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.

Manohari Singh – The Maestro of Saxophone

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Seventy years ago he was just like another school going boy but today he is the epitome of music. Be it a small segment of just five seconds or a solo of five minutes but the passion and pride with which this gentleman works and gives complete justice to his brass reed instrument with gradually widening tube popularly called as the “Saxophone”
is absolutely mind blowing.

The senior most as well as renowned saxophonist and key-flute player in the Indian music industry none other than Manohari Singh nicknamed as “Manohari Da” or simply “Dada” celebrated his 80th birthday with great enthusiasm on 08th March ‘ 09 at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hall, Vile Parle. To honor the legend a musical show had been organized by ‘Swargandhar’ organization lead by Mandar Karnik with program titled as “Salute to the Legend” - Manohari Singh.

Dada was recently 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. Singh who is par excellence with the saxophone, trumpet and key-flute, himself held the center stage yesterday for full three hours. Singh is known to have suffered a kidney failure and is on dialysis for twice a week for the last two years. ‘Swargandhar’ organization gave proceeds of the programme to Manohari Singh as token of love and for sincere appreciation of his work and in a bid to help the artiste.

To grace the occasion popular Bollywood playback singer Padma Vibhushan Aasha Bhosale was invited as the Chief Guest. Veteran singers like Sudesh Bhosale, Shrikant Narayan, Sonali Karnik, Neha Varma and Ajit Parab also performed as a part of the show. Special invites also included Ashok Hande, Amit Kumar, Kersi Lord, Pradeep Bhide and the wife of Manohari Singh.

Born in Kolkata and continuing the legacy of his family of musicians he is known to have set golden standards as a musician, arranger and composer is a consummate master of his craft. If there were anything that is being controlled by passion for Manohari Singh then it would be his gold-plated saxophone bought from New York in 1969. He makes it certain that he keeps his gold-plated Saxophone away from the dust neat and clean to deliver his work with benchmark of quality.

Manohari Singh is also the Mumbai film industry’s last surviving links with members of RD’s original band who played for the saxophonist and mandolin. One must admit that the real musicians behind film songs should be bought in the forefront and be perceptible. Musicians may be working from an area concealed from public view but they too need to be recognized for their work.
Growing popularity of stage shows in recent times has given more visibility and recognition admits Dada. We wish this octogenarian good luck, peace, prosperity and happiness on his roads to achievements.

Taj - The Voice of Mumbai

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Director Chandra Barot who directed the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer DON was right when he showcased Mumbai as the city of opportunties and success stories, a city for dream and dream merchants and a city of Gold. Barot’s lyrical reference to the song 'Ei Hai Bambai Nagariya tu dekh Babuwa? Sone chandi ki dagariya too dekh babuwa'. Narration of the song has also witnesses the beauty of Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel very well covered with Amitabh Bachchan performing in this dance number.

Kalyanji Anandji's music made the song an all time hit but today 30 years down the line coupled with the fact the recent atrocity which rocked India's financial capital what sets me thinking is the fact is Mumbai still the city of Gold or is the city's infrastructure collapsing thereby making the plan to turn Mumbai into Shanghai just a distant dream.

Mumbai is known as a city where everything is possible - fast money, faster cars and even faster running hours of life! With the riots and blasts, we all witness the events of Mumbai each one of us totally despondent and dejected.

The past may have been tough on all of us, but the spirit of Mumbai has always prevailed with oneness. Many lives are affected by such calamities, be it by panic or palpitation, injuries or loss of loved ones. However even today after this incident every Mumbaikar sees a "mosaic" of faith. In its imperfections lies the perfection of Mumbai. The global war on terror must be fought simultaneously on all fronts if a country needs to show its best.

Forgive my impudence in asking the question - Will Taj be the same again? Will the top brass people of the corporate world come out of the woods of the broken heart to forget their past and make Taj their rendezvous once again? Would Taj mean business as usual? Will the delicate merger of two souls leading to one’s espousal be celebrated once again in the Taj? Well, time changes many aspects of one's life and so will the Bade Miya, Taj.