FAVOURITE JULIET..OLIVIA HUSSEY!

Beautiful Argentinian-English Actress Olivia Hussey's 75th Birth Anniversary just happened!

She became famous with Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli's hit screen adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet' (1968). I wrote a lot on this my favourite film & Olivia's lovely portray of Juliet in it!

"It is the east and Juliet is the sun!"

Shakespeare's quote of 'Romeo and Juliet' was really perfect on her in this classic film!

Tribute to her!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'98TH OSCARS'...SENTIMENTS & SOCIAL STATEMENT!

Our India's famous actress Priyanka Chopra and
acclaimed Spanish actor Javier Bardem presented
award for 'Best International Feature Film'!

The '98th Academy Awards' ('Oscars') ceremony recently happened. Both American films..political & horror thrillers won highest awards in it. But on the current world scenario there was a social statement which caught the attention!

Best Picture 'One Battle After Another's (2025)
filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson with
 famous star Leonardo DiCaprio!

 In this, our India's world famous actress Priyanka Chopra and acclaimed Spanish actor Javier Bardem presented the award for 'Best International Feature Film'. It was announced to Norwegian film 'Sentimental Value'. (I already wrote on this film here.) And in this moment Bardem made a social statement "No to war!"

Famous Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio acted Paul Thomas Anderson's political thriller 'One Battle After Another' won six 'Oscar' awards in it. These includes Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing and Best Picture!

Autumn Durald Arkapaw with her
'Best Cinematography' 'Oscar' for
American film 'Sinners' (2025).

 

After this, Ryan Coogler’s supernatural horror-thriller 'Sinners' won four awards. These includes Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score & 'Best Actor' to Michael B. Jordan. And for this visually stunning film Autumn Durald Arkapaw won 'Best Cinematography'. She made history as the first woman to win the 'Oscar' for this category!

Jessie Buckley won 'Best Actress'
for her role in film 'Hamnet' (2025).

Then Jessie Buckley won 'Best Actress' Oscar for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in 'Hamnet'. Her performance was described as a powerful, emotional portrayal of grief & maternal love. She dedicated her win to the "beautiful chaos of a mother's heart". She became the first Irish actress to win in this category! Notable that Chinese filmmaker Chloé Zhao made this historical drama related to world famous English playwright!

In this Oscar Memoriam, there was a remembrance of legendary American Actor Robert Redford among artists who passed away last year. But they did not include our Indian legendary Actor Dharmendra in it!

Anyway, Congratulations to all the 'Oscar' winners!!

-Manoj Kulkarni

'Sentimental Value' a Norwegian film won '98th Oscar's 'Best International Feature Film'! I was expecting this & specifically wrote on this film here!

Congratulations to its entire team!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'WAG THE DOG' & WORLD SCENARIO!

There are few films based on the theme of how war being used to divert attention from political scandal or crises! From these, film 'Wag the Dog' (1997) is in focus again on the current world situation!

This American political satire shows how a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer fabricate a war in order to cover up a Presidential sex scandal! With famous actor-producer Robert De Niro, renowned filmmaker Barry Levinson made this film which is based on a novel, for which Hilary Henkin & David Mamet wrote the screenplay. De Niro and veteran method actor Dustin Hoffman did the main roles in it with artists Anne Heche, Denis Leary, Wilie Nelson, Andrea Martin, Kirstern Dunst & William H. Macy. Robert Richardson cinematographed this film which edited by Stu Linder and music composed by Mark Knopfler!

This film was critically acclaimed and it won 'Golden Bear' at 'Berlin International Film Festival'!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'BAFTA' AWARDS..SOME GOOD THINGS!

Our Popular Indian Cinema's pretty talented actress Alia Bhatt
as award presenter in 'BAFTA' 2026 ceremony!

'79th 'BAFTA' ceremony was held at London day before yesterday and few good things were noticed there!

Norwegian 'Sentimental Value' director
Joachim Trier with his 'BAFTA' award!

