Movie Review: Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (The lady who created her own future)

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje





There goes an old adage, “Education is one of the surest ways to escape from poverty”. Many individuals have taken this route in their odyssey of life and SindhuTai Sapkal was no exception. But, the realness compelled Sindhutai to give up her education after fourth standard and settle down for an early marriage at the age of 12 to a man more than twice her age.

Her passion towards the discipline of reading continued even after her espousal but her partner in marriage was of the opinion that his wife was trying to demonstrate that she was more educated than him. The end result was the hands of destiny put Sindhutai through failure for a purpose. By coming out of the woods of a broken home and marriage the only obvious choice Sindhutai witnessed was her two failed attempts of suicide.

Directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan and produced by Sachin and Bindiya Khanolkar the director’s first Marathi film reveals the reality of life based on the Book “Mee Vanvasi" by Sindhutai Sapkal.

Even before its release the film has been greeted with applause in the community of International Film Festivals. “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal” had its world premiere at the 54th London Film Festival last month followed by screening at the South Asian International Film Festival in New York. It was also the closing film at the Third Eye Ninth Asian Film Festival, Mumbai. Tejaswini Pandit from the cast gets nominated for the Best Actress Award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be decided by international jury in December 2010 in Brisbane.

The biographical movie showcases the journey of survival of Sindhutai Sapkal who grew up in the interiors of Vidharbha who had to beg for money and food to earn a living for herself as well as for her young daughter. While all was lost in the battles of life the only thing that propelled Sindhutai in the forward direction was the lamp of hope.

Today, this sexagenarian is a proud mother to more than 1000 orphaned kids who gives speeches to earn livelihood for the orphans as Sindhutai firmly believes “Bhashan hai to rashan hai”. Her one big success (commitment towards the orphanage) made her wipe out all her previous failures.

The climatic stage portrays Sindhutai now at the age of 60 is invited to address her first ever Marathi Vishwa Sammelan in San Francisco. On the humor side it is equally interesting to see the journey of first time air traveler Sindhutai across the seven seas.

Rightly said, behind every success there lies an untold pain in ones heart and this pain is usually revealed when the individual rises to the top. Today, Sindhutai Sapkal with benchmark of authority says if there is someone who needs a mother there is a helping hand of “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal”.

Cast and Crew

Director (Ananth Narayan Mahadevan), Producer (Sachin Khanolkar and Bindiya Khanolkar), Screenplay (Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Sanjay Pawar) Cinematography (K.Raj Kumar), Cast (Tejaswini Pandit - Sindhutai 24 to 40 years, Jyoti Chandekar - Sindhutai 60 years, Pranjal Shetye - Sindhutai 12 years, Upendra Limaye, Suhas Palshikar, Neena Kulkarni, Charusheela Sable and Ganesh Yadav.

The Maestro of Saxophone Manohari Singh Expired

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

The Senior most as well as renowned saxophonist from the Indian music industry Manohari Singh who was a close associate and music assistant of legendary music composer R.D.Burman, died on Tuesday 13th July 2010 following cardiac arrest. Singh was also the Mumbai film industry's last surviving links with members of RD's original band who played the saxophonist and mandolin.

Manohari Singh nicknamed as "Manohari Da" or simply "Dada" was bestowed with the Dada Phalke Academy award for his invaluable contribution to cine music as well as O.P. Nayyar Award for his contribution to the Hindi film industry.
Be it a small segment of just five seconds or a solo of five minutes but the passion and pride with which Dada worked and gave complete justice to his brass reed instrument with gradually widening tube popularly called as the "Saxophone" is absolutely mind blowing. Dada ensured that he kept his gold-plated Saxophone away from the dust neat and clean.

In Mumbai Dada was invited in the Bombay Lab Studios for the first time to give background music. It was the song Tumhe Yaad Hoga Kabhi Hum Mile They from Satta Bazaar that made Dada famous overnight. Dada also has an album titled 'Sax Appeal' to his credit, which contains the artistic expression of his saxophone.

Growing popularity of stage shows in recent times had given more visibility and recognition to Dada. In spite of being up in age the passion and pride which Dada took in his work was instrumental in captivating the heart of his music lovers. Dada was known to get a standing ovation each time he came on the center stage. May his soul rest in peace.

