SCI-FI MAKERS ON TOP OF 'CANNES'!

Renowned South Korea filmmaker 
Bong Joon-ho with 'Palme d'Or!

'Best Actress' award winner..

English actress Emily Beecham!

Famous for his science-fiction action movies in South Korea.. Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' won 'Palme d'Or' in recently over '72nd Cannes Film Festival'! And Best Actress award bagged by English actress Emily Beecham for her role as scientist in film 'Little Joe'! That means Sci-Fi got admiration in this 'Cannes Film Festival'. May be this is because film 'Birdman' maker Alejandro Inarritu was the jury president in it!

Poster of Bong Joon-ho made 

South Korea film 'Parasite'!

Anyway, Bong Joon-ho became the first Korean filmmaker to win this prestigious award. His movie 'Parasite' is a black comedy! With that Mati Diop's Senegalese film 'Atlantics' won 'Grand Prix' prize!

Celine Sciamma's 'Best Screenplay' 

winner 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire'!

In this French writer-director Celine Sciamma got 'Best Screen- play' for a lesbian themed period film 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire'! And Antonio Banderas (portraying Almodovar) got 'Best Actor' award for Spanish 'Pain and Glory'!

Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne's 

'Best Directors' winner 'Young Ahmed'!

Palestinian director-actor Elia Suleiman

in Canadian film 'It must be Heaven'!

Winners of 'Palme d'Or' twice before.. Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne took the 'Best Directors' prize for their film..'Young Ahmed' with contemporary social realism in Belgium! Besides, Palestinian director & actor Elia Suleiman's optimistic comic Canadian film 'It must be Heaven' got 'Special- Mention'!
Congratulations all!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

PRETTY CHINESE ACTRESS ZHANG ZIYI AT CANNES!

Pretty Chinese Actress Zhang Ziyi at this '72nd Cannes Film Festival'.

Glad to see my favourite beautiful Chinese Actress Zhang Ziyi at this '72nd Cannes Film Festival'. She is the first Mentor from Asia..who is invited to talk in this 'Cannes Masterclass'!

Pretty Chinese Actress Zhang Ziyi & Zheng Hao 

in romantic scene of film 'The Road Home' (1999).

When I first saw Zhang Ziyi in renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou directed film 'The Road Home' (1999)..I was moved by her sensitive performance! 
On the backdrop of socio-economical-political history & changing cultural scenario of China..that film showed great love story. It was her screen debut in which she played innocent country girl sensibly!

Nice pose of Beautiful Chinese Actress Zhang Ziyi!

That film won many awards 
in several international film festivals like Berlin & Chicago! Then Zhang Ziyi gained international fame with renowned Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee's film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' (2002) which won 'Oscar's 'Best Foreign Language Film' award. 
Latter her performance in film 'Memoirs of a Geisha' (2005) got critical acclaim & for role in 'The Grandmaster' (2013) she won 12 Best Actress awards!

Zhang Ziyi was awarded for her 'Outstanding Contribution to Chinese- Cinema' at '11th Shanghai International Film Festival'..And 'TIME' named her 'China's Gift to Hollywood'!

Congratulation Ms. Ziyi!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

AND 'CANNES' BECAME EMOTIONAL!

Renowned French filmmaker Claude Lelouch with artists of his film 

'Les Plus Belles Années D'une Vie' ('The Best Years of A Life') 

at this '72nd Cannes Film Festival'.

Beautiful Anouk Aimee and Jean-Louis Trintignant young in 

Claude Lelouch's classic 'Un Homme Et Une Femme' (1966).

"Chabada bada..bada ba.."

When audience at this.. '72nd Cannes Film Festival' heard this famous love song from almost five decades old classic French Film 'Un Homme Et Une Femme'..in the presence of it's filmmaker and artists.. atmosphere became emotional!

Poster of Claude Lelouch's 'A Man and a Woman' (1966)

When I saw filmclip of that occasion here..I too became emotional because that is my most favourite romantic French film on which I wrote a lot!

