Grand music launch for an 18-singer Marathi magnum opus

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In times when diverse singers for one on-screen face is a rule rather than exception in Hindi cinema and the roster of singers is big, comes a film with 14 songs and 18 singers from diverse parts of the country—that too in Marathi. The film is the magnum opus, Sangeet Manapmaan (pronounced Maan-Apmaan), which had a grand musical launch, though at a very unusual downtown venue, and for an extended duration for the event—over two hours!

The function concluded with a traditional Marathi food spread that seemingly aimed at one dish per song, for the film was described at least twice as a “saangeetik mejvani” (musical treat)!

Jio Studios, which is presenting and co-producing the film, set for release on January 10, 2025, has now made a name in Marathi cinema besides Hindi and also inroads into other Indian language movies. Jyoti Deshpande, President of Reliance Industries Limited Media and Content Business, and co-producer of this film along with Sunil Phadtare, of Shree Ganesh Marketing And Films, declared that this support of regional cinema, including Marathi (Jio earlier co-produced Mee Vasantrao  and Jhimma 2) was “not by word, but deed.”

She stated, “At Jio Studios, we are passionate about bringing stories to life that transcend boundaries and celebrate India’s cultural richness. Sangeet Manapmaan is a tribute to the timeless art of Marathi musical theatre, yet its soul-stirring music and theme are sure to resonate with audiences far beyond Maharashtra. With the genius of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and a stellar ensemble of talent, this film is a perfect example of how music, with its universal appeal, can unite and inspire. We are immensely proud to present this cinematic masterpiece to a global audience.” The music has been released on Saregama, and Jyoti implored the music label’s executives to ensure that it becomes globally known.

Present among the VIPs was Rohini Khadilkar, Arjuna Award winner, chess champion and newspaper editor, and the granddaughter of Krushnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar, writer of the original play, Sangeet Manapmaan  that is 114 years old! Prominent civic, police and media personalities were also honored guests. Jitendra Abhisheki’s granddaughter and Shounak Abhisheki’s daughter, Mekhla, and Meena Mangeshkar’s son Yogesh were also present. Shounak was absent but is one of the singers in the film.

As a surprise, the “Moving Logo” of Jio Studios, a motion picture version introducing the banner, and was shown earlier on social media, was exhibited and Deshpande revealed that it will be first seen in the new film. She added that it represents Indian culture, languages and music and she went through more than a dozen options before choosing it.

The event saw almost the entire cast and team of the musical being present, and so when the photo-op was called for by director and actor Subodh Bhave at the culmination, a huge gathering was seen on stage, comprising actors, technicians, composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, lyricist Sameer Samant (an officer who continues to work in a bank!), playback singers, musicians and recording engineers besides even the PR team, which was a standout mark of Bhave’s generosity and team spirit.

Bhave went down memory lane to his first film with S-E-L—another Marathi venture based on an immortal musical play, Katyar Kaljat Ghusli (The Sword has Entered the Heart). S-E-L had scored 17 songs in the 2015 film, some of which were written by Samant, then a debut-making songwriter.

The dilemma, said Subodh Bhave, was that the film was not based on but inspired by the original play as it had to be made relevant, subodh (which means simple and understandable!) and in tune with 2024 and GenY, Z and more. “The writing and the music and lyrics had to follow suit in respecting the legacy,” he said. “But 20 years later, I would want today’s three- and four-year olds to recall this film and finally remake it in whatever medium is running then!”

“It’s been a nostalgic journey, teaming with Subodh once again after Katyar Kaljat Ghusli and while the essence of our core team remains, the music for Sangeet Manapmaan is distinct, offering a refreshing and distinct sound,” declared Shankar Mahadevan. “Sameer Samant’s lyrics have added depth, making the music the very heartbeat of this film. Partnering with Jio Studios has elevated this project to a grand scale, and Saregama’s platform will ensure these melodies will resonate far and wide. It’s a rare privilege to work on such a project, and I can’t wait for the audience to embark on this musical journey.”

Added Shankar, “And just as it happened with the songs of Katyar…, I want today’s children to love the songs enough to sing them on reality shows!” Ehsaan Noorani stated that the album had a rare variety and depth and also immense cultural value for the next generation.” Loy Mendonca stated that it was “An honor to be part of this beautiful journey and now it is up to you guys to love and cherish the music.” The songs include a romantic thumri, which was presented on stage by Shivam Mahadeva, Shankar’s son, and Pratibha Singh Baghel.

The music obviously uses some classics like Shoora mee vandile (I worship the valiant) and Naahi mee bolat (I am not speaking to you) from the original score composed by Jitendra Abhisheki, but most of the songs are original. These songs too have been simplified for today. Lyricist Samant revealed that the words just flowed due to the creative working ambience of Bhave, the composers and the script.

Besides the abovementioned songs, more tracks were also present either as minus-one, live performances or videos. The 18 illustrious singers (who Bhave termed as “jewels who are set to become a part of musical history”), include seven National Award winners. Besides Shankar, the list spans Rahul Deshpande (grandson of Vasantrao Deshpande, another classical titan, whose biopic, Mee Vasantrao in 2022, was enacted and scored by him), the US-based Mahesh Kale, Avadhoot Gupte, Bela Shende, Priyanka Barve, Aarya Ambekar, Pratibha Singh Baghel, Jasraj Joshi, Anand Bhate, Shounak Abhisheki, Savaniee Ravindra, Hrishikesh Badve, Asmita Chinchalkar, Krishna Bongane, Sonu Nigam, Shivam Mahadevan and Shrinidhi Ghatate.

Sangeet Manapmaan stars Subodh Bhave, Sumeet Raghavan, Vaidehi Parshurami, Upendra Limaye, Neena Kulkarni, Nivedita Saraf, Shailesh Datar and Archana Nipankar in pivotal roles. The screenplay and dialogues are penned by Shirish Gopal Deshpande, with additional contribution from Prajakt Deshmukh.