Hero worship

An animated drama based on the life of legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapathi Shivaji Raje, Prabho Shivaji Raja,is slated to be released during the summers. Produced by Infinity visual and MEFAC and directed by Nilesh Muley,the film is an ode to the Maratha ruler for his heroism,sense of justice and equality of his subjects,irrespective of class or religion. The 100-minute film includes all major milestones in his life,from the Mughal period,his birth,influences,declaration of Swarajya,big battles and finally his coronation. While senior actor Sachin Khedekar has lent his voice as the film’s narrator,popular vocalists Shankar Mahadevan and Swapnil Bandodkarhave have sung the soundtrack. The screenplay is a result of research by senior historians Babasaheb Purandare and Neenad Bedekar. The character of Shivaji was created on the basis of only one original sketch available,which was certified by Sadashivbhau Sathe,a famous sculptor.

Coloured shots

Actors Neil Nitin Mukesh,Tena Dessae,Ravi Kishan and Yana Gupta were in the city on March 25 to shoot a Holi special song for their upcoming movie Dussehra. A political thriller,it is a true life story that revolves around a politically destabilised state,the politician-mafia network,crimes,reckless criminals and a righteous cop stuck in the system. Speaking about it,Gupta said,“Holi songs typically have a lot of energy and peppiness and I was left exhausted after the shoot. But it was so much fun. I loved every second of it. I loved playing with the colors and the setting was very apt for a Holi shoot.” Directed by Manish Vatsalya,the film also stars Pooja Welling,Govind Naamdev,Ashwini Kalsekar,Murli Sharma,Shubhangi Gokhale,Pankaj Jha and Sharat Saxena.