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Marathi Films round Up

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Madhuri has reinvented herself

The 1994 blockbuster movie Hum Aapke Hain Koun made actress Renuka Shahane popular across the nation. Recently the actress, shared a screen space with Madhuri Dixit in Marathi film Bucket List, and she is all praise for Madhuri. Renuka said, “Madhuri has reinvented herself, each time with dignity & grace.” Renuka believes that the 2 actresses’ lives & personalities are similar in several ways. “She has 2 boys, and so do I. There are so many issues that have affected the 2 of us. But we are both very level-headed,” she said. The actress, who’s 2009 Marathi directorial venture Rita received much critical acclaim, is considering making a Hindi film in the future. “I think in Marathi & English. Speaking in Hindi is something that I do when I am acting, or when I am at my in-laws’ house. Having said that, there is a subject that I have written about in Hindi. Maybe I will make a film about it because it’s a nice subject. I am not sure yet, but it’s on my bucket list,” she concluded.

‘Adharvad’ Song Recording Mahurat Held

A song recording muhurat was held for Hinglajmata’s Adharvad. The credits of the film are produced by Rajkumar Hanchate, co-produced by Kalappa Ahankar Pujari, directed by Suresh Jhade Bhavsaar, singer’s Suresh Bhoshle, Alka Yagnik, Vaisali Mhade, Pe Ganesh & Swapnil Bandodkar, lyrics by Prathmesh Dhonge.

Surendra Pal Makes A Marathi Film Debut

Having achieved tremendous popularity with his role of Dronacharya in TV series Mahabharat, by B. R. Chopra about 3 decades ago, Surendra Pal is all set to be a part of a Marathi film. Previously the actor has worked in Hindi serials like Chanakya, Shaktiman, Devon Ke Dev Mahadev and has also been a part of many Hindi films. Now, he is all set to make his debut in Marathi, through Shivdarshan Sable’s film Lagi Toh Chhagi, which will be released all over Maharashtra on 8th Jun, 2018.

‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3’ To Hit The Silver Screen Soon

A movie close to every Punekar & Mumbaikar is probably this one. That’s correct, it is Mumbai Pune Mumbai movie series. The movie that has already seen its 2nd part 2 years ago, is all set to bring the 3rd part. 8 years ago, the film Mumbai Pune Mumbai was released that saw a huge success, not only amongst the Marathi audiences, but also at the international level. The success saw a repeat with its sequel Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2, released 2 years back. And this is not the end! Director of the film Satish Rajwade has announced the release of its next sequel Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3. The trend of having sequels has been prolonged in the Hindi industry, but this would be the 1st time ever when a Marathi movie is to release a 3rd sequel of a movie. The popular duo Swwapnil Joshi & Mukta Barve from the series were much liked by the audiences and they joined together for the announcement of the 3rd part of the cinema. After the overwhelming response from the 1st 2 parts, the movie is said to release in Sept, 2018. Pallavi Rajwade has penned the story of Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3, Screenplay & dialogues are written by Ashwini Shende & Pallavi Rajwade. The director also shared his excitement by telling that it’s now setting a trend of one of its kind love story with the movie. People are more curious about the lives of Gautam & Gauri and related themselves with the happenings in the lives of the couple.

Sagarika Ghatge Boots Up

More than a decade after Sagarika Ghatge made her presence felt in the role of a hockey player in Chak De! India, Sagarika has confirmed doing another sports based film. Only this time, the stick has given way to football studs. The actress will soon begin shooting for Monsoon Football, a film directed by Paathshala director Milind Ukey. The film will also mark her comeback in the Marathi industry (her 1st & only Marathi film, Premachi Goshta, released in 2013).

Teaser Of Ziprya Is Out

Based on a novella by famous Marathi writer Arun Sadhu, the book is now being made into a movie named Ziprya and the teaser of the film is out. Directed by Jedar Vaidya & presented by Ashwini Ranjit Darekar, the film is based in the backdrop of Mumbai. The story talks about the children on railway station or outside that are seen polishing boots. At the age of going to school, they work, earn & make their ends meet but have dreams larger than life, but a sudden episode takes a turn in their lives. The teaser shows the empathetic picture of these youngsters but isn’t that of an emotional film. The film has already bagged 3 prestigious awards at the Maharashtra State Awards even before its commercial release. The movie will see Chinmay Kambli, Prathamesh Parab, Saksham Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Aman Attar, Devansh Deshmukh, Nachiket Purnapatre in prominent roles. With a lot of novels being converted into movies, it would be an interesting watch for the audiences to see how this novella worked out as a film. The movie all set to release on 22nd Jun, 2018 across the state.