Actually in that ceremony it's renowned French filmmaker Claude Lelouch unveiled the trailer of his latest film 'Les Plus Belles Années D'une Vie' ('The Best Years of A Life') It's like going down memory lane with artists who acted in that film 'Un Homme Et Une Femme' (A Man and a Woman'/1966) which that time won 'Palme d'Or' at 'Cannes Film Festival'! In this programme it's veteran actress Anouk Aimee & actor Jean-Louis Trintignant were present with other cast of new film!

Poster of Claude Lelouch's sequel film..

'A Man and a Woman: 20 Years Later' (1986)

Film 'Un Homme Et Une Femme' was about a young widow and widower who meet by chance at their children's boarding school & whose budding relationship is complicated by the memories of their spouses! Lelouch himself nicely cinematographed it on the screenplay which he written with Pierre Uytterhoeven..And edited with Claude Barrois! Beautiful Anouk Aimee and Jean-Louis Trintignant played the romantic lead in it with Pierre Barouch. This film also won 'Oscar's 'Best Foreign Language Film' award!

Then, after two decades of that film..Claude Lelouch made a sequel of it..'A Man and a Woman: 20 Years Later' (Un Homme et une Femme, 20 Ans Déjà) which was released in 1986!..So now we can say it's trilogy completed with this year releasing 'The Best Years of A Life'!

Jean-Louis Trintignant & Anouk Aimee now 
in Claude Lelouch's 'The Best Years of A Life'

I remember nice meeting with it's renowned filmmaker Claude Lelouch at 'International Film Festival of India' in 1997 at Trivandrum!!

[Bollywood's hit film 'Andaz' (with stars Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini & Shammi Kapoor) made by Ramesh Sippy in 1971..
had a similar plot! I mentioned this while interacting with Mr. Sippy in our 'IFFI' at 
Goa few years back!]

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

PRETTY PENELOPE & ALMODOVAR AT CANNES!

Beautiful Spanish Actress Penelope Cruz with renowned..

Spanish Filmmaker Pedro Almodovar & Actor Antonio Banderas!

My most favourite Spanish Actress Beautiful Penelope Cruz is at Cannes with renowned Spanish Filmmaker Pedro Almodovar & Actor Antonio Banderas. Their film 'Pain and Glory' is in the competition of this '72nd Cannes Film Festival'!

Penelope Cruz in Pedro Almodovar's 'All About My Mother' (1999)

Filmmaker Pedro Almodovar and Actress Penelope Cruz is the best combination of contemporary Spanish Cinema! This started in 1997 with romantic thriller film 'Live Flesh'. Then came 'All About My Mother' (1999) with complex issues. This won 'Oscar's 'Best Foreign Language Film' award. And Penelope won 'BAFTA's 'Best Actress' award!

Penelope Cruz in Almodovar's 'Volver' (2006).

Then, I remember their film 'Volver' (2006) was in our '37th International Film Festival of India' at Goa. That drama revolved around an eccentric family of women. This film was also in the competition of '59th Cannes Film Festival'. In that Almodovar won 'Best Screenplay' award and Penelope won 'Best Actress'!

Pretty Spanish Actress Penelope Cruz at '72nd Cannes Film Festival'!

After that Penelope & Almodovar this combination's 'Broken Embraces' (2009) showed how blind screenwriter recalls his tragic love..And 'Im So Excited' (2013) was a comedy of 'the fleeting lovers'!



Now their new film 'Pain and Glory' is like an autobiographical roundup of this Spanish auteur's personal & filmic life..in which past & present come crashing down around him! In this Antonio- Banderas played the role of (similar to) Pedro. And Penelope Cruz did her offbeat role naturally! Almodovar intensely handled this film with experimental directorial touch!

Penelope Cruz in Almodovar's new film 'Pain and Glory'!

I hope this film will won awards in this 'Cannes Film Festival'!

All the best to Mr. Almodovar & Ms. Penelope!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
   ['Chitrasrushti']

LEGENDARY KANNADA ARTIST GIRISH KARNAD..81.