Huppa Huiyya to be screened at United Arab Emirates

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Akshara Films Division's new Marathi film release ‘Huppa Huiyya!’ presented by Samit Kakkad and Dream View Productions Pvt. Ltd, directed by Anil Surve will now be screened in United Arab Emirates (UAE) beginning on May 7. The movie is produced by Amar Kakkad and Pushpa Kakkad. Sachin Kakkad is the executive producer in charge.

Set in rural Maharashtra the story gives a glance at 11 Hanuman temples, formed by Shri Ramdaas Swami. Renowned thespian, Siddharth Jadhav as Hanmiya has been showcased in the lead role for the first time. The two hour length film is about an innocent boy Hanmiya, son of Sarpanch and also a great devotee of Lord Hanumaan who works unselfishly for the people in his village. The only lady that melts his heart like a jelly is Girija Oak (Vasanti).

The film also features Mohan Joshi, Usha Nadkarni, Ganesh Yadav, Mangesh Desai, Maansi Magikar, Vaibhav Mangale, Kushal Badrike, Nilesh Divekar, Poonam Jadhav and special appearance by Kashmera Shah.
“Apart from Maharashtra a Marathi cinema made on a small budget is now getting global recognition is indeed a testimony that the efforts of the whole unit members are widely acknowledged” admits Samit Kakkad.

Actor Girija Oak feels that “In recent times the Marathi Film Industry has produced many films which are widely appreciated for their good content. Shwaas was instrumental in setting benchmarks and getting the critical acclaim. The movie Huppa Huiyya gives a good message about faith, hope and love which should appeal the Marathi movie lovers across the globe.

Music is by Ajit Parab. The film is written by Hemant Edlabadkar and lyrics by Baba Chavan. A.K.Bir who has won the National Award 9 times is the Cinematographer. Javed who was awarded at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Bangkok for the action packed thriller 'Shootout At Lokhandwala', is the action director of the movie.

Apart from his future plans, Samit says “To me the story, screenplay, message and content all of these serve to be the baseline that can arouse interest in the movie and can captivate the heart of the audiences. I am very positive Huppa Huiyya would easily connect to the global reach of the Marathi audience as their roots are still Indian. Jai Bajranga”.

Dev Anand, Pran, Dr.Shreeram Lagoo honored by Dadasaheb Phalke Academy

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy celebrated the 141st birth anniversary of Late Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema on 30 April 2010 at Bhaidas Auditorium Mumbai. To grace the occasion we had the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Chagan Bubal who presented the awards.

The Legendary Filmmaker and Evergreen Star Dev Anand received the Phalke Ratna Award. The most popular villains of Hindi Cinema, who appeared in over 350 films Pran, received the Phalke Icon and Legendary Cine Versatile Cine Star Award. The thespian who is best remembered for his roles in plays and Marathi films, the highly talented Dr.Shreeram Lagoo was felicitated by actor Sachin as the Cine Artiste (Marathi Films).

The annual ceremony which marked Phalke’s 141st birth anniversary was presented by GV Films Ltd. The Phalke Academy Awards presentation this year concluded with 59 awards across various categories handed out to members of the Film Industry.

Singer Lata Mangeshkar received the Phalke Golden Era Singer Award. Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra bagged the Phalke Memorial Commercial Film 2009 award for his film “3 Idiots”. Veteran actor Chandrashekar received the Phalke Golden Era Award for his selfless services to the Film Industry. Lyricist Yogesh and music director Pyarelal of Laxmikant Pyarelal team were also felicitated on this occasion. Comedian Jagdeep was named the Phalke Legendary Actor Award (comic roles). Aamir Khan for his film “3 Idiots” received the Phalke Memorial Performance Award.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy has been known for recognizing the good work of talented artists for their contribution towards Indian Cinema. Apart from the above many other legendary personalities associated with the Film Industry were present for the occasion.

Movie Review: Lalbaug Parel ( Mills to Malls : A Journey That Was )

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje



Mumbai, the second most densely populated city in the world is popularly known as the City of Opportunities and Success Stories. A city for dream and dream merchants. A city where everything is possible fast money, fast life, fast break-offs and even faster running hours of life. Dar Motion Pictures working in synergy with the leading director Mahesh Manjrekar have captivated the heart of the audiences across Maharashtra in their recently released Marathi film 'Lalbaug Parel'.

