Nitesh Rane bails out Marathi filmmaker

Mumbai, Dec 19 (PTI) Well-known Marathi filmmaker Sanjay Jadhav, whose upcoming dream project "Duniyadaari" faced financial hurdles, has been bailed out by 'Maharashtra Kalanidhi', an organisation headed by Nitesh Rane. "Duniyadaari" based on the novel by the same name, by Suhas Shirvalkar was to go on floors this month. But he was unable to bear the huge costs of the location in Pune. "My film is related to college, youth and their life. I did not want to compromise on the location. Earlier, I had zeroed in on a college in Sangli, then the Shalini Palace in Kolhapur, which did not materialise. Then I found the Agriculture college premises in Pune very apt. "However, the fees per day were Rs two lakh. We have to shoot there for a fortnight. The entire location cost was as good as the entire budget of a marathi film," he said adding that the college was also the location for "Munnabhai MBBS". Nitesh set up Maharashtra Kalanidhi in order to help Marathi plays and films get audience as well as financial assistance without compromising on quality. "Our aim is to ensure that Marathi creative people can get a platform to showcase their creativity to the fullest. We don't require concessions from anyone. Our dealings should be based on self respect," he said. Nitesh, son of Maharashtra Industries Minister Narayan Rane, said he got Videocon company to help the filmmaker with location costs. "This will be the first attempt in Marathi movies where in-film branding which is so common in Hindi cinema can take shape. Videocon can benefit through the movie as their products can be advertised in the film. Its a win-win situation for both. The filmmaker and the company will sign an MoU for this aspect," he said. Nitesh said his organisation has enrolled 700 members so far. "Marathi filmmakers have our members as audience. We are talking to single screens to provide prime time slots for screening of the marathi films for our members,"he said adding that his association with Sanjay Jadhav will help him to get a foothold in Marathi film industry. "Sanjay wanted our help only in terms of the location costs. We are open to producing films as well," he said. The filmmaker has directed movies like "Checkmate", "Ringa Ringa", "Phaktha Ladh Mhan". With "Duniyadaari", he will also don the hat of a producer. The film stars Swapnil Joshi, Ankush Chaudhary and Sai Thamankar among others. PTI MR BK BSM