First, our Popular Indian Cinema's pretty talented actress Alia Bhatt turned presenter in it and she began her speech in Hindi with a "Namaskar!

She announced the award for 'Best Film Not in the English Language' and this was given to Joachim Trier directed Norwegian film 'Sentimental Value'! 

I wrote special aritcle on this film which already won awards of 'Cannes' and 'European Film Academy'!

Producer Farhan Akhtar & director Lakshmipriya Devi with
'BAFTA' 2026 award & poster of their Manipuri film 'Boong'!

Then, in this 'BAFTA' our India's 'Boong' a Manipuri-language film is awarded 'Best Children's & Family Film'. This shows a young schoolboy's determination to reunite his divided family on a backdrop of racial tensions! Produced by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi in this film Gugun Kipgen & Bala Hijam did roles naturally!

Congratulations to all!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was good to meet senior Journalist & writer Mr. Hemant Desai in Alumni Meet of 'Department of Communication and Journalism' recently at 'Ranade Institute', Pune!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was nice meeting to our BCJ batchmates Sanjay Kher & Triveni Goswami Mathur in Alumni Meet of our 'Department of Communication and Journalism' recently at 'Ranade Institute', Pune!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'PIFF' IN ITS REGULAR PATTERN!

After a gap of a few years, I attended 'Pune International Film Festival'. This time it was '24th PIFF' which happened in its regular pattern!

Opening film was renowned Italian screenwriter-director Paolo Sorrentino's 'La Grazia' (2025). It's about a widowed president (author's imaginary protagonist) who faces moral crises! Veteran actor Toni Servillo did this role intensely. Sorrentino made this quiet complex drama for which editor Cristiano Travaglioli and cinematographer Daria D'Antonio did effective work. While watching its fog sequence, I remembered great Michelangelo Antonioni's 'Red Desert' (1964) scene!

Czech-Slovakia film 'Waves' (2024)
written & directed by Jiri Madl.

This time theme of 'PIFF' was 'Celebrating 100 years of great actor-filmmaker Guru Dutt' and they showed his 'Pyaasa' (1957). This is my most favourite film which is a story of sensitive poet & his self tribulation! Specifically it's a reflection of great Sahir Ludhiyanvi & his shayari/poetry which Guru Dutt portrayed very intensely! This heart touching film I already watched so many times and wrote a lot on it!

There was also centenary tribute to Bengali master filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak. He was a contemporary of renowned filmmakers Satyajit Ray & Mrinal Sen! Mostly known for his emotional social films..close to Neo-realistic Cinema! (I wrote an exclusive article on him.) His first film 'Nagorik' (1952) reflected lower middle-class emotions and unemployment..with documentary realism! But this film released twenty-four years later (after his death) in 1977. So missed the honour of becoming pioneer of art and neo-realistic Indian cinema. And that honour went to Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali' which released in 1955! His one more classic I admire is 'Meghe Dhaka Tara' (1960) and its Supriya Choudhari's crying scene with nature-sky! But in festival there was 'Subarnarekha' (1962) third film from his trilogy based on Calcutta and conditions of refugees.

Festival also gave tribute to our great filmmaker V. Shantaram on his 125th Birth anniversary. He contributed a lot to our Indian Cinema through his meaningful, artistic & social films with messages! His one classic 'Do aankhen barah haath' (1957) was screened in it. Anyway I already watched his entire cinema & wrote on it!