Veteran Kannada actor, playwright & film director Girish Karnad.

Veteran Kannada actor, playwright & film director Girish Karnad's 81st birthday just happened!

Girish Karnad in Kannada film 'Samskara' (1970).

At the young age he started writing plays with the new approach towards history & mythology which he used to tackle contemporary themes. Then his first 'Tughlaq' (1964) was staged by 'National School of Drama' under the direction of Ebrahim Alkazi! After gaining national fame with that drama, years latter his 'Hayavadana' (1971) got international recognition when Vijaya Mehta directed German version of it!

Girish Karnad in Shyam Benegal's Hindi film 'Manthan' (1976).

Meanwhile Girish Karnad also started acting in cinema with Pattabhirama Reddy's Kannada film 'Samskara' (1970) which was based on the novel of same name by U. R. Ananthmurthy. In this anti-cast film his role was path-breaking. That was a beginning of Parallel cinema movement in Kannada! 

Shabana Azmi & Girish Karnad in Basu Chatterjee's 'Swami' (1977)

After that national award winning film immediately..

Karnad turned to direction with 'Vamsha Vriksha' (1972) which he co-directed with B.V. Karanth..and this film won Best Direction National award! Then they co-directed Hindi movie 'Godhuli' (1977) which showed the clash of modernity with tradition!

Smita Patil & Girish Karnad in Dr. Jabbar Patel's 

Marathi movie 'Umbaratha' (1982).

After that Karnad independently made several films in Kannada.. like 'Kaadu' (1973), 'Tabbalivu Neenade Magane' (1977) and 'Ondanondu Kaladalli' (1978). 

Meanwhile he also acted in Hindi films like renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal's 'Nishant' (1975), 'Manthan' (1976) and Basu Chatterjee's 'Swami' (1977)..
And in Dr. Jabbar Patel's Marathi movie 'Umbaratha' (1982) too! 
In all such films he acted with main actresses of parallel cinema ..Shabana Azmi & Smita Patil!

Pretty Rekha in Shashi Kapoor produced 

& Girish Karnad directed 'Utsav' (1984).

Girish Karnad directing Sonali Kulkarni for film 'Cheluvi' (1992).

In 1984 Karnad directed Hindi art film 'Utsav' which was produced by famous actor Shashi Kapoor! Based  on Sanskrit play 'Mrichakatika'.. in this erotic film beautiful Rekha portrayed Vasantsena nicely. In this rare duet "Man kyun behka.." sung by Asha Bhosale and Lata Mangeshkar! Then in he made film 'Cheluvi' (1992) Sonali Kulkarni appeared on screen!

In 1986 he turned to small scree and acted in famous TV serial 'Malgudi Days' which was based on R. K. Narayan's novel. Then in 1990 he hosted science programme 'Turning Point' on Doordarshan. Meanwhile he also made documentaries like 'Kanak-Purandara' (1988).


Karnad also served as Director of 'Film Institute of India' during 1974-75. He won many state & national awards for his films. In addition to this for his contribution to drama & literature he received 'Sangeet Natak Akademi Award' (1972) and 'Jnanpith Award' (1998). Apart from that 
he was honoured with 'Padmashri' in 1974 and 'Padmabhushan' in 1992 by Government of India. 

I remember nicely interacting with Karnad after watching his Kannada film 'Kanooru Heggaditi' (1999) in festival!

All the best Mr. Karnad!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

HUMBLE HOMAGE..!!

"Kar chale hum fida jan-o-tan sathiyon..
Ab tumhare hawale watan sathiyon..!"

On 28th Death Anniversary..Salute to former Prime Minister of our India.. Shri. Rajivji Gandhi!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Remembrance of former Prime Minister of our India..Shri. Rajivji Gandhi on 28th Death Anniversary!

It was his initiative to drive India towards modernism!
The real 'Pioneer of Digital India'!
Salute!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

DORIS DAY NO MORE!

Famous Hollywood Singer-Actress Doris Day!

