Movies
NCPA & Zee Theatre partner to present Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav
Mumbai 2024: The National Centre for the Performing Arts’ Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav returns this summer. Co-powered by Zee Theatre, the three-day Marathi theatre festival (from the 17 to 19 May) encompasses a variety of vibrant activities such as poetry readings, venue tours, workshops and plays.
The festival opens with the premiere of Patra Patri, a tongue-in-cheek epistolary play about changing times, featuring two stalwarts – Vijay Kenkre and Dilip Prabhavalkar. In stark contrast to this humorous offering is Kavi Jaato Tenvha, a musical play-reading on the poetic works of Manik Sitaram Godghate, known by his pen name Grace. The festival also offers two workshops; one on the fundamentals of acting by renowned actor Priyadarshan Jadhav and the other about stage design by noted art director Macchindra Shinde.
NCPA head of theatre & films Bruce Guthrie shared, “The NCPA’s commitment to Marathi theatre and cultural groups is demonstrated through initiatives like Pratibimb. This festival aims to preserve and nurture Maharashtrian culture. It is a celebration and a collaboration between the NCPA and established and emerging artists, creating a vibrant space for artistic expression in the Marathi theatre community. The upcoming Pratibimb festival promises an enticing blend of mainstream and innovative performances. With no fewer than three premieres, it gives our audiences a chance to see the fantastic plays first at the NCPA. Alongside these, enriching readings, workshops, and tours will be held, all designed to provide a comprehensive experience of the vibrant world of Marathi theatre. This diverse lineup ensures there’s something for every theatre enthusiast eager to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Marathi theatre. We also offer greater access with many of the performances subtitled in English, so people who don’t speak Marathi can still experience the plays. We invite our audiences to join this celebration and immerse themselves in Pratibimb’s rich tapestry of experiences.”
This year, Pratibimb also features two intriguing love stories. Playwright Irawati Karnik, renowned for delving into the complexities of human behavior and relationships, presents her highly acclaimed work, “Jar Tar Chi Goshta.” Complementing this, Niranjan Pedanekar’s “Love is Hanikarak” offers a darker perspective on love.
Emerging from the NCPA’s prestigious “Darpan” playwriting competition, “Golkonda Diamonds” by Yogeshwar Bendre explores the perennial struggle of individuals against the overwhelming forces of the system. Building on the success of last year’s winning play, “Kalgitura,” by Datta Patil, the festival also presents “Dagad aani Maati” that delves deeper into themes of provenance and identity.
Witness these captivating stories unfold on stage and immerse yourself in this unique theatrical experience. Tickets are now available on BookMyShow.
Movies
Tamil film Made in Korea tops Netflix global chart, storms 24 countries
Cross-cultural drama races to No.1, marking a global breakthrough for South Indian cinema
MUMBAI: A Tamil tale has gone global at speed. Netflix’s Made in Korea has shot to No.1 on its Global Top 10 Non-English Films list, trending across 24 countries within days of release.
Premiering on March 12, the film, directed by Ra.Karthik and starring Priyanka Mohan, is the only South Indian title to claim the top spot across both licensed and Netflix original films, underlining the growing global pull of regional Indian cinema.
The story, which follows Shenba’s journey from Tamil Nadu to Seoul, has struck a chord for its emotional warmth, scenic visuals and cross-cultural appeal. Early word-of-mouth has powered its rapid climb, turning a modest release into a global talking point.
Monika Shergill, vice-president, content, Netflix India, said, “We are proud that a story like Made in Korea has become the first ever film from our south slate to land at the No.1 spot on our Global Top 10 Non-English Films list. It reaffirms our belief that there is so much more from India for the world to discover and embrace. This film stands out for blending two distinct cultures into one powerful story that explores universal emotions of love, friendship, belonging and family. At Netflix, we remain committed to championing authentic, locally rooted stories and it’s incredibly exciting to see a film like this travel so widely and connect with audiences around the world.”
Priyanka Mohan called the moment deeply personal. “Moments like these are what every artist truly hopes for. We always strive to give our best, but some films become very special in our journey as performers, and Made in Korea is one of them for me. Shenba is a character that touched my heart from the moment I read the script, and bringing her story to life has been incredibly meaningful. Working with Ra.Karthik sir was a wonderful experience. He has such clarity and sincerity in the way he tells stories. I’m also grateful to our producer Sreenidhi Sagar sir and the entire team for their constant support. And of course, my heartfelt thanks to Netflix for giving this story such a wonderful platform and helping it reach audiences everywhere.”
Ra.Karthik struck a similar note. “There are certain films you make with complete faith in the audience, believing they will connect with the emotions you are trying to convey. It is truly heartening to see Made in Korea trending on Netflix and receiving such encouraging responses from viewers, not just in India but across the world. Priyanka Mohan brought incredible dedication and sincerity to Shenba’s character, and that commitment reflects beautifully on screen. I’m grateful to producer Sreenidhi Sagar for trusting this story and to Netflix for providing such a wonderful platform for the film to reach audiences across countries.”
As the film continues to travel across borders, its success signals more than just a hit. It marks a shift, where local stories, told with authenticity, are no longer confined by language or geography. In the streaming wars, the South is not just rising. It is rewriting the script.
