Introducing an Ensemble Release for the first time in Tollywood
We have all heard an ensemble cast in the A lister movies making an impact. Now here comes the innovation move from a start up company founder Balwanth what he likes to brand it as . . . . “The Ensemble Release “ . Finding an out of the box solution for independent film makers to get their movies officially launched in a theatrical release.
SO What exactly is an Ensemble Release? Its simple:
3 Movies, 3 different genres, to be released in 3 different shows in the same theatre, with all the promotions and publicity to be common including the Audio Launch, Press Conference etc, and costs equally shared by three film makers…. “a initiative not only to control the cost of distribution & promotion but to survive in the present set up of film exhibition.
And the three movies in concern to be part of this “Ensemble Cast” are.
1. Malli Raadoy Life,
A youth oriented film starring Altaf Hussain & Krishna Veni, with Music by Arjun and Produced & Directed by Raghu Bellamkonda
"MALLI RAADOY LIFE " as the title conveys is about underscoring the fact that there is only one life known to everyone and one needs to make the best use of this gift of god. It brings into sharp focus the subject of suicide - a regular feature in News Papers and other media. Suicide is an alarming issue not just in India but world wide, and needs a different, highly sensitized and very emphatic approach to address it .No religion accepts it , No country approves it , for that matter no one approves it. Why then are so many people committing such an act? And strangely it is prevalent only in Human Species and one will never ever find a situation like this in the animal kingdom.. I guess there seems to be more sense prevalent there says producer - director Raghu in a lighter vein. And he goes on to say “ My film Malli Raadoy Life addresses this very deeply concerning issue in a very simple and entertaining way and attempts to convey that one is on this earth for a purpose. Discover the purpose and live a meaningful and productive life “
Raghu Bellamkonda quickly adds that this platform of an Ensemble Release appealed to him very much the first time it was bounced off to him by Balwanth and he thinks it’s a great and promising platform for earnest film makers like him.
2. Parampara – A socially relevant film starring ..Senior Actor Naresh & Amani & is Directed by Madhu Mahakali who is a talented film maker from Pune film Institute and winner of awards in international film festivals. The film probes the issues of life, memories, change, continuity and the eventual ending of life, through the eyes of a teenage boy, caught in the inevitable process of ‘growing up’.
Parampara was extensively coordinated by the alumni of FTII, Pune.
The three leading alumni are Graduates, who passed out from the batch of 1986, with over 22 years of experience, playing the pivotal roles in key areas,. The film is high on aesthetics and Technique. Story, Screenplay and Direction: Madhu Mahankali (FTII, Pune , Cinematography: Prasann Jain (FTII, Pune) Editing: Paresh Kamdar (FTII, Pune)
Madhu says ..” The film has a strong father /son connects and succeeds in sending out a positive message to today‟s youth to pursue their dreams.” And he sincerely believes that this beautifully shot and sensitively made film will appeal to all ages.. and goes on to add that he has made a sincere attempt to offer clean entertainment and devoid of any vulgar scenes or dialogue.
Cinematographer Prasana Jain says “ He thoroughly enjoyed shooting this movie the pristine natural surroundings of lush green fields in and around West Godavari and also adds that this movie is bound to make people fall in love again with the beautiful rural landscapes
“ 3. Film : DEV A Romcom features the beautiful and talented Tollywood actor Charmee paired with good looking Diganth from Kannada film industry. It has the well known awarding winning actor Anath Nag.
The Movie is Produced by Dr. Shilpa Ramesh Ramani, and Directed by Indrajit Lankesh with Music by Jassie Gift and Dharma Vish who has done the background score besides composing two songs.
And Dev has been shot by the Award winning cinematographer Santosh Rai Pathaje
Director Inderjit says that the chemistry between Charmee and Diganth would go down well with the audience.
And Producer Dr. Shilpa Ramesh having the last word says… “ it is wonderful to note that young Indians today are displaying great entrepreneurial qualities and are willing to believe in themselves not just in conventional industries but in the craft and business film making as well ”
She ends it with the note saying “Well, The Ensemble Release Initiative by Kauphy Talkies is a case in point and hopes young and talented film makers should come forward and explore their passion and good talent and good & sincere initiatives are always recognized and rewarded.
Now one hopes for the cause of Independent Film Makers that initiatives like the “ Ensemble Release “ catches on and connects with young film makers and goes on to become the preferred platform for Independent Movies. ..And if that happens one can be sure Balwanth who started it all will have a satisfied smile on his face for having done the job well