• Review : Ekk Albela (2016)
• Producer : Dr Monish Babre
• Directer : Shekhar Sartandel
• Star Cast : Mangesh Desai as Bhagwan Dada, Vidhyadhar Joshi, Prasad Pandit, Swapnil Rajshekhar, Vighnesh Joshi, Shekhar Phadke, Shriram Kolhatkar, Arun Bhadsavle, Vidya Balan
• Writer : Shekhar Sartandel & Amol Shetge
• Music : Santosh Mulekar
• Genre : Drama
• Certification : U
• Review By : Rasik Tirodkar

Rating : 2.5/5

Ek Albela Marathi Movie Review:

‘Indifference’ is a word that most filmmakers would dread. A filmmaker would surely want a reaction – hate or love – for his creation. Nothing could be more frustrating than indifference. And that is exactly the emotion that the biopic on Bhagwan Dada inspires in you – indifference!

I must admit I was rather looking forward to this film. Most Marathi films aren’t promoted well, but this one was. The movies seemed ambitious from the trailer as there did not seem to be any compromise of any sort on production values. Mangesh Desai is a capable actor who hadn’t really played any role worthy of his talent before, and this seemed like a film where he would actually ‘arrive’. Also they had managed to get Vidya Balan in the film and her songs looked well done from the promos. Ekk Albela was certainly a movie to look forward to. But, rather sadly, the film left me unaffected.

The film traces the journey of Bhagwan Dada from an aimless youth to a very successful director of B-grade action films till he finally managed to make the hit social film Albela despite all the hurdles. The film gets mood and look right. You do feel transported to the pre-independence era with the impressive art and costume design. The producers should be commended as the production values don’t seem inadequate anywhere.

Mangesh Desai is there in nearly every scene of the film and it is apparent that he has put his heart and soul in the film. The make-up work by Vidyadhar Bhatte makes him bear a striking resemblance to Bhagwan Dada. The trademark mannerisms of the popular actor has been mastered by Manges has well as the peculiar dance style.

Ek Albela had all the technical elements in place, but despite this, the film doesn’t engage you at all. The staging of most scenes is weak and very rarely does the film catch your attention.You don’t care for the character of Bhagwan Dada. The film has a rather flat graph as you are not taken along with the protagonists on the ups and downs of his life. You merely observe the film from the distance. The one which involves Raj Kapoor can be held as an example. Ekk Albela is that rare biopic in India that takes real names and so has a couple of scenes involving Raj Kapoor who was supposedly Bhagwan Dada’s friend. In the scene, Raj Kapoor advises Bhagwan Dada to make a social film as reputation and fame lies in that and not the action films that Bhagwan Dada was expert in. Despite the presence of a character like Raj Kapoor, this scene falls flat as the actor playing Raj Kapoor is rather weak. The film is littered with such scenes that don’t achieve its desired impact at all. And this is rather sad, as other than the crucial departments of screenplay and direction, Ek Albela is a sincere effort.

The two songs involving Vidya Balan are rather well done, but serve only as showpieces.

Overall:

Despite the rather sincere effort Mangesh Desai and the technical team, Ekk Albela is not an engaging film, courtesy the screenplay and direction.

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Make-up artist Vidaydhar Bhatte had a very crucial role to play with Vidya Balan being cast as Geeta Bali in the upcoming film Ekk Albela. He has been Vidya’s personal make-up man for a couple of films. Now, when the director of Ekk Albela – Shekhar Sartandel – was discussing who would play Geeta Bali, Vidyadhar Bhatte suggested the name of Vidya Balan. He sent her a text message and Balan immediately replied saying she is interested and would like to hear the narration. The narration impressed her and as she had also committed to the media of doing a Marathi film, she did not give a second thought about doing the role.

Also Read : Manesh Desai’s Interview

The striking resemblance of Mangesh Desai with the legendary Bhagwan Dada in the promos has everyone mighty impressed. So I had a brief talk with Vidyadhar Bhatte, the man behind making Mangesh Desai look like very much like a walking and talking Bhagwan Dada:

Can you tell us about the process of how you got around to making Mangesh Desai look like Bhagwan Dada?