"Que Sera.." fame Hollywood Singer-Actress Doris Mary Kappelhoff.. known as Doris Day passed away recently!

Doris Day's singing performance in film 'Calamity Jane' (1953)

Started singing in big band.. Doris Day appeared on screen in Michael Curtiz's Hollywood musical 'Romance on the High Seas' (1948) and her song "It's Magic.."  became hit! Then her title role in 'Calamity Jane' (1953) was notable!

Doris Day & Rock Hudson in film 'Pillow Talk' (1959).

During 20 years of film career Doris Day acted in various genre of films includes musicals, comedies & dramas. In such films she starred with famous actors of her time..like Clark Gable, Cary Grant & Kirk Douglas! In this her role with Rock Hudson in 'Pillow Talk' (1959) was admirable!

After cinema (from 1968 to 1973) she worked for television with her 'The Doris Day Show'!

Doris Day in her famous song "Que Sera" of 'The Man who knew too much' (1956)

Then in 2011 she released her music album "My Heart" which is in 'UK Top 10'!

Doris Day was honoured with 'Grammy's Lifetime.. Achievement' and 'Legend Award' from 'Society of Singers!

Doris Day with Award!

Remembered her famous..'Oscar' winning song from Alfred Hitchcock's film 'The Man who knew too much' (1956)..which she sensitively performed on screen..

"Que Sera..Sera..
whatever will be.."

Humble Homage to her!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

TWO SPECIAL JURIES OF CANNES!!

Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Inarritu & American pretty actress Elle Fanning.

Here are two notable film personalities in the Juries of this '72nd Cannes Film Festival'!

Alejandro G. Inarritu..the first Latin American director to became jury president at Cannes. And pretty actress Elle Fanning..the youngest (only 21 years) jury at Cannes!

Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Inarritu is a winner of two 'Oscar' awards for his films 'Birdman' (2014) & 'The Revenant' (2015).

American actress Elle Fanning first appeared on screen at the age of 2 only as the younger version of her sister beautiful actress Dakota Fanning in film 'I am Sam' (2001). Then she did notable roles in films..like princess in 'Super 8' (2011) and in 
'3 Generations' (2015) the transition in an independent cinema!

Regards to them!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

'RASHOMON' ACTRESS MACHIKO KYO NO MORE!

Japanese Cinema's first female star..beautiful actress Machiko Kyo!

Legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's world famous movie 'Rashomon's (1950) actress Machiko Kyo passed away recently!

Machiko Kyo & Toshiro Mifune in Kurosawa's great film 'Rashomon' (1950).

At the age of 12.. 
Kyo started acting on stage with adopted name Machiko..And performed as..
revue dancer also! In 1949 she entered in cinema through 'Daiei Film Co.', Japan. Next year renowned Japanese filmmaker..
Akira Kurosawa introduced her in the female lead of his psychological film 'Rashomon'. In this she played the role of Samurai's wife who suffer in trauma due to bandit. And her sensuous & very expressive performance in it catched the attention of viewers!

Actor Toshiro Mifune, actress Machiko Kyo, filmmaker Akira Kurosawa &

actor Masayuki Mori at 'Daiei Studios',Japan during making 'Rashomon' (1950)

'Rashomon' received various awards and through this.. Japanese cinema came on the world stage. This film won 'Golden Lion' in Venice Film Festival & Oscar's honorary 'most outstanding foreign language film'! With this Machiko Kyo became Japan's..
first internationally recognized film star! 

Famous American actor Marlon Brando & Japanese actress Machiko Kyo 

in film 'The Teahouse of the August Moon' (1956).

She also acted in films made by other directors. In this her roles in Kenji Mizoguchi's 'Ugetsu' (1953), Kon Ichikawa's 'Odd Obsession' and Yasujiro Ozu's 'Floating Weeds' (1959) were notable. Meanwhile she also acted in non-Japanese film 'The Teahouse of the August Moon' (1956) with famous Marlon Brando! And Yoji Yamada made 'Tora's Pure Love' (1976) was her last appearance on big screen!

