mohan Agashe
Directed by Umesh Kulkarni
This movie can be described as a "Cinematic Masterstroke."Movies like Vihir and Shwaas added a new dimension to the Marathi film industry. Its a story of two adolescent boys, Sameer and Nachiket (cousins who are best friends) standing on the cross roads of life. They need to choose between the life that leads to a petty worldly small existence or the life of free existence that would let them spread their wings and soar high in open skies.The boys play a game of hide and seek in a rather unusual way. Where one cousin hides in death. And the other is looking for him in the life around him. Samir's search leads him towards the experience of oneness where he can unite with Nachiket again. The movie is not just a source of entertainment, its an experience. The story and screenplay (Girish Kulkarni, Sati Bhave) is so well written. I think this movie is a must for all those folks out there who love watching films that make them feel blessed. It is a delight for every film lover!
Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy
Starring Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar
Starring Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar
Directed by - Santosh Manjrekar
This one is a winner in every sense! It has all that a typical movie buff would want, Action, Masala, Emotions, Comedy. It took Maharashtra by storm. For more than a year, The tagline "Garv aahe mala Maharashtriya aslaycha" was a huge hit. This movie walked away with all the awards in the Marathi films category in 2009. Mi Shivaji Raje Bhosale Boltoy is about a simple man, Dinkar Bhosale (Sachin Khedekar) who is frustrated with the way Maharashtrians are treated everywhere. Even at home, his daughter wants to do away with the "Bhosale" surname, his son is annoyed with him as he does want to give in to corruption just to get admission in a reputed college, his wife does not like the way he saves money. His frustration brings Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to life, who does not like the fact that he has given up so easily. That's when the real drama starts & Mr.Bhosale stands up against all the illegal activities in Mumbai & reaches out to all the Maharashtrians. The cast was just bang on. Khedekar's performance created a great impact. It made us wake up & think about the on-goings in our state (Hope someday everyone wakes up & works towards helping our city get out of real trouble). Suchitra Bandekar was a delight to watch. Mahesh Manjrekar as Shivaji Maharaj was good & so was Makarand Anaspure as his Mawla. Dunno how Mahesh Manjrekar managed to come with such a fantastic,original story. The title track "Hey raje" was a hit. The dialogues (Sanjay Pawar, Mahesh Majrekar) added a lot of impact as well. If dramatic films with a touch of History are your thing, then THIS ONE IS A MUST WATCH!
There you go! 10 marathi films that stood out for me. Here's a list of some more brilliant films that also deserve a special mention.
1. Matichya Chuli - Starring Vandana Gupte, Sudhir Joshi, Ankush Chaudhary
Directed by - Sudesh Manjrekar, Atul Kale
Must Watch because - A heart warming,emotional story of a family and their usual problems.
2. De Dhakka - Starring Makarand Anaspure, Siddharth Jadhav, Shivaji Satam
Directed by - Sudesh Manjrekar, Atul Kale
Must watch because - it has a brilliant message. You should never underestimate any individual's talent. The movie has some amazing dialogues & the story is fresh & original.
3. Dombivili Fast - Staring Sandeep Kulkarni, Shilpa Tulaskar
Directed by - Nishikant Kamat
Must watch because - This movie changed the face of marathi films. Part of the 'social' genre. Sandeep Kulkarni's performance was outstanding. Nishikant Kamat later directed the Hindi film Mumbai Meri Jaan.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a DVD/VCD or a Blu Ray of these wonderful movies and Watch them now!
Love,
The Dancebee
Love,
The Dancebee
Top 10 Marathi Films - Part 1
Regional cinema offers a variety of genres and deals with diverse issues, which sometimes even a mainstream Hindi film cannot. It connects with the local people in a easier way, thanks to the language and dialect. Moreover, for urban citizens like me, it helps us to connect with our cultural, our roots and ahem, learning the language in an entertaining way. Yes! I have learnt a lot about different Maharashtrian dialects, all thanks to Marathi films. I don't really remember the 1st Marathi film that I saw, but I have been regularly catching up with Marathi cinema of late, both old and new, thanks to my parents (their film collection) and channels like Zee Talkies, Star Pravah among others. There are many films like Mi Sindhutai Sapkal, Jhing chik Jhing which still top my 'List of movies to Watch," but here I present to you the Part 1 of Top 10 Marathi movies (in no particular order) which I can watch over and over again. I personally recommend you watch these films even if you don't understand the language (Err... Subtitles will help you anyway).
Please Note : Classics do not feature in this list.
Natrang (2010)
Starring Atul Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni,Kishore Kadam
Directed by - Ravi Jadhav
The film is an adaption of Dr.Anand Yadav's book, Natrang (Artist). The film, directed by Ravi Jadhav, is about a farmer whose dream is to become an artist & play the role of a king. It traces the journey of Guna (Atul Kulkarni) who overcomes hurdles to realize his dream. The film is set in Rural Maharashtra during the 1970's. It also deals with the issue of Gender Bias.This film gave me goosebumps! Trust me, No one could have played the role of Guna the way Atul Kulkarni did. He went through a lot of training for this film. Apart from the direction, performances and an amazing storyline, the music also played an important role in helping the film become a huge hit. Ajay-Atul, the National award winning duo, composed some beautiful songs for Natrang. Be it the Lavani number "Mala jau dya na ghari" or the song that traces the journey of an artist "Natrang Ubha", almost every song from this album became a household hit. The film is a must watch for those who love art & for those who love meaningful cinema. This one has it all. A flawless film!
Ashi hi Banwa Banwi
Starring Sachin,Ashok saraf, Siddharth & Laxmikant Berde
Directed by Sachin
This one's a complete laugh-a-riot! One can never sit with a straight face when this film is playing on the television. Brilliant dialogues & an even better screenplay, This comedy directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar, released in 1988. Four boy and their hunt for a rented house, lands the group into a big soup, when the new landlady demands that only couples can stay in her house. With no other option left, Sachin & Laxmikant Berde dress up as women & pose as Ashok saraf & Siddharth's wives. That's when the real roller coaster ride begins! Performances by the entire Cast is outstanding. Dont miss the scene where Laxmikant Berde is shown as a pregnant lady & Is made to sit on a cardboard moon, all decked up. ROFL!!
Jatra
Starring Bharat Jadhav, Kranti Redkar, Vijay Chavan, Siddharth Jadhav
Directed by Kedar Shinde
This one is a must watch for all those who love to laugh till their tummy hurts! I can never forget the long, serpentine queues outside Bharatmata, where people were ready to push each other for a ticket. This went on for around 2 months after the release. People dressed up and arrived at Bharatmata as if they were going for a marriage and actually ended up standing in a never ending queue. Jatra was a Mass-Blockbuster. The song Kombdi Palali can still make even a non-dancer perform, 6 years after its release. In this film, Sidhu & Monya leave their rented house, where they are forced to pay or work as a laborer and land up in Hyalagadh, where the annual Jatra (carnival) is nothing short of a Do or Die game. The fun begins when the duo try to flee and instead of going the right way, land up in Tyalagadh, the "enemy" village. That's when the madness begins. The film has Bharat Jadhav & Vijay Chavan in a double role and both the talented actors have played their parts exceptionally well. The winner again, apart from the actors & the director, is the music! Talented duo Ajay-Atul made Kombdi & Maina (not the birds) a national Hit. Even non-Maharashtrians couldn't stop themselves from shaking. Don't miss MNS chief Raj Thackeray's voice over in the beginning, where he narrates the story of the two enemy villages. Enjoy this film with your family & you will certainly end up rolling on the floor laughing.
Shwaas
Starring Arun Nalawade, Ashwin Chitale, Sandeep Kulkarni
Directed by Sandeep Sawant
This film made the Marathi film industry proud by becoming India's official entry to the Oscars. Need I say more? It also bagged the National Award for Best Film in 2004, 50 years after the Marathi film Shyamchi Aai won the award. Made at a modest budget of 30 lakh rupees, this film made people stand up & notice the incredible potential and talent of the Marathi film industry. Shwaas made it big without any songs, heroes or heroines. The storyline is based on a real story set in Pune. The main protagonist of the film, Parshuram (Ashwin Chitale) is a little kid who is diagnosed with Retinal Cancer. It traces the journey of Parshuram & his grandfather (Arun Nalawade) who cannot come to terms with the fact that his grandson has to go through a surgery and may not be able to see the world ever again. The film earned a lot of accolades and certainly deserved all the attention that it got. Definitely a must watch for one and all.
Balgandharva
Starring: Subodh Bhave, Kishore Kadam, Avinash Narkar, Vibhavri Deshpande
Directed by - Ravi Jadhav
A film that brought one of my favorite, versatile Marathi actors, Subodh Bhave, and director Ravi Jadhav together. Balgandharva tells the story of Narayanrao Shripad Rajhans aka the legendary artist Balgandharva, one of the greatest singers and stage actors of his time. He was famous for his roles as female characters in Marathi plays. He got the name “Balgandharva” from the famous freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. The film shows the rise and fall of this legend, his relationship with his mother, his wife, his co-actors and other women. It celebrates his life in the most amazing way. But what adds more charm to this amazing journey are the performances. Each & every actor has added life to their respective characters. Be it Kishore Kadam, Avinash Narkar, Vibhavri Deshpande; everyone has done justice to their roles. The soulful music by Kaushal Inamdar is just what a film like this needed.My personal favorites include "Chinmaya Sakal Hridaya" and "Parvardigar". Cinematography by Mahesh Limaye is outstanding! Costumes by Neeta Lulla are beautiful and I must make a mention of the choice of colors and fabric. Make up artist Vikram Gaikwad is a magician, as he spells magic with his incredible work. The producer & art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai (remember his brilliants sets in Devdas, Black?) gets all the brownie point. Right from the lavish expenditure, amazing sets to getting a good team together, he has done it all.The film is a real treat for cinema lovers and full marks to Ravi Jadhav for his work as the director. Finally, reserved the best for the end. As Balgandharva, Subodh Bhave made me cry, smile, cheer and clap for his wonderful performance. He had the grace, the ada, charm & everything that an actor needs to portray the role of Balgandharva. Subodh has proved that he is definitely one of the finest actors in the Indian Film Industry today. This film has definitely made it to my 'All Time Favorite Films' list. Thumbs up!!
So, that's all in Part 1. The second part will be out very soon!!
Love,
The Dancebee