Stellan Skarsgard & pretty Renate Reinsve in film 'Sentimental Value' (2025)

This time also I observed few films much better in 'Global Cinema section' than in 'World Competition! In these first I liked Norwegian film 'Sentimental Value' (2025) in which my favourite beautiful actress Renate Reinsve gracefully portrayed her role! This focused on how values & principles affect relationships & creative work. It's about how filmmaker father tries to convince his actress daughter to act in his film and her previous relationship based stand on it, which latter change from the meaningful & emotional conversation with another actress who was approached for that role! Sensible director Joachim Trier co-wrote this film with Eskil Vogt. Maria Ekerhovd & Andrea Berentsen Ottmar produced this film nicely cinematographed by Kasper Tuxen and skillfully edited by Olivier Bugge Coutte. Polish pianist & singer Hania Rani composed music for it! Main artists did their roles sensitively in it. These include veteran Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard as filmmaker, Norwegian actresses Inga Lilleaas with Renate Reinsve as sisters and Elle Fanning as glamorous American actress! This film won 'Grand Prix' at 'Cannes Film Festival' and top awards of 'European Film Academy' in which include Best Film, Screenwriter, Composer, Actor and Best Director Joachim & Best Actress Renate! And this film received 9 nominations for '98th Oscar'!

War devastation showing Abbas Fahdel's documentary
Lebanese 'Tales of the wounded Land' (2025).

Another good film in that section was Czech-Slovakia co-production 'Waves' (2024). Monika Kristlova produced this historical thriller is written & directed by Jiri Madl. It shows the role of public radio broadcaster during Prague Spring late 60s period of political liberalization and conflict between journalists & secret service! For this Production designer Petr Kunc & Costume designer Katarina Strbova Bielikkova did good jobs in creating that era. Then cinematographer Martin Ziaran and editor Filip Malasek worked effectively. All artists include Vojtech Vodochodsky, Kotek, Tana Pauhofova, Stanislav Majer, Martin Hofmann & Petr Lnenicka played their roles dynamically! Then there was also a period drama 'President's Cake' (2025) an Arabic film written & directed by Hasan Hadi. It shows the life during 1990s Iraq through school going girl, which sensitively portrayed by pretty Baneen Ahmad Nayyef!

Pretty Baneen Nayyef in Arabic film 'President's Cake' (2025)

Some contemporary pictures were there. In this one was an Iraqi-French film critic and screenwriter - director Abbas Fahdel made 'Tales of the wounded Land' (2025). It shows the horrible look of war that devastated South Lebanon, through the journey of lady and her meetings with families and friends in that region. Fahdel himself cinematographed & edited this intimate chronicle! Another was Iranian-American documentary 'Cutting through rocks' made by Mohammadreza Eyni & Sara Khaki. This follows the first elected councilwoman in Iranian village and her struggle against patriarchal traditions while empowering women! Then there was Indian documentary 'Oslo - A tail of promise' (2025) produced by John Abraham and directed by Isha Pungaliya. It shows sensitive journey of Pooja Bhale and Siberian husky named Oslo through nature. Shamin Kulkarni beautifully cinematographed this. This gives message of love for animals and nature! It was nice meeting to filmmakers & artists of it there!

Theodore Pellerin in French film 'Nino' (2025).

In 'World Competition' there was one French sensitive film 'Nino' (2025) co-written & directed by Pauline Loques. It's a story of introvert youth who explores streets of Paris to reconnect with the world and himself, after being diagnosed with cancer. Theodore Pellerin portrayed this character Nino sensibly! Then there was American neo-western film 'Rebuilding (2025) directed by Max Walker-Silverman. Through the story of a rancher this explores what happens when those affected by disaster need to live on and rebuild. Josh O'Connor portrayed that cowboy rancher and Lily LaTorre played his sensible little daughter in it! After that there was Romanian mysterious drama film 'Milk Teeth' (2025) written & directed by Mihai Mincan. This shows the story of 10 years old girl Maria who witnesses her sister's disappearance during final days of dictatorship there in 1989. It's partly based on filmmaker's own childhood experiences! Emma Ioana Mogos played this girl role sensitively. Romanian-Moldovan actress Marina Palii who did mother's character in this film, was present in this festival. We had good conversation about its unresolved story!

