| Marathi Bhashik Mandal, Toronto (MBM) a community based organization of Marathi speaking people in Toronto organized a film festival on Aug 22, 2010 in collaboration with ZAGMAG.NET. Two recent Marathi films Pratisaad and Mani Magalsutra were presented to the audience of about 350. Pravina Kale, the president of the organization for 2010 Opened the festival and welcomed the audience, reminding them that a film festival chaired by Sharad Kawale was last held in 1988. Since then single movies have been shown by MBM on a few occasions. Lalit Mahadeshwar, President of ZAGMAG.NET announced that this was the world premiere of the film Mani Mangalsutra. World premiere in Toronto of a new Marathi film was a significant event for MBM. A very talented and beautiful Miss Anjalee Kusre who has a leading role in the film graced the occasion and participated in a Q&A session at the end of screening.
Toronto South Asian Press and Media represented by TV channels such as ATN and OMNI interviewed many people from the audience to get their reaction to the movies after each screening. The red carpet was nicely decorated with very traditional Indina light stand or ‘Samayee’ Tushar Unadkat of the Nouveau iDEA (New International Dimension in Entertainment & Arts) was the guest of honour. He is a significant contributor and a veteran of the Toronto cultural scene. He spoke of the difficulties regional films face in getting distribution and hence miss the chance to be shown to interested audiences. He encouraged audience to “spread the word” and actively support and promote such excellent creation. Mr. Lalit Mahadeshwar appealed audience to support the Marathi Film industry and its artists by watching at least three to four films in the theatre every year.
Both Movies do not follow the typical Bollywood formula. They address social issues and are a commentary relevant to the current state of affairs in the community. Both films are suitable for all ages.
Pravina was supported by Prakash Date, Namita Dandekar , Anoop Mohile, Pramod Kale, Lalit Mahedshwar of ZagMag, film distributors for North America and other members of the MBM executive committee. The event was a great success and certainly would encourage Marathi community to bring other films and organize their screening in Toronto.
“Pratisaad- The Response” is a recent regional Marathi film produced by Drs Amarsinh and his son Vijaysinha Nikam who are practicing Homeopathic physicians. It is based on real life story of Dr Nikam. In the film, Dr. Aditya, a leading Homeopathy practitioner who has a full fledged hospital, is challenged by a phone call in the midst of a live TV talk show The caller – Sarjerao accuses him of misdiagnosis and fraud and the TV host on the suggestion of his Programme producer, flares up the issue by asking Dr. Aditya to answer Sarjerao’s accusations and the the media reports quoting Homeopathy as ‘fake science’. Needless to say that the media furore follows, giving a new twist to this debate.
The law soon steps in and you find a Police officer investigating the case, on a complaint received from Sarjerao. In comes Ms. Renu posing herself as Journalist and she too carries her investigation, much to the satisfaction of the doctor, who at that point is feeling dejected by such allegations, in spite of his sincerity to his profession. His motivation at that stage is also his wife who keeps on reminding him that ‘Truth always wins’. Finally, Dr. Aditya wins his battle, when Ms. Renu reveals the truth during the second part of the live talk show interview.
The film focuses on the Doctor-Patient relationship i.e. more than treating the disease, the medicine treats the patient. The screenplay also highlights the role played by a committed doctor he became sympathetic instead of remaining empathetic that is the real strength of the film. After all, it is the attitude of the patient’s relatives that also have to be handled well. However, in this film, in spite of his best efforts, the doctor fails to convince an adamant Sarjerao who is bent on ruining the doctor’s reputation and has plans to extract money from the doctor, and is planning an end game of extortion and black mail which are disclosed at the end of the film.
The film has effectively created awareness about the alternative treatment of Homeopathy. Sandeep Kulkarni as Dr. Aditya is very impressive. Watching his emotions in the scene at the TV studio, while admitting how much of faith his wife had in him, clearly proves his class. Kishore Kadam, another talented actor has supported him well in the role of Sarjerao. Neelam Shirke as Ms. Renu, does an excellent job, with a good support coming from other artistes. All the hospital scenes have been captured well. One background song has been used at the appropriate place. Editing work is satisfactory. Photography is good, but there are too many close ups in the film and those repeatedly used are of the male TV host for no particular reason. The start is slow, barring this lapse, the film is well presented with English subtitles that are suitable for non Marathi audience and particularly the translation is appropriate.
Mani Mangalsutra is a recent regional Marathi film with English subtitles. Its premiere showing was held for the Marathi community in Toronto. Extremely well directed by Gauri Sarwate, the film focuses on the debate about marriage and live in (Common law) relationships. Mangalsutra, the necklace worn by married women, is a symbol of marriage, which means commitment, sharing, caring for each other and setting the boundaries. The film is a Based on a true story; it is developed in the film through the life of Savitri and explores very nicely her circumstances over three eras or generations, the 50’s, 70’s and the present. The film brings in those periods with black and white and ektachrome renditions.
A young Marathi couple from U.K. who are in seventh year of their live in relationship arrive in Pune to meet relatives and friends. The drama unfolds as they are asked when they are going to get married at every turn. The boy holds Savitri kaku and Purushottam kaka who lived 35 years without getting married as an example of ideal relationship between man and a woman where as the girl wants to know where their relationship is going. The dialogues are very crisp. The music and the lyrics very effectively convey the emotions and are placed very appropriately. The acting is superb and the dance sequence is very Marathi. The film is very suitable for the second generation young members in our community, many of whom are or have been is such relationships, as well as their parents. The sub titles and the translation are very appropriate.
In India where Common law relationship is not recognised in law, this film brings forth the issue squarely to the front.
Ajit Bapat Aug 23, 2010 | 