CBI questions Sunil Kapur again in AirAsia bribery case

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An AirAsia plane prepares for take off at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, June 29, 2016. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo


The CBI on Thursday again questioned Sunil Kapur, Chairman of Travel Foods and Services, in connection with an alleged bribery case for getting FDI rules tweaked by AirAsia to get international flying licences.

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said that Kapur was again called for questioning and asked about whom all he met in the Civil Aviation Ministry and about a catering contract to him for in-flight catering by AirAsia.

Kapur was questioned for several hours on Tuesday also by CBI officials.

Earlier, the agency had examined Rajendra Dubey, Director of HNR Pte Ltd, Green IT Com Pvt Ltd and RRT Services India Pvt Ltd.

The CBI action had registered a case on May 29 against Malaysia-based AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, AirAsia India Director R. Venkataramanan and AirAsia Group Deputy CEO T. Kanagalingam alias Bo Lingam and others for alleged violation of norms for getting international flying licence.

The CBI’s FIR also mentions aviation consultant Deepak Talwar, Dubey and some unknown public servants of the Civil Aviation Ministry and the then Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

According to the CBI FIR, during 2015-16, AAIL remitted about Rs 12.28 crore to HNR Trading Pte Ltd, owned by Dubey, for a sham contract on the basis of a bogus agreement on plain papers.

This was used for paying bribes to unidentified public servants and others for securing permit for the operation of international scheduled air transport services through Deepak Talwar of DTA Consulting and Sunil Kapur, Chairman of Travel/Total Food Services, who acted as lobbying agents.

In its FIR, the agency alleged that efforts were made by Fernandes to get the 5/20 rule of the civil aviation policy changed so that AirAsia could start international operations.

The rule requires that an airline must be operating in India for five years and have at least 20 aircraft in its fleet before starting international operations.

Fernandes is also accused of “putting pressure” on former AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya to pursue changes in regulatory policies for international aviation in India which would be beneficial to the company.

AirAsia and Venkataramanan have denied the charges, saying the accusations were made with mala fide intention and will be contested in court.

Nigeria drop to 48th in FIFA rankings ahead of World Cup

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Nigeria have dropped to 48th in the FIFA’s global rankings in June, a week away from the start of 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Its World Cup opponents Argentina, Croatia, and Iceland are on fifth, 20th and 22nd positions respectively in the FIFA rankings. Its first match is against Croatia on June 16, Xinhua news agency reported.

A flurry of pre-FIFA World Cup friendlies has left its mark on the latest rankings. The west African country also dropped to the seventh place in Africa, an official statement on FIFA’s website on Thursday said.

Nigeria were on the 47th spot and sixth position respectively in the FIFA rankings and continental football in April and May.

In all its outings of late, Nigeria either faced a defeat or draw. Super Eagles were beaten 1-0 by the Czech Republic on Wednesday, during a last pre-World Cup friendly played in Austria.

On June 2, the team saw a defeat by the Three Lions of England. The match, played at the Wembley Stadium, ended 2-1. Nigeria had played a 1-1 draw on home soil against DR Congo on May 28.

Haryana government asks athletes to hand over earnings, draws flak

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The Haryana government has shocked the national sports fraternity by issuing a notification asking sportspersons from the state to hand over one third of their earnings from professional events and endorsements to the Haryana Sports council.

The notification, dated April 30, states that the money thus collected from sportspersons will be used for development of sports and budding talent in Haryana.

“One-third of the income earned by sportspersons from professional sports or commercial endorsements will be deposited with the Haryana State Sports Council, amount to be used for development of sports in the state,” the notification read.

The move has drawn wide condemnation with several athletes criticising the state government.

“This new rule makes a mockery of sportspersons. There is no such rule for cricketers who earn much more than those from other sports. Cricketers make a lot of money from endorsements, but those from other sports like boxing, kabaddi and wrestling do not earn much,” star wrestler Geeta Phogat told a television channel.