There was India-Israel co-produced crime drama 'Murders too close - Love too far' (2025) made by Assamese noted filmmaker Manju Borah and renowned Israeli filmmaker Dan Wolman & Amir Gedalia! Its story follows investigation of horrific gangrape and murder case. It was entirely filmed in Assam on the dynamic screenplay wrote by Wolman and cinematography done by Partha Borgohain. Eyal Amir edited the film for which Debajit Gayan did sound design & Sanket Joshi composed music. Siddharth Nipon Goswami, Shaminn Mannan, Bhagirathi bai Kadam, Adil Hussain & Seema Biswas did their roles effectively in it.

Ishita Deshmukh & Yogesh Sohani in Marathi film 'Gondhal' (2025)

There were two regional films explored the mystries through traditional folk and belief or superstitions! Gujarati 'Kadaknath' (2026) revolves around family conflict, a haunting past and a series of mysterious, horrible murders in their village. Young Kaushik Garasiya wrote and directed this thriller which cinematographed by Harshit Saini and edited by Vihang A. R. who is also one of the producer, with Nirav Bhabhor who acted in it too! Other main artists are Abhinay Banker, Nisarg Trivedi, Chetan Daiya & pretty Denisha Ghumra!Then there was Marathi film 'Gondhal' (2025) a drama thriller on the backdrop of religious ritual. Santosh Davkhar wrote & directed this unique plot with a story of a suffocating young bride who uses her lover obsession in this ritual Gondhal, which then turns into a deadly chess match! For this cinematographer Amalendu Chaudhary did good camera work like one-take shot and Ashish Mhatre did required editing. And legendary South-Indian musician Ilaiyaraaja composed music for it! In acting Kishor Kadam, Anuj Prabhu, Nishad Bhoir, Kailash Waghmare, Yogesh Sohani & Ishita Deshmukh played their roles effectively!

Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett & Vicky Krieps
in film 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother' (2025).

In festival there were two Workshops of noted filmmakers. In these first was Serbian writer-director Goran Radovanovic's on 'How European & Independent cinema compete with big American cinema - lessons for regional cinema!' I already wrote articles on Serbian Cinema and him with his films like 'Enklava' (2015). While interacting with him in this, I asked 'What difference do you observe between earlier Cinema of Yugoslavia i.e. socialist realism and now in contemporary cinema?' On that he replied well with referring to his social film making! Second workshop was renowned Israeli filmmaker Dan Wolman's on 'Film Constraint to creativity - Thriving as an Independent filmmaker! I already wrote articles on him & his cinema. This time, on the backdrop of current world scenario, I was curious about his comment on 'how cinema can play a vital role in building a congenial relationship between two communities'!

Famous actor of romantic-musicals Biswajit Chatterjee
showing his 'PIFF' Distinguished Award!
(on the right) 'PIFF director Dr. Jabbar Patel.

Closing film was 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother' (2025) written and directed by American filmmaker-musician Jim Jarmusch. There are three distinct stories exploring relationships between adult children and their parents, set in the US, Ireland & France in it! Frederick Elms & Yorick Le Saux cinematographed this film which edited by Affonso Goncalves. Artists like Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling & Cate Blanchett nicely acted in it with Vicky Krieps, Sarah Greene, Mayim Bialik, Indya Moore, Luka Sabbat & Francoise Lebrun!

This time 'PIFF Distinguished awards for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema' were given to three veteran artists. In these include Marathi actress Asha Kale, character actress Farida Jalal & famous actor of romantic-musicals Biswajit Chatterjee! And 'S.D.Burman international award for creative music and sound' was given to composer & arranger Amar Haldipur!

Then 'PIFF' awards were presented to winners in the competitions. In these, 'Prabhat Best International film director' was given to Belgian screenwriter-director Laura Wandel for her social film 'Adam's sake' (2025). And 'Prabhat Best International film' was given to 'The Elysian field' ( 2025/India) directed by Pradip Kurbah. This Khasi language film focuses on migration & companionship! Then for Marathi films, 'Gondhal' won Best cinematographer & Best director awards. And Sameer Tewari's warm comedy 'Baapya' (2025) won 'Best International Marathi film'!