After that she worked for television dramas like 'Hissatsu Shimainin' (1981). Her final role was Matsuura Shino in TV serial 'Haregi Koko- Ichiban' (2000).

She received Japanese Academy's 'award of merit'. And 'Medal with Purple Ribbon' (1987) & 'Order of the Precious Crown' (1994).

Homage to this legendary Japanese Actress!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

  ['Chitrasrushti']

FIRST COLOUR FILM OF INDIA..NOW 80+!

Poster of our India's first colour film 'Kisan Kanya' (1937).

Our India's first colour film 'Kisan Kanya' made in 1937 by 'Imperial Pictures'!..This film already celebrated it's 80th anniversary!

'Prabhat's 'Sairandhri' (1933).

Before this 'Prabhat Film Company' tried to make first colour film 'Sairandhri' in 1933..And for processing it's director V. Shantaram took it to 'UFA Studio' at Germany. But that technique failed and the colour turned out to be garish and film released in Black & White!

'Imperial Pictures's Ardeshir Irani.

Then in 1937..the 
first colour film to 
be produced and processed in India.. was 'Kisan Kanya' by 'Imperial Pictures's Ardeshir Irani..who also made our India's first talkie 'Alam Aara' (1931). Before this in silent era his film 'Nala Damayanti' (1920) was India's first international co-production..which was with Italy!

Realistic story writer Manto!

Moti B. Gidwani directed this film 'Kisan Kanya' was based on a novel by great realistic story writer Manto! This social film focused on the plight of poor farmers..

Advertisement of film 'Kisan Kanya' (1937).

the subject is still contemporary. Artists acted in it were Padmadevi, Jillo, Ghulam Mohammed, Nissar, Ghani & Syed Ahmed!

This Hindi Cinecolor feature film was India's first indigenously made colour movie..And was well received at theatres!!

Tribute to this first colour film of our India!!

- Manoj Kulkarni 
  ['Chitrasrushti']

'CANNES' HONORARY AWARD IN CONTROVERSY?

Veteran French Actor..Alain Delon!

Alain Delon in Rene Clement's 

film 'Purple Noon' (1960).

It's news..This became controversial that '72nd Cannes Film Festival' is going to award honorary 'Palme d'Or' to veteran French Actor..Alain Delon! This is because of his comments about women and adoption! U.S. women organization and Hollywood criticizing the decision of festival!

Monica Vitti & Alain Delon in Antonioni

film Italian film 'L'Eclisse' (1962).

One of the most prominent and handsome actors of Europe..Alain Delon worked with notable filmmakers of 'Italian neo-realism' and 'French new wave'. In these includes Italian Luchino Visconti and French Jean-Luc Godard! 

Alain Delon & Anthony Quinn in Mark Robson's 

English film 'Lost Command' (1966).

Alain Delon also acted with famous artists of his time..like in Michelangelo Antonioni's Italian film 'L'Eclisse' (1962) he was with beautiful Monica Vitti and in Mark Robson made English war film 'Lost Command' (1966) he worked with Hollywood legend Anthony Quinn! 

Alain Delon was sensation during his young days due to his good looks and an energetic lover personality! During his long film career he worked in about eighty films!


- Manoj Kulkarni

BIRTH CENTENARY SPECIAL!

SRILANKAN CINEMA LEGEND..LESTER JAMES PERIES.

Srilankan legendary filmmaker Lester James Peries.

Birth Centenary of Srilankan legendary filmmaker Lester James Peries.. just happened!

Srilankan filmmaker Lester James Peries with camera & script!

Born in Roman Catholic family in Colombo..Lester James Peries at teenage first got introduction of 8mm Kodascope projector which his father gifted him! While studying in 
'St. Peter's College', Colombo at the age of 17 he decided to go in Journalism and started working in Daily News! In 1939 he joined 'The Times of Ceylon'..and reviewed books in programmes on 'Radio Ceylon'!