“If we give up a third of our earnings, it will not be feasible for us. In such a scenario, what will be left for us?” she asked.

Over 600 homes destroyed by Hawaii volcano eruption

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More than 600 homes have been destroyed by the Kilauea volcano eruption in Hawaii in more than a month since lava began flowing, confirmed a top official.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday said the homes were destroyed in three days at Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots in Pahoa, including the Mayor’s own house in Vacationland, Xinhua news agency reported.

Pahoa is a major community in the county with a population of roughly 1,000 people.

“It hurts like hell. What we lost is the most beautiful place on earth. Over 600 homes destroyed by lava rivers in Hawaii. The past few days have got to be one of the saddest in the long life that I’ve experienced,” Kim said.

He pledged that officials at the state and federal levels will work as a team to cope with the disaster, “eliminate all the bureaucracy delays”, and “get it done as soon as possible”.

Hawaii governor David Ige said the state will allocate $12 million to help respond to the eruption, covering expenses ranging from overtime work to food and equipment.

He added that county employees have been working round-the-clock for almost 40 days.

“I don’t think any of us knew it would get to this point,” Ige said. “Obviously things in the last few days have escalated significantly with Fissure 8 continuing to put out a lot of lava. It certainly has escalated the impact and devastation of the area.”

Kilauea volcano has been erupting nearly continuously for about five weeks now.

The volcano is one of the youngest and most active volcanoes in the world. It is a shield-type volcano that makes up the southeastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Today, parents need a range of skills — such as lying and cheating

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The Chinese government recently decided that all spermatozoa donated to Beijing’s main sperm bank must be loyal to the communist party.

Good idea! But how do you check? You can’t interview them.

Sperm bank staff make it clear that sperm donors must be card-carrying party members with Correct Political Attitudes, which means atheists who “love the party”. This will prevent fertilised eggs growing into offspring with Dangerously Wrong Ideas, such as “maybe the world is not actually on the cusp of being taken over by the glorious rising sun of Communism”.

There are similar concerns around the world. If a gay couple from the United States wants a baby carried by a surrogate mother in Asia, the Medical Tourism Corporation promises to scour India to try to find one of a particular belief group, so they can make sure the initial cells of their child-to-be are Jewish or atheist or whatever — but the company points out that most available mothers are Hindu or Muslim.

Yet maybe the main culture of the next generation will be something else altogether. A baby in the UK recently spoke his first word, the Caters News Agency reported. Instead of “mama” or “dada”, little Joe Brady said “Alexa”.

May be “digital assistant” gadgets like Alexa will take over all parental duties? Fine with me. They can raise the kids until they are old enough to understand vital commands such as “Go get me a beer.”

Parents are becoming more flexible. Several news sites recently carried the story of a mother who asked a tattooist to permanently write the name of her son Kevin on her arm. The tattooist misspelled it as “Kelvin”. So Johanna Sandstrom of Sweden changed her child’s name to Kelvin to match her tat.

People criticised her for this. But raising children is all about thinking on your feet, plus, of course: Bribery, corruption, cheating and lying.

Here are two Evil Dad Tricks that worked for this columnist: 1) Tell your children that the display of chocolate next to the supermarket checkout queue is special “dogs only” candy. 2) Instead of buying expensive tickets to the aquarium, show the children the fish display in the window of your local fishmonger shop and say: “Shh! They’re sleeping.”

Oh, you start off imagining that you are going to raise an angelic child who wears only natural fibres. Pretty soon, you’re happy enough if you can keep the little monster from running naked out of the house. One father recently wrote on Twitter that he asked his six-year-old son to get dressed for school and the boy snapped back: “OMG, why are you so obsessed with clothes?”

A TV presenter recently admitted that she and her husband sometimes travel first class in aircraft while putting their children in economy. First class should be “a huge treat that you have earned”, explained Kirstie Allsopp of the UK. I like this idea. I wonder if her children live in a small hut in the yard of the family mansion, not having earned a house?

Meanwhile, non-parents should practise their acting skills by ordering a whole fish whenever they are dining with children. “Shh! It’s sleeping.”

(Nury Vittachi is an Asia-based frequent traveller. Send ideas and comments via his Facebook page)

Guatemala volcano eruption toll reaches 109

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The death toll from the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala on June 3 has increased to 109 after another 10 bodies were found, according to authorities.