At the end, here are some points to be noted. Opening film should be well receivable, good films should not be avoided for world competition, proper selection of Marathi films and free interaction with filmmakers!

Best wishes to 'PIFF'!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

It was good to interact with Assamese noted filmmaker Manju Borah & renowned Israeli filmmaker Dan Wolman and  beautiful actress Shaminn Mannan after the screening of their film 'Murders too close - Love too far' (2025) at '24th Pune International Film Festival'!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was good to interact with Gujarati film 'Kadaknath' (2026) team during '24th Pune International Film Festival' (PIFF). This include writer-director Young Kaushik, cinematographer Harshit Saini, editor-producer Vihang A. R., actor-producer Nirav Bhabhor and other main artists Abhinay Banker, Nisarg Trivedi, Chetan Daiya & pretty Denisha Ghumra!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was good to interact with artists of foreign films during '24th Pune International Film Festival' (PIFF).
Discussed about Romanian film 'Milk Teeth' with its artist Marina Palii! (On the left)
Arabic 'This is my night' film's Syrian actress-director Jafra Younes was also there! (In the middle)

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was good to meet 'PIFF's friend Mr. Vishal Shinde during '24th Pune International Film Festival'!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was nice meeting to renowned Serbian filmmaker friend Mr. Goran Radovanovic during '24th 'Pune International Film Festival' (PIFF).

I already wrote on him and his powerful contemporary cinema like 'Enklava' (2015).

We had good discussion!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was good to meet Film Critic friend Mr. Saibal Chatterjee during '24th Pune International Film Festival' (PIFF).

 - Manoj Kulkarni

It was nice meeting to renowned Israeli Filmmaker Mr. Dan Wolman during '24th Pune International Film Festival' (PIFF).

I already wrote on his cinema!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was good to meet our graceful actress & filmmaker Ms. Mrinal Kulkarni at the opening ceremony of '24th Pune International Film Festival' (PIFF).

- Manoj Kulkarni

After a few years' gap attended 'PIFF'..'Pune International Film Festival'!

- Manoj Kulkarni 

VALUE MATTERS!

Poster of Norwegian film 'Sentimental Value' (2025).

'24th Pune International Film Festival' (PIFF') recently over, and one of the few good films I watched in it was Norwegian 'Sentimental Value' (2025) in which my favourite beautiful actress Renate Reinsve gracefully portrayed her role! It's her third collaboration with director Joachim Trier who is famous for his 'Oslo Trilogy'! She won 'Best Actress' award for their second film 'The Worst Person in the World' (2021) at 'Cannes Film Festival' and recent film also won 'Grand Prix' in it!

Beautiful Renate Reinsve in film 'Sentimental Value' (2025).

'Sentimental Value' focused on how the values & principles affect relationships and the creative work. This is about how filmmaker father tries to convince his actress daughter to act in his film and her previous relationship based stand on it, which latter change from the meaningful and emotional conversation with another actress who was approached for that role! 

Sensible director Joachim Trier co-wrote this film with Eskil Vogt. Maria Ekerhovd & Andrea Berentsen Ottmar produced this film nicely cinematographed by Kasper Tuxen and skillfully edited by Olivier Bugge Coutte. And Polish pianist & singer Hania Rani composed music for it! All main artists did their roles sensitively in it. These include veteran Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard as filmmaker, Norwegian actresses Inga Lilleaas with Renate Reinsve as sisters & Elle Fanning as glamorous American actress!

'Sentimental Value's director Joachim Trier.

'Sentimental Value' already won many awards in various film festivals like 'Grand Prix' at Cannes! Besides, this film won top awards of 'European Film Academy' in which include Best Film, Screenwriter, Composer, Actor and Best Director Joachim & Best Actress Renate! And this film received 9 nominations for '98th Oscar'. In this, of course include Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actresses and 'Best International Feature Film'!

Congratulations to entire team of 'Sentimental Value' and Best wishes for 'Oscar'!!

- Manoj Kulkarni