Shekhar Sartandel once called me to discuss the look of the role. I met Mangesh for the first time there. I had a nice look at him and felt that it was possible. I had even seen Bhagwan Dada in real life once, so I was aware of the features of his face. Then we had a look test after a few weeks. Bhagwan Dada had rather silky hair and his forehead was also rather small. So I designed a wig accordingly and we did the look test. Everybody was happy with the look and that is how it was finalized.

Did you use any prosthetics?

No, we did not. Prosthetics affects the performance of the actor. It is difficult to emote with it. Also, as we were successful in getting the look without prosthetics itself, we thought why waste time and money on it. We used highlight and double shading for the look. Dada had a double chin, we got that made by using highlight.

How was the first response to the look?

When Mangesh came out of the make-up room, everybody present there including the DOP were shocked to see the similarity. They all felt that it was Bhagwan Dada himself. We clicked a few pictures of Mangesh in the look and showed it to people, they used to feel that it is Bhagwan Dada himself. So the look got immediate and generous appreciation.

Interview By : Rasik Tirodkar

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The promos of Ekk Albela have intrigued one and all. It isn’t that only the subject of the film that is interesting, but it seems to be well presented as well, and that is indeed a rarity in Marathi cinema. Mangesh Desai bears a striking resemblance to Bhagwan Dada and glimpses of his acting from the promos has everyone floored. I had the opportunity recently to have a nice chat with him a Dadar eatery. Excerpts from the same:

How were you chosen for the role of Bhagwan Dada?

I feel this role has been given to me by Dada himself. This is because I had never ever thought that I would be given this role. I am a great believer in destiny and I have a strong feeling that I was destined to play Bhagwan Dada. When the director Shekhar Sartendel gave the script to me for reading, I couldn’t figure out which role I was playing as I wasn’t even aware that they were going to offer me the lead role of Dada himself. But on hearing that I immediately grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Can you tell us about your preparation for the role?

There was very little material available for researching the role of Bhagwan Dada. Of course I saw Albela 20-25 times in whole just to catch the mannerisms of the man. I believe that some personal mannerism of an actor always remains whenever he plays any character. Bhagwan Dada’s style of acting was melodramatic as maybe was the requirement of that era. From that I figured that even as a person in real life Dada must be a bit melodramatic. So after narrowing down on the style of acting me and Shekhar Sartandel (Director) discussed each and every scene in detail before the shoot. So the preparation was quite meticulous despite having insufficient material for research.

I am actually a non-dancer, so was a bit worried about the dance in the role as it is an essential element. But somehow I had no difficulty in learning that as well.

How was the experience of working with Vidya Balan?

Vidya Balan is a superstar of Hindi cinema. So when I first heard that she has been cast in the role of Geeta Bali, I couldn’t believe it. I thought why would a Hindi star work in a marathi film and that too with a small actor like me? But on the first day of the shoot I met her and was charmed by her humility. She actually introduced herself first to me and that was how the ice was broken. No tantrums on the set at all or any nasty comment or unsolicited advice. And she took care to ensure that the entire film was growing and not only her. It was indeed an humbling experience to work with her.

Do you think this would be a career defining role for you?

It would be too early to say that before the film releases. I hope the film is enjoyed by the masses and classes alike and the role makes a special place in the heart of the people. Only then would I call it a career defining role.

Interview by – Rasik Tirodkar

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Shekhar Sartandel directed Marathi Film Ekk Albela, a biopic on Bhagwand dada is gearing up for its release. The official trailer of this film has been released. The film stars Mangesh Desai as Bhagwandada and Vidya Balan as Geeta Bali.

Bhagwandada was most popular actor during the black and white era of Hindi film industry. He acted in more than 290 films and directed 34 films. After giving some super-hit massy films, he decided to venture into “social drama” films. His foray into this genre “Albela” became an instant success on Box office. The film showcases his struggle and achievements. Even after achieving glorious years and title as “India’s first dancing superstar” BHagwandada fell into poverty in his later years.

As the film is set in 1960’s ,the look of the film has been designed very carefully. The characters look very convincing VidyaBalan as Geeta Bali looks very glamorous and lovely. Mangesh Desai has managed to bring back the magic of Bhagwandada with his makeup and acting skills.