On Thursday, the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) said that seven of the bodies found were transferred to the morgue of Hunahpu village, in the south of Escuintla Department, and the three others to the central morgue in the capital, reports Efe news.

Thursday morning the spokesperson of the Coordinating Agency for Disaster Reduction, David De Leon, announced the temporary suspension of the rescue operation due to bad weather conditions.

The INACIF said that two more casualties were identified on Thursday, an eight-year-old boy and a woman whose age is unknown.

So far, a total of 28 victims have been identified.

The strong eruption of the volcano and the constant volcanic activity has affected some 1.7 million people, 12,407 were evacuated, 7,393 transferred to hospitals, 4,137 are living in shelters, 197 are reported missing and 58 were injured, according to data from the relief agencies.

A state of disaster has been declared for the southern departments of Escuintla, Sacatepequez, and Chimaltenango, which suffered the most.

According to volcanologists, eruption records of Fuego volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, dates back to 1542.

At its fiercest, the volcano could spray ash all the way to Guatemala’s southern neighbours of El Salvador and Honduras.

RBI rate hike upsets Narendra Modi’s election year budget maths

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The central bank’s first interest rate rise since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power could not have come at a worse time for a government grappling with spending constraints, voter discontent in the rural heartlands and rising oil prices. The rate increase, the first in more than four years, is likely to be followed by one or two more this year, economists predict, pushing up overall borrowing costs for the government and companies alike.

Higher interest rates are likely to make it tougher for the government to borrow from the market and hurt a recent pick-up in the economy while dampening revenue collection and burning a bigger hole in the government’s fiscal deficit than the budgeted target of 3.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

For Modi that represents a double whammy, as he looks to step up spending to woo disgruntled voters ahead of a general election next year without spooking skittish foreign investors. The fiscal maths are getting challenging on rising fuel prices, a weakening rupee, and subdued investments.

“This could be the worst year for us, as budget calculations are under stress,” a senior finance ministry official, who declined to be named, told Reuters, adding there was a worry of at least one more rate hike by December.

“The rising crude oil prices are already giving sleepless nights as the government may have to cut the tax on fuel products sooner rather than later,” the official added.

India’s economy grew at 7.7 percent in the first three months of the year, the fastest pace in nearly two years. That would be an impressive clip for most countries, but more is needed to create enough new jobs for the 1 million young people entering the country’s workforce each month.

Feeling the pressure

The government’s spending plans have already been threatened by setbacks to flagship reforms.

An estimated $1.2 billion-$1.5 billion Air India privatization plan flopped when the stake it was selling in the flag carrier failed to attract a single bid by last week’s deadline, putting at risk its Rs 800 billion ($11.93 billion) divestment target.

Meanwhile, the sovereign 10-year bond yield has risen by 60 basis points since the start of the fiscal year in April, and is near a three-year high due to a lack of investors. Similarly, top-rated corporates, including National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Small Industries Development Bank of India and National Housing Bank, have deferred their bond issuance plans due to a lack of buyers.

To top this, foreign holders have sold a net $4.3 billion of Indian debt so far this year as investors have grown wary of emerging economies facing twin fiscal and current account deficits and higher inflation that could pose overheating risks.

The stock market has held up so far, but some analysts caution that concerns over a loosening of fiscal discipline ahead of the election could trigger equity outflows as well.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised its key repo rate on Wednesday by 25 basis points to 6.25 percent — the first change since a cut of the same size in August last year — as higher oil prices, a sharp fall in the rupee and potential stronger consumer spending threatened to spur inflation beyond its 4 percent medium-term target.

“The rate hike will push up the government’s interest financing cost and add to the fiscal deficit pressure on one hand,” said Soumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economist at State Bank of India. “And on the other hand, the nascent recovery in growth on the back of consumption demand will also slow down as retail lending rates will go up sooner than later.”

Modi’s election bugle

After a setback at a by-election in Uttar Pradesh last week showed Modi’s waning popularity in the countryside, where most Indians still live, the government has stepped up its so-called populist spending to please the voters.

Already the government has unveiled a support package for sugar farmers to put a floor under prices that could cost about Rs 40 billion ($597 million) outside the budget.