Then Lester Peries joined theatre group there.. 'Drama Circle' and looked after production of modern English plays. In 1947 he travelled to England and during his stay he experienced film clubs in UK..and his interest in cinema developed! There was one more Srilankan with same interest..Hereward Jans whom he met and two decided to make films! First in 1949 they tried short film 'Soliloquy'..For this Peries wrote the script & took the responsibility of direction too..And Hereward did cinematography!

Legendary Lester James Peries made Srilankan film 'Gamperaliya' (1963).

After making such three experimental films L. J. Peries decided to make his career in film making..and in 1952 returned to Srilanka! Then 
he first joined the 'Government Film Unit' at Ceylon. There he helped in the production of important documentaries like 'Heritage of Lanka'. In 1955 he left that job and formed his own film company 'Chitra Lanka Limited' to produce Sinhala films! His colleagues in GFI.. cameraman William Blake and editor Titus Thotawatte also joined him and they together made first Sinhalese feature film 'Rekava'!

Lester James Peries made Srilankan film 'Nidhanaya' (1972).
Famous Gamini Fonseka & Malini Fonseka in lead roles!

Focusing the village life and mythical beliefs.. 'Rekava' (1956) was also the first Srilankan film without the influence of South-Indian cinema! 
It got success and international recognition too. It was the first Srilankan film which was shown in the competition section of 'Cannes Film Festival'! After that Peries directed film 'Sandesava' (1960) was with the backdrop of war between Sinhalese & Portuguese. It was a request of.. Indian filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor!

Then Peries made Srilankan drama film 'Gamperaliya' (1963) was an adaptation of the novel of same name by Martin Wickramasinghe. This path breaking Sinhala film shot entirely outdoor. It was a focus on family tensions with social scenario! This film won 'Golden Peacock' at our 'International Film Festival of India'!..And screened at international film festivals like Cannes & Moscow! Meanwhile in 1964 he married to Sumitra Gunawardena (Peries) who is also a filmmaker and known as 'Poetess of Sinhala Cinema'!

With Srilankan legendary filmmaker Lester James Peries & Mrs. Sumitra Peries 

..I am at our 'International Film Festival of India' held at New Delhi in 2000.

Like focusing rural life..Peries also covered the subjects of urban rich society like in film 'Delovak Athara' (1966). Then his film 'Ran Salu' (1967) was with the theme of Buddhism..and won 'Gandhi Award' at Delhi! He also handled popular genre like romantic 'Golu Hadawatha' (1968) and revenge drama 'Nidhanaya' (1972)..Famous Gamini Fonseka & Malini Fonseka acted this film won 'Silver Lion' at 'Venice International Film Festival'! Then his film 'Madol Duwa' (1976) showed rebellious youth!

Peries directed epic biographical film 'Veera Puran Appu' (1978) was a box office hit. Former cabinet minister of that country...Tyronne Fernando produced in this film more than 1,500 artists contributed! Then he made 'Yuganthaya' (1983) focused the issues of working class there! For this he won 'Sri Lanka's Presidential Award'!

Srilankan legendary filmmaker Lester James Peries with print of his films!

Then with gaps of few years..he made films focusing on changing modern life in Srilanka..like 'Awaragira' (1990) and 'Wekande Walauwa' (2002) which won 'Golden Felini' award from 'UNESCO' & that was country's first ever submission for the 'Oscar'! He made last film was 'Ammawarune' (2006) for which veteran musician Premasiri Khemadasa composed the music!

I remember meeting this great filmmaker of Srilanka..Lester James Peries with his filmmaker wife Smt. Sumitra Peries..at our 'International Film Festival of India' held at New Delhi in 2000. He was honoured for his contribution to cinema in it!

Bye of Srilankan legendary filmmaker Lester James Peries!

Overall 28 films L. J. Peries made and focused on the rural, urban life with family issues. Though he had his independent style of film making..his cinematic treatment was close to our Satyajit Ray! So he also known as Ray of Srilanka!!

My humble tribute to this master of Srilankan cinema!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]