The film will be released on 24 June all over Maharashtra.

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As our readers must be knowing by now, a biopic on the first dancing hero of our country – Bhagwan Dada – has been made and is ready for release. Bhagwan Dada was a pioneer in making dancing popular in Hindi cinema and a long list of dancing heroes from Rishi Kapoor to Prabhu Deva owe a bit to him. However, he is a name that is forgotten today.

Bhagwan Dada introduced choreographed dancing to Hindi cinema with his film Albela in the 1950s. The film had eleven songs, but the two of the most popular songs from the film are ‘Shola Jo Bhadke’ and ‘Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote’. The video of ‘Shola Jo Bhadke’ has already been released and appreciated. Lot of accolades were showered on the song for the accurate recreation of the 1950s era and also for the elegant moves by Mangesh Desai who plays Bhagwan Dada and Hindi star Vidya Balan who is playing Geeta Bali.This is the first time any major actress from Hindi cinema would be playing any role in a Marathi film.

Now, here you can see that the same feel and touch has been maintained in the song ‘Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote’ as well. The song has Vidya Balan and Mangesh Desai gracefully performing the trademark choreography that was so popular back then. The extras, the costume and the sets all take you back to the wonderful 1960s. One thing you can’t fail to notice in the song is that not only a lot of hardwork but also a lot of heart and love has gone into making it and that definitely comes across.

The film releases on 24^th June and the lovely songs and the interesting promos have without doubt piqued the interest of film enthusiasts.

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• Movie : Ekk Albela (2016) | एक अलबेला
• Producor : Dr Monish Babre
• Director : Shekhar Sartandel
• Production House : Kimaya Motion Pictures
• Studio : Manglmurti Films
• StarCast : Mangesh Desai as Bhagwan Dada, Vidhyadhar Joshi, Prasad Pandit, Swapnil Rajshekhar, Vighnesh Joshi, Shekhar Phadke, Shriram Kolhatkar, Arun Bhadsavle, Vidya Balan
• Writer : Shekhar Sartandel & Amol Shetge
• Music : Santosh Mulekar
• Screenplay & Dialogue : Shekhar Sartandel & Amol Shetge
• Cinematography : Uday Devare
• Art Director : Baban Adagale
• Make up : Vidyadhar Bhatte
• Executive Producer : Kunal Shetye
• Distribute : Raksha Entertainment / Manglmurti Films
• Genre : Biopic
• Release Date : 24th June, 2016

Synopsis : “Ekk Albela’ is a classic journey of a man who came up from nothing & went on to become a Legend, leaving behind a legacy that will entertain us forever.

Ek Albela Marathi Movie Posters, Still Photos

Ek Albela Marathi Movie Trailer

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Vidya will be seen playing the role of famous yesteryear actress Geeta Bali in her Marathi film debut Ekk Albela. The film is a biopic presented by Manglmurti films and produced by Kimaya Motion Pictures based on the contribution of legendary actor Bhagwan Dada to Bollywood. With the first look launched of the film, people were awestruck with the striking resemblance of Vidya with Geeta Bali. The credit for Vidya’s such amazing look goes to makeup artist Vidyadhar Bhatte and costume designer Subarna Ray Chaudhuri.

Vidyadhar revealed, “I took six-seven wigs along and tried out 10 hairstyles before zeroing down on a middle parting that enhanced the likeness between the two.” Vidyadhar stated about how he wanted a natural look for Vidya as possible as he could, “Vidya didn’t take much time to get dressed and would never interfere with my work,” he said.

Designer Subarna who designed all of Vidya’s costumes for the film in just six days revealed, “We had a clear brief that Vidya had to look exactly like Geeta Bali, especially in the songs, Shola Jo Bhadke and Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote. I have worked with Vidya on Parineeta earlier so I am familiar with her taste.” She further stated that they used to send pictures of sample fabrics to the director who would convert them to black and white to see if they had the desired effect. Subarna also said the jewelry was customised. “Designs from the time aren’t readily available. We’ve used a lot of gold, silver, emeralds, rubies and pearls. We wanted to stay true to the theme and the period, so saris were draped in a certain way, the skirts were high-waisted and the blouses had cowl necks,” she quoted.