Thirty years ago the mills in Mumbai held the reputation for actively contributing towards Mumbai’s financial revenue. However, today these same mills have been replaced with aristocratic malls and multiplexes across the city. The script showcases the transition of mills to malls witnessed in our very own country’s financial capital Mumbai. The plot revolves around the story of a mill workers family (Dhuri) who struggle when the karta of the house Anna (Shashank Shende) loses his job as mill worker leaving the whole clan under severe mental turmoil.

Anna’s wife (Seema Biswas) acts as a mediator by giving her best support and prompt attention to every member of the household by ensuring that no one disturbs their happy home. The eldest son of the family Baba (Ankush Choudhary) is a writer struggling to create his own identity with the power of written words. Deep down the line it is clearly evident that Baba is really concerned about the well being of the whole family. Mohan (Vinit Kumar) second eldest of the family seems to be more passionate about the game of cricket. Naru (Karan Patel) third eldest holds the reputation for being the bhai of his neighborhood while the youngest of the family Manju (Veena Jamkar) is determined to lead a better lifestyle to support her as well as the family by working in the beauty parlor.

The movie clearly depicts that money is not everything but money can make everything. Money can speak all languages and can cross all barriers. It’s not the money but the lack of money that serves to be the root of all evil for members of mills workers and their family staying in “Laxmi Cottage”. Movie shows how poverty provokes a woman to sleep with other men to support their family and how the men venture into the world of crime for the lure of money.

In an attempt to have his sister Manju get married to a descent family Naru Dhuri goes to the extent of committing murder in exchange of money. When all is lost in the battles of life the only ray of hope the mill workers have is from their union leaders which includes Arvind Rane (Sachin Khedekar), Govind (Vinay Apte) and Dr. Abba Sawant (Vaibhav Mangle). Instead of getting solace from their leaders in these turbulent times it is seen that in reality destiny turns out to be cruel leaving both the union leaders as well as the mill workers totally despondent and marked by low spirits. The nexus between the mill owners and politicians is rightly depicted in the movie. The key focus throughout the movie revolves around Dhuri family, Naru and Speedbraker (Siddharth Jadhav). 

Both, Jayant Pawar and Mahesh Manjrekar have been instrumental in keeping the audience involved way up to the end by showcasing the children’s of the mill workers family from real-life in this movie. Good work by the whole team for portraying the bitter reality witnessed during the 1982 mill workers strike in the big bad city Mumbai.

The strong script of “Lalbaug Parel” is indeed a testimony that the common masses are bound to be influenced while taking them through the transition journey from mills to malls which indeed is a voyage of discovery. It’s bound to set the people thinking “Is life always fair in the end?” Well, the audience should get the better answer only after they watch the movie.

Crew List
Director (Mahesh Manjrekar), Producer (Arun Rangachari), Story ( Jayant Pawar), Assistant Director (Ganesh Modak), Director of Photography (Ajit Reddy), Action Director (Pradyuman), Editor (Sarvesh Parab), Dialogues (Jayant Pawar and Abh
ijit Deshpande), Music Director (Ajit Sameer) Art Director (Prashant Rane).

Movie Review: Love, Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD)

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Dibakar Banerjee’s film Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD) reminds me of a popular adage attributed to the bestselling author and stand-up comedian "Jeffrey Foxworthy" nicknamed as Jeff Foxworthy. Jeff quotes "Getting married for sex is like buying a 747 for the free peanuts". So, if one is going to watch LSD for witnessing the act of sex, it’s a stupid discussion. Let our curiosity not drive us to do something that can leave the audiences despond and dejected.

Well known film director and screenwriter Dibakar Banerjee got the reputation for being the winner of National Film Awards for both his films Khosla Ka Ghosla and Abhay Deol starrer Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! As he continues his voyage of discovery his third film Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD) released recently deals with voyeurism in modern-day society based upon the idea that relates to the infamous DPS MMS scandal.

With easy access to malls, multiplexes and mobile phones we are under the constant influence of camera trying to monitor each one of us. What intrigues is the fact what happens to these footages? The central theme of LSD narrates three stories showcased by usage of three different cameras.