Further measures, including loan waivers to farmers by regional governments, higher minimum purchase prices for grains, fuel subsidies to prevent pump prices from rising sharply and higher than budgeted rural wage payouts could blow a big hole in the fiscal deficit.

That could set up the RBI for a face-off with the government and also prompt further rate increases after it warned in its monetary policy statement that moving away from the fiscal deficit roadmap could push up inflation risks.

“India’s combined fiscal deficit is already quite high and since this is an election year, both state and central governments are coming up with populist spending steps which will push up the fiscal deficit and add to inflation pressures,” said A Prasanna, chief economist at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership. “This increases the probability of further rate hikes.”

Terror attack on army patrol party in Kupwara

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Terrorists has once again attacked an army patrol party in Haril area of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning, but no injuries or casualties have been reported as yet.
This comes a day after two soldiers were injured after terrorists attacked an army patrol party near Line of Control fence in Kashmir’s Keran sector on Thursday, However, one of the soldier succumbed to injuries later in the hospital.
Sepoy Sukhwinder Singh (26) and another jawan sustained bullet injuries during an attack by militants along the LoC in Keran while they were patrolling forward areas ahead of the fence.
While the injured were provided immediate first aid, Singh was later evacuated to Army’s 92 Base Hospital here, where he succumbed to injuries on Thursday night, an official said.
His mortal remains would be flown for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours.
Hindusthan Samachar/Ranjit/Balwan/Shri Ram\

‘Kaala’: Realistic guide to dirty side of slum redevelopment

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Film ; Director: Pa.Ranjith; Cast: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar, Pankaj Tripathi and Anjali Patil; Rating: ***

Pa. Rajani’s “Kaala”, showcased in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, is a captivating socio-drama. It is a family-friendly tale with all the trappings of a South Indian fare. It is a superhero film of a different variety.

The film begins on a weak, unimpressive note that represents comic book graphics, but soon, it builds the momentum that is expected of a Rajinikanth film. It is a pot-boiler packed with Rajinikanth antics, albeit in diminishing proportion.

Nevertheless, it would appeal not only to his ardent fans and skeptical viewers but also to every “urban-poor” living in the slums of the city.

A fiction, set in Dharavi — Asia’s largest slum in Mumbai — the film cheerfully exposes the anguish of the “urban-poor” migrants living in the slums of the city.

It is their struggle against the land grabbers who are trying to exploit them in the garb of government schemes and city redevelopment.

The film is uncomfortable but convincing, illuminating the inconvenient sides of the development.

Haridada (Nana Patekar), a goon who has been elevated to the post of a Union Minister, along with his cronies is hell-bent on usurping Dharavi. With the help of his supporter Vishubhai (Sampath Raj) he tries to evacuate the people from there. How, Karikaalan (Rajinikanth) aka Kaala, a migrant from Tirunelveli, becomes a spike in Haridada’s plans, forms the crux of the tale.

The narrative keeps you hooked – wondering how far Kaala will go or how he will get out of his troubles.

The plot has its graph chalked to perfection, despite major edit jump-cuts. There is never a moment that drags. The dialogues are peppy with the right amount of humour, emotions and melodrama.

With age, Rajinikanth has mellowed, he plays his age and perfectly portrays the comical aspects of a petty gangster with all pride but no substance.

His action scenes definitely seem laboured. But fortunately for him since the director focused his energies on the tale and not on him, he was spared the embarrassment of performance.

Nana Patekar as the uncompromising and ambitious Haridada stands tall as he matches Rajinikanth in stature and demeanour. But then, this is not his story about his bumpy quest for more power and money.

Huma Qureshi as Zarina, the head of an NGO interested in uplifting the slum, Easwari Rao as Kaala’s wife Selvi, Anjali Patil as Charumati aka Toofani as an aggressive resident of the area and the girlfriend of Kaala’s son Lenin, are earnest.

The trio balance the gender scale with each one of them having their moments of on-screen glory.

Mounted with grand production values, the set showcasing Dharavi appears to be a synthetic and antiseptic place.

It is difficult to identify with it, minus the squalor.

The music that accompanies the action sequences is loud and adrenaline inducing. The songs, especially the rap numbers along with the hip-hop dance, mesh well into the narrative.

Overall, the film with the title which is used as a double entendre, is entertaining as a realistic guide to the dirty side of slum redevelopment.

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