Ekk Albela is directed by Shekhar Sartandel and produced by Dr Monish Babre and Kimaya Motion Pictures Production.

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Ekk Albela is theuntold story of India’s first dancing and action hero – Bhagwan Dada. It traces his journey from the beginning of his career as he went on to become one of the biggest legends of Hindi cinema.

After launching the fascinating teaser of the film, the makers of the Bhagwan Dada biopic launched the movie’s iconic song ‘Shola Jo Bhadke’ at a plush 5 star hotel in Mumbai. The film has been produced by Mangalmurti films and Kimaya Motion Pictures and directed by Shekhar Sartendel.

Ekk Albela has actor Mangesh Desai playing the lead role of Bhagwan Dada and also has one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema – Vidya Balan -playing the role of Geeta Bali in the film.This is her debut in Marathi films.

The legendary song ‘Shola Jo Bhadke’ has been recreated in Ekk Albela and was launched by Vidya Balan, Mangesh Desai and other cast and crew of the team amidst a packed house. Vidya and Mangesh pleasantly surprised the audience by also performing the iconic song on the spot. There was also a lively question and answer session with the media post the songs launch wherein the Vidya answered with her usual wit and flair.

The biopic that explores the era between 1930 to 1951 has several dialogues in Hindi and also two songs from the original film Albela including Shola Jo Bhadke and Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote.

The film releases on 24th June, 2016.

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Bhagwan Dada is a legendary figure of Hindi cinema. No book on the history of Bollywood can be complete without the mention of Bhagwan Dada. Albela – the film which he directed as well as acted – changed the way films were made in India in ways more than one.  A 1951 film that was a trend setter and even had a successful re-release in the theatres

Watch : Ekk Albela First Look Teaser

However, the man isn’t much remembered now. There is very little info about him even on the internet.  So in such a situation a biopic on him gains a lot of importance. Ek Albela is an attempt put on the silver screen the life of the maverick filmmaker who made dozens of popular action films and even introduced the concept of the dancing hero in Indian films which later became a ubiquitous feature of Indian cinema.

The teaser gave an intriguing peek into the film and definitely left us asking for more.

The teaser launch of the film Ekk Albela was attended by the cast and crew in full force. Mangesh Desai has been casted in the titular role and he spoke about the challenges and the fortune of getting the opportunity to play such a role. Shekhar Sartandel also spoke about the journey of the three years full of trials and tribulations that film took to get made.

The high point of the afternoon apart from the impressive teaser was an impromptu jig by Mangesh Desai to the very popular tune of ‘Shola Jo Bhadke’ . What was even more memorable was that he was joined by Bhagwan Dada’s son, Arun Palav, in the dance and the enthusiasm shown by the now old man was infectious.

The film has been produced by Sangeeta and Krish Ahir of Mangalmurti Films and Monish Babre of Kimaya Motion pictures. It is due to these two production houses the film has come into being.

Baban Adgale has design the sets of that black and white era, while the camera department has been helmed by Uday Devre.

The film is slated to release on 24^th June.

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Have your heard of Bhagwan Abaji Palav? Probably not! But, Shekhar Sartandel’s latest biopic “Ekk albela” is ready for the release you to remind of this first dancing superstar of Bollywood- Bhagwandada.

Bhagwandada created a storm on the box office with his amazing dance-steps which was later copies by Big B. The evergreen music of Shola Jo Bhadke and Bholi Soorat is still considered as hot favorite dance numbers. However, the superstar fell into the poverty in later part of his life and had to live his life working as a junior artiste. The trailer of this biopic was recently launched. Mangesh Desai will be seen in the titular role in this film. Vidya Balan will be portraying role of Geeta Bali – costar of Bhagwandada. The trailer promises us a good film with solid research of bygone era of passionate film making.

The music for this film has been composed by C. Ramchandra, Santosh Mulekar and cinematography is done by Uday Deware.

The film will be releasing all over Maharashtra on 24th June.

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