First story relates to a student studying for his diploma in film making using student camera. Rahul who is working on his project begins filming a love story and soon falls in love with his heroine Shruti and elopes. Security camera is seen covering the second story concerned with a 24 hour departmental store. Adarsh in the second story has planned to earn money through the porn-clip he shoots from the confinement of the departmental store. The last story is a sting operation covered skillfully using journalist’s sting camera. Naina in the third story is assured by Loki Local, a Hip Hop Pop Star to work for a music video. Based on the platform of trust she spent a night with him for the purpose of the music video only. However, the music video is finally taken by Russian Blonde. Sting journalist Prabhat and Naina finally decide to do a sting operation using the journalist sting camera. In each of the above stories the medium is the same camera so is the output an invasion of privacy.

Screenplay is by Dibakar Banerjee and Kanu Behl. Music by Sneha Khanwalkar. Movie is produced by ALT Entertainment and Priya Sreedharan. Star cast includes Anshuman Jha (Rahul), Shruti (Shruti), Raj Kumar Yadav (Adarsh), Neha Chauhan (Rashmi), Amit Sial (Prabhat), Arya Devdutta (Naina) and Herry Tangri (Loki Local). Good work carried out by Dop(Nikos Andritsakis) and editing (Namrata Rao).

In a nutshell, LSD tries to zero in on the influence of technology and how it could result as an invasion of privacy in our life. Love can be little of foolishness but sex shouldn’t be one’s curiosity else it can only dilute the central message of the movie.

Movie Review - Huppa Huiyya Entertains

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Marathi Cinema today has long solidified by embracing the best resources and strategically depositing them where business advantage and success has been ensured. Akshara Films Division new release this week movie ‘Huppa Huiyya...! under the stewardship of well known film director Anil Surve makes one realize that when all is lost in the battles of life the only ray of hope to come out of the period of adversities is by keeping the lamp of faith burning. The movie is presented by Samit Kakkad and Dream View Productions Pvt. Ltd and produced by Amar Kakkad and Pushpa Kakkad. Sachin Kakkad is the executive producer in charge.

The shooting of this comedy movie was completed in a short span of 32 days in the historic locations of Satara and Vai a holy place situated on the banks of river Krishna. Set in rural Maharashtra ‘Huppa Huiyya...!’ takes a glance of 11 Hanuman temples, formed by Shri Ramdaas Swami. Renowned thespian Siddharth Jadhav (Hanmiya) for the first time has been showcased in the lead role by director Anil Surve.

Hanmiya is very innocent boy, son of Sarpanch and great devotee of Lord Hanumaan who works unselfishly for the people in his village. The only lady that can make his heart melt like a jelly is Girija Oak (Vasanti). The light of the divine will continues to find Hanmiya blessed with magical power which he can use it not more than 11 times. Reason, his eleven mystical powers relates to the eleven Hanuman temples rightly depicted in a song which is also one of the interesting part of this film.

Music is by Ajit Parab who holds the reputation for some of his popular numbers for movies like De Dhakka, Mee Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho and many more. Film is written by Hemant Edlabadkar and lyrics by Baba Chavan. Cinematography by A.K. Bir and action by Javed-Aejaz. Other star cast includes Mohan Joshi, Usha Nadkarni, Ganesh Yadav, Mangesh Desai, Maansi Mangikar, Vaibhav Mangale, Kushal Badrike, Nilesh Divekar, Poonam Jadhav and special appearance by Kashmera Shah.

In a nutshell, Huppa Huiyya makes the audience realize that things do work in our life when we listen to our inner voice. What if we are blessed with mystic powers in real life? Would one use those powers for social cause like Hanmiya or leverage it for our own selfish motives. The movie gives a good symbolic message about faith, hope and love. Marathi movie lovers would enjoy the combination of fantasy comedy which involves action as well as romance. It only shows that faith relates to our mind as much as exercise relates to our body.

The ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan

‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
An honor for his outstanding contribution to the world cinema

Forty years ago he was an angry young man but today he is an ageless superstar. By coming back from a period marked by adversities he showed it to the world that he is the hero not only in reel life but real life as well. He altered the course of INDIAN cinema and set golden standards across the movie business in INDIA. Hum jahan par khade hote hai, Line wahan se suru hoti hai no better way to introduce the towering icon of Indian Cinema Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.

