FATHER’S SPPORT
Aditya Sarpotdar:
It was always my ambition to be a film director. We have been in the business since 1927. My great grandfather Nanasaheb Sarpotdar had 75 films to his credit and my grandfather Vishwas Sarpotdar produced many films during his time. My dad Ajay Sarpotdar too has many films to his credit. Having grown up on their films as well as of other eminent makers in the Marathi film industry, I thought it was time for me to pay back to the industry with whatever I learnt here. Because of their efforts, today Marathi films are thriving and getting international recognition.

First step
Aditya:
Though I had all the infrastructures to make a Hindi film, I opted to make a Marathi project because I wanted to make something for my motherland and Maharashtrians. Since I owe a lot to my state and its people, I thought if I could project at least 50 per cent of what we do for our state through films, I would be happy. This is my small step to match up to their standards. Of course my next project is in Marathi and then like every aspirant, I plan to make a Hindi film.

Costliest Marathi film
Aditya:
Uladhaal is made on a budget of two-and-a- half crores. The subject is such that it needed that kind of outflow. Firstly it is a multi-starrer that has been shot at more than hundred locations. And secondly I did not want to compromise on anything.

Makrand Anaspure:
It is a cultural and global fusion kind of a film and is the first attempt of Aditya at direction. He is very young but is well-studied and knows the language of filmmaking. This will surely make him a successful director.

Subodh Bhave:
It is a great pleasure to be part of the costliest Marathi film. We have been calling it the Mughal-E-Azam of Marathi films because we started shooting in April 2007 in Goa and completed in July, 2008 with 68 days of shooting. In that much time, three Marathi films can be made. (laughs) It is made at the budget of 2.5 crores in which about six Marathi films can be made. Another first time is that it has been shot at 158 locations all over Maharashtra with one song in Mauritius.

IN CHARACTER
Makrand:
I play a Maratha sardar whose family over generations has had a dhaal (shield) that is worshipped. Just before its puja, the dhaal gets stolen and all that happens in an attempt to get it back is what the film is about.

Subodh:
I am Guru, the most stylised villain, someone like Charles Sobhraj with a Westernised, rather Mexican look, complete with leather jacket and a felt hat. His is a cowboyish image. Woh bolta kam hai aur kaam zyaada karta hai. He steals the dhaal from the sardar’s house.

EXPLORING PLACES
Makrand:
It was shot at Goa, Kolhapur, Bhor, Pune and Mumbai.

Experimentation
Makrand:
It was my idea to work on my voice for the film. I am generally known for my high-pitch dialogue and this time I have maintained a base. I am very excited about my experiment because it was approved after trying it out for 52 times.

Subodh:
Like I said, mine is a stylised character, something I have tried for the first time.

Memorable incidents
Aditya:
The entire film and its making are ingrained in my heart.

Makrand:
The introduction song in the film is worth a watch. The catchy devotional song has been composed by Ajay-Atul and features the Shivagarjana, a musical troupe from Pune, that is known for their dhol and tasha. And the entire troupe of 30 each has performed for the film and believe me that is one of the highlights of the film.

Subodh:
We were shooting at Bogmala Beach in Goa for an action sequence between me and Lokesh when our cameraman saw a cheetah twice. The cheetah climbed on to the Tata truck loaded with camera equipments and lights. Though Lokesh and I had swords and guns we were helpless as they were artificial