SUNSET ON PARALLEL CINEMA!

Legendary Filmmaker Mrinal Sen on location of his film 'Ek Din Pratidin' (1979).

Pioneering Legend of Parallel Cinema of our India..respected Bengali Filmmaker Mrinal Sen left this world!

Utpal Dutt and Suhasini Mulay in legendary Filmmaker 

Mrinal Sen's landmark film..'Bhuvan Shome' (1969).

Since his first film 'Raat Bhore' (1955) for the past more than 50 years.. Mrinal Sen contributed his cinematic excellence! His landmark film 'Bhuvan Shome' (1969) initiated 'New Wave' in our Indian Cinema!

Mrinalda's cinema is known for it's artistic depiction of social reality! And his famous 'Calcutta Trilogy' (1971-73) focused on the socio-economical & political scenario!

Legendary Filmmaker Mrinal Sen directing shot!

Almost all of Mrinal Sen's films from 'Akash Kusum' (1965) to 'Khandhar' (1984) won National Awards! And got recognition at International Film Festivals with awards like..in Berlin for 'Akaler Sandhane' (1981), in Cannes for 'Kharij' (1983), in Venice for 'Ek Din Achanak' (1989) & at Cairo for 'Aamar Bhuban' (2002). In 1997 he was jury at '20th Moscow International Film Festival'!

Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam honouring..

legendary Filmmaker Mrinal Sen..'Dadasaheb Phalke Award'!

From Government of India..Mrinal Sen got..'Padma Bhushan'! In 2004 he wrote.. his autobiography 'Always Being Born'! And in 2005 he honoured with.. 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award'!

Remembering my informal nice meeting to Mrinalda in our 'International Film Festival of India' many years ago!

My humble homage to..Sen babu!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

FAREWELL SENBABU!!!

Pioneering Legend of our Parallel Cinema..Mrinal Sen babu passed away!
Remembering informal nice meeting Mrinalda in 'IFFI' many years ago!

Few years back I published an article on  his meaningful cinema in my 'Chitrasrushti's New Wave Cinema special issue!

That kind gesture touched me!! (Here is that photo.)

My Humble Homage!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'CONGRESS PARTY'S WINNER PRESIDENT MR. RAHUL GANDHI HAS EMERGED AS 'INDIA TODAY'S NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR 2018!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

- MANOJ KULKARNI

NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI IN & AS..

S. RAMANUJAN

CINEMATIC TRIBUTE!

Today is 131st Birth Anniversary of our great Mathematician Sir Srinivasa Ramanujan. On his honour every year this 22nd December celebrate as 'National Mathematics Day'!

On this remembered.. biographical film on Srinivasa Ramanujan..'The Man Who Knew Infinity' (2015) which was not made by Indians; 
but by foreigners! This was based 
on novel of same name by American science writer Robert Kanige!

American producers like Edward Pressman produced that film which directed by American Matthew Brown! In this London base NRI 
actor ('Slumdog Millionaire' fame) Dev Patel portrayed this great.. 
S. Ramanujan! This film screened 
at various international film festivals and honoured!

One important thing to mention that.. when Bollywood filmmakers here earning money from making gangster films on dons/bhais; in Hollywood filmmakers making films on our India's great personalities! 

Our filmmakers should seriously think about what kind of entertainment they are giving to society!

Anyway, I salute to our great Ramanujan!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'ZERO' IN ORIGINALITY TOO?

Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma & Katrina Kaif in posters of 'Zero'

Few days back I wrote about how Shah Rukh Khan's dwarf character in 'Zero' recollect Kamal Hassan's 'Appu Raja' (1990). Now observed that the posters of 'Zero' inspired (or copied) from two films..one is French 'Un homme a la Hauteur' and another is South-Indian 'Oopiri'..both the films released in 2016!

Jean Dujardin & Virginie Efira in poster of 

French film 'Un homme a la Hauteur' (2016).

In first released poster of Shah Rukh Khan's 'Zero'..his dwarf & tall pretty actress (Played by Katrina Kaif) looking at each other..which is similar to 2016 released French-Belgian romantic comedy film 'Un homme a la Hauteur's poster..in which dwarf character (played by Jean Dujardin) & tall pretty lady (acted Virginie Efira) looking at each other! This film was a remake of Argentine film 'Corazon de Leon' (2013).

In second released poster of 'Zero'..Shah Rukh Khan's dwarf enjoying with Anushka Sharma who is on wheel chair..which is similar to 2016 released Telugu film 'Oopiri's poster..in which Karthi having fun with Nagarjuna who is sitting on wheel chair! This film was also a remake of French film 'The Intouchables' (2011).

Karthi & Nagarjuna in poster of 

Telugu film 'Oopiri' (2016).

However Laurent Tirard directed French film 'Un homme a la Hauteur' was about a pretty lawyer dating wealthy architect dwarf! And in Vamsi Paidipally directed Telugu film 'Oopiri' wealthy entrepreneur with quadriplegic & his caretaker learns life lessons from each other!

Whereas Aanand L. Rai directed Shah Rukh Khan's 'Zero' came with unusual love story in which dwarf bachelor meets different young women in which one is (Anushka acted) scientist with cerebral palsy and another is (Katrina played) bollywood actress..they broaden his horizon!

Anyway Regards to SRK's 'Zero' which released!

- Manoj Kulkarni
 ['Chitrasrushti']

Pushkar Jog with Sonalee Kulkarni & Prarthana Behere 

in 'Ti and Ti' directed by Mrinal Kulkarni!

MODERN ROM-COM 

'TI & TI'!

Glad to know that our graceful actress-filmmaker..Mrinal Kulkarni directed new Marathi film 'Ti and Ti' is ready to release in new year on.. 
1st March!

After debut film as director 'Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata' and next historical epic 'Rama Madhav'..Mrinal Kulkarni directed this third film 'Ti and Ti' which is a youthful romantic comedy..wrote by her talented son Virajas Kulkarni!

Pushkar Jog and Mrinal Kulkarni while shooting 'Ti & Ti'!

'Marathi Bigg Boss' fame.. Pushkar Jog produced & played romantic lead in 'Ti and Ti' with two beautiful Marathi actresses Sonalee Kulkarni & Prarthana Behere!

Actor-writer son Virajas Kulkarni and..

Actress-filmmaker mother..Mrinal Kulkarni!

Shot in London..'Ti and Ti' 
looks like a modern kind of triangular romantic drama 
with rich production values and sophisticated cinematic treatment! It will definitely appeal to today's modern youth!

Best wishes to..Mrinal Kulkarni, 
Virajas Kulkarni and team 'Ti & Ti'!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti']

CHAPLIN'S FIRST VOICE ON SCREEN!

Watch this rare film clip of classic 'Modern Times' (1936) in which Charlie Chaplin sang & danced!

That was the first time world heard this silent cinema master's voice!
But the song was nonsense!!

After this Chaplin became logical in his talkies like..satiric 'The Great Dictator' (1940) and sensible 'Limelight' (1952) in which he composed music also!

A Tribute!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

SRK'S 'ZERO' RECOLLECT KAMAL'S 'APPU'!

Kamal Hasaan in 'Appu Raja' (1990) & Shah Rukh Khan' in upcoming 'Zero'!

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Zero' is going to release 'short'ly! In this SRK played Dwarf..But this is not the first time that our actor did such experiment. Almost thirty years ago talented South-Indian actor Kamal Hasaan came on screen as Dwarf circus clown..'Appu Raja'!

Poster of Kamal Hassa's Hindi film 'Appu Raja' (1990).

In 1989 Kamal Hassan played three roles (father and two sons) in S. Srinivasa Rao directed Tamil film 'Apoorva Sangodharagal'. In this one of the twins sons was a dwarf who avenges their father's death! After the super success of this film Kamal dubbed it in Hindi as 'Appu Raja' (1990) and this version also became super hit!

Katrina Kaif & Shahrukh Khan in poster of 'Zero'!

Normally producers can not take the risks of showing superstars in such offbeat roles. So Kamal Hassan produced his 'Appu Raja'. 
And now Shah Rukh Khan produced his 'Zero' which.. directed by Aanand Rai! However stories of both the films are different. 'Apoorva Sangodharagal' was a revenge drama and 'Zero' is unusual love story. Let us see how people (SRK fans) will response his Bauua in 'Zero'!

When 'Appu Raja' released I wrote an article on how Kamal Hassan played that Dwarf role and what gimmicks he used! Today I remembered my that article which published in 1990!

Anyway regards to SRK!!


- Manoj Kulkarni

THIS "GERUAAA." WAS ROMANTIC!

Kajol & Shahrukh Khan in 'Dilwale's (2015) romantic song "Geruaa.."

"Rang de tu mohe gerua.." stunning song from film 'Dilwale' (2015)..After 20 years of 'Yashraj Films' super duper hit 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995)..Shahrukh Khan & Kajol again came on screen romantically in it!

Kajol & Shahrukh Khan in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995).

Amitabh Bhattacharya written "Gerua.." nicely sung by Arijit Singh & Antara Mitra in the music of Pritam Chakraborty! It choreographed by Farah Khan! Main attraction of song was excellent cinematography of Dudley..on the beautiful location of Iceland..waterfall & rainbow in it were just superb!

However Rohit Shetty directed 'Dilwale' did not achieve the success of Aditya Chopra directed 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'!

- Manoj Kulkarni

PRETTY RUSSIAN ACTRESS KSENIYA RYABINKINA!

Pretty Russian artist Kseniya Ryabinkina & scene of 'Mera Naam Joker' with RK!

Couple of years ago veteran beautiful Russian artist Kseniya Ryabinkina came Mumbai to celebrate late Raj Kapoor's birth anniversary!

Kseniya Ryabinkina in 'Mera Naam Joker' (1970).

In 1970 pretty Kseniya Ryabinkina played circus trapeze artist in 'RK's film..'Mera Naam Joker'! After that she went to Russia and became ballet dancer! 

Kseniya Ryabinkina & Rishi Kapoor in film 'Chintu Ji' (2009).

She also worked in about 15 films in Russia like 'Greshnik' (1988) and 'Imya Tvoyo' (1989). But still famous as RK's heroine!

Almost after 40 years..Kseniya Ryabinkina acted with Raj Kapoor's son..Rishi Kapoor in movie 'Chintu Ji' (2009). Now she is 73 years old!

Best wishes to this veteran artist from Russia!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'MAMI' MEMORY WITH BENEGAL!!

In this photo I am interacting with our renowned filmmaker..

Shyam Benegal in 'MAMI's 'Mumbai Film Festival' long back!

Like 'IFFI' main film festival of our India..I have been attending other film festivals in state also. In this I attended 'MAMI's Mumbai Film Festivals and 'Third Eye Asian Film Festival' from the beginning!

Shabana Azmi & Anant Nag in Shyam Benegal's 'Ankur' (1973).

Here I remember informal interaction with our renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal in 'MAMI's 'Mumbai Film Festival' long back! I discussed with him about the status of Parallel Cinema since his 'Ankur' (1973) which was a pioneering film in this movement!

Pallavi Joshi & Rajeshwari Sachdev in Benegal's 

'Suraj Ka Satavan Ghoda' (1992)

Benegal completed his early social films trilogy with 'Nishant' (1975) & 'Manthan' (1976). Then he created new genre 'Middle Cinema' in our India. In this his notable films were Shashi Kapoor's 'Kalyug' (1981), Shabana Azmi & Smita Patil acted 'Mandi' (1983), 'Suraj Ka Satavan Ghoda' (1992) on Dharmavir Bharati's novel & 'Sardari Begum' (1996) wrote by Khalid Mohamed!

Smriti Mishra, Surekha Sikri & S.M. Zaheer in Benegal's 'Sardari Begum' (1996)

Almost all of his films won national awards and international recognition too! 
In 1991 he got 'Padma Bhushan'. And in 2007 he was honoured with 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award'. 
On that time I wrote special article on him in my 'Chitrasrushti's special issue!

'MAMI's 'Mumbai Film Festival' completed 20 years. And it's Shyam Benegal's 84th birthday!!

Best wishes to both!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

SENSIBLE KANNADA FILMMAKER KAVITHA LANKESH!

Beautiful filmmaker of Kannada Cinema.. Kavitha Lankesh!

Birthday of sensible screenwriter & filmmaker of Kannada Cinema.. Kavitha Lankesh..just happened!

Kannada filmmaker Kavitha Lankesh directing with camera!

From the family of Journalism.. Kavitha Lankesh with M.A. in English.. started her career in advertising. Then she entered 
in film making and in the beginning made 50 shorts & documentaries in which includes one on Siddi tribe!

Nandita Das in Kavitha Lankesh's film 'Deveeri' (1999).

In 1999 Kavitha Lankesh directed her first feature film 'Deveeri' on a novel 
by her father P. Lankesh. This film won Kannada State Best Film Award! 


Then her film 'Bimba' (2002) won Best Screenplay & Best Child artist awards. Then she wrote & directed film 'Preethi Prema Pranaya' (2003) in which Prakash Raj, Sudharani, Bharathi Vishnuvardhan & Anant Nag were in the lead. This film was a musical hit and won National Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada!

Pretty Ramya acted film 'Tananam Tananam' (2006)

Again in 2006 she made a romantic 
film 'Tananam Tananam' in which Tamil actor Shaam appeared with.. pretty gorgeous Kannada actress Ramya who won Filmfare South Best Actress Award for this! This film latter dubbed in Tamil as 'Kadal Mazhal'! 

Kavitha Lankesh produced-directed.. 

Social film 'Kariya Kan Bitta' (2013).

Kavitha Lankesh's film 'Avva' (2008) was also based on novel and won Karnataka state award. After commercially successful 'Crazy Loka' (2012) she produced & directed social film 'Kariya Kan Bitta' (2013) for which child artist Pradyumna won state award!

Joyful picture of Kavitha Lankesh's children film 'Summer Holidays'!

Her films also got national and international recognition. 
With social commitment she also runs a resort 'Grameen Camp' for children. Recently she made a children film 'Summer Holidays' in which her daughter & nephew acted!

I met this beautiful filmmaker with pretty actress Ramya at our 'IFFI', Goa..after the screening of their film 'Tananam Tananam' in it!

Happy Birthday Ms. Kavitha!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

SENSIBLE BHUTANESE FILMMAKER 

KARMA DEKI!

Today is birthday of sensible actress, writer & filmmaker from Bhutan.. Karma Deki!

Pretty Karma Deki & co-actor in Bhutanese film 'Bhutsap' (2010)

She started acting on screen decade back with TV Film 'Cooper's Mountain'. Then worked in nine Bhutanese films like 'NGA GA MO' (2014). 

In 2011 Karma Deki made short film 'Birds in Cages' 
and started direction too!

Scene from Karma Deki directed Bhutanese film

'Kushuthara: Pattern of Love' (2017).

I saw Karma Deki's singing performance from Bhutanese movie 'Bhutsap' (2010).  And few years back saw she directed film 'Kushuthara: Pattern of Love' in our 'IFFI' at Goa and had good interaction!


Wishing happy birthday to her!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

CONGRATULATION!

Mr. Rahul Gandhi became president of Congress..on 11th December, 2017. 
And upto 11th December, 2018..within a year under his leadership Congress achieved notable success in states elections!

Best Wishes!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

SAALGIRAH MUBAARAK!

Real Shahenshah (emperor) of our Indian Cinema & one of the greatest actors of World Cinema..Dilip Kumarji with two (yesteryears & todays) superstars of Popular Indian Cinema..Amitabh Bachchan & Shah Rukh Khan in one frame!

This looks like Big B & SRK taking acting lessons from Acting Kind Dilip Kumar Sahab!

Happy Birthday with good health..Yusufsahab!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

ITALIAN FILMMAKER BERTOLUCCI NO MORE!

Renowned Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci!

Renowned Italian filmmaker & screenwriter Bernardo Bertolucci passed away recently!

Scene from Bertolucci's film 'The Confirmist' (1970).

Most of Bertolucci's films reflects his political views..like his early works 'The Confirmist' (1970) criticised Fascist ideology!

Some of his films created controversy because of his treatment in handling the relationships & art like..
'Last Tango in Paris' (1972).

Marlon Brando & Maria Schneider in Bertolucci's  'Last Tango in Paris' (1972).

He was known for his unique themes like 'Little Buddha' (1993) and style of film making like in 'The Sheltering Sky' (1990). 

His romantic films 'Stealing Beauty' (1996) and 'The Dreamers' (2003) also famous for different approach!

Renowned Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci directing!

His films were screened in various international film festivals. His great film 'The Last Emperor' (1987) won nine 'Oscar' Awards! In 2011 he was presented with the inaugural.. honorary 'Palme d'Or' at 'Cannes Film Festival'!

I remembered nice interacting Bertolucci during our.. '30th International Film Festival of India' at Hyderabad in 1999..where he was conferred a 'Lifetime Achievement Award'!

Romanticism of Bertolucci's 'Oscar' winner film 'The Last Emperor' (1987).

I still remember our renowned filmmaker.. Mrinal Sen felicitated him 
in that 'IFFI' 
and said.. "Bertolucci broke the traditional language of cinema!"

My photo with renowned Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci taken in 'IFFI', 1999 at Hyderabad!


Homage to him!!


- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

PROUD MOMMY!

Our famous bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan with her son Taimur who wins a medal on sports day!

Mubarak ho!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

CENTURY STAR..KIRK DOUGLAS!

Kirk Douglas with actor son Michael Douglas!

One of the last survivors of the golden era of Hollywood..Actor, Producer- Director & Author Kirk Douglas completed 102 years of life!

Kirk Douglas with Barbara Stanwyck in 

'The Strange Love of Martha Ivers' (1946).

Began acting on stage in 'Kiss and Tell' in 1943..Kirk Douglas made his screen debut in film 'The Strange Love of Martha Ivers' (1946) with Barbara Stanwyck! Then with film 'Champion' (1949) he established image as tough guy! 

Kirk Douglas in film 'Champion' (1949).

In 1955..Kirk Douglas formed 'Bryna Productions' and produced films like 'Paths of Glory' (1957) which directed by Stanley Kubrick! Then his notable films were western classic 'Lonely are the Brave' (1962) and political thriller 'Seven Days in May' (1964). 

Kirk Douglas in film 'Lonely are the Brave' (1962).

Kirk Douglas received many awards & honours. He got 'Oscar's Lifetime Achievement Award' and 'President Medal of Freedom'! He wrote ten novels too!

Congratulations!!

- Manoj Kulkarni