As he completed his odyssey of over forty in the industry this month Brooke Bond Taj Mahal, India’s premium tea blend, in association with the Enlighten Film Society conferred the ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ on Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, for his outstanding contribution to the world cinema. The award was presented on 28th Feb 2010 by Mr. Shrijeet Mishra, Executive Director, Foods, HUL at Cinemax, Versova in Mumbai. Ms. Bhawana Somaya, a renowned film journalist and an integral part of Enlighten Film Society holded the center stage by having a live interaction with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and the audiences.

The ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ is a par symbol of excellence in cinema and a tribute to Mr. Bachchan, an icon who has shown his ability to influence the common masses and still continues to be the heart-throb of the millions even today. With his path breaking performances and enigmatic personality, this legend has given Indian cinema a global platform placing it on a never seen before pedestal.

He is an individual who has set absolutely high standards for himself. Be it a three second commercial or three hour movie but the passion and pride with which Mr. Bachchan works is indeed creditable. The award conferred by The Taj Enlighten Film Society is indeed a testimony that it acknowledges contributions made by individuals in the world of cinema.

The aplomb and the positive outlook Mr. Bachchan has shown towards life at all points of time has made him stand apart from the rest of the crowd with sparkling difference. While everyone has talent some people seem to be blessed with a multitude of talents and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan has been one amongst them. Talent has to stand out and get's one noticed. As his journey continues I pray that he finds himself sailing in the ship of good health, wealth, love, peace, prosperity and happiness on his roads to achievements which indeed would be voyage of discovery.

The Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Enlighten Film society presents the ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan

The Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Enlighten Film society presents
the ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
An accolade for his outstanding contribution to world cinema

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Brooke Bond Taj Mahal, India’s premium tea blend, in association with the Enlighten Film Society conferred the ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ on Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, for his outstanding contribution to world cinema. The award was presented by Mr. Shrijeet Mishra, Executive Director, Foods, HUL at Cinemax, Versova in Mumbai.

Taj has always been associated with people who believe in excellence and demonstrate it - a value that the brand embodies in all that it does. The ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’ is a symbol of excellence in cinema and a tribute to Mr. Bachchan, an icon who has changed the face of Hindi cinema. With his path breaking performances and enigmatic personality, this legend has given Indian cinema a global platform placing it on a never seen before pedestal. Owing to his significant contribution to the world of cinema, Mr. Bachchan is a pillar of cinematic excellence in India and abroad.

Speaking on the occasion, Shrijeet Mishra, Executive Director, Foods, HUL said, “The Taj Enlighten Film Society brings excellence in world cinema to film enthusiasts. Over the years, Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea has been a choice of the discerning as a symbol of the best in India. We have always acknowledged our patrons for their finer taste in life. Keeping with this tradition, we are proud to be associated with the Enlighten Film Society. It gives us immense pleasure to honour none other than the legend of the Hindi film industry, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan with the Taj Enlighten Tareef Award. We wish him many more accolades in the years to come.”

The Taj Enlighten Film Society provides a platform to showcase world cinema to discerning film lovers. With an objective to acclaim the best in world cinema, it acknowledges contributions made by individuals in this sphere. Since its inception in 2007, the society has seen many connoisseurs of cinema attend movie screenings and engage in a dialogue with its discerning audiences on the rich nuances of film making.

Speaking about the association, Bhawana Somaya, Film lover and an integral part of Enlighten Film Society said, “The Enlighten Film Society is dedicated to the cause of spreading good cinema to ensure that its audiences experience the world’s greatest films on big screen. We are privileged to partner with Taj Mahal tea which shares our interests and embodies the same values of excellence and connoisseurship”

Beginning 7th February 2010, the Taj Enlighten Film Society launched “The Amitabh Bachchan Retrospective”, a festival showcasing Mr. Bachchan’s films, across the decades. The films that were part of the festival were The Last Lear, Agneepath, Deewaar and Paa which were screened every Sunday at 10am at Cinemax, Versova and Metro Big Cinemas. Presented by Brooke Bond Taj Mahal, it recreated Mr. Bachchan’s magic on silver screen for all the superstar’s fans and film enthusiasts, culminating with the “Taj Enlighten Tareef Awards” today.

The Taj Enlighten Film Society showcases highly acclaimed national and international films every Sunday at Cinemax and Metro Big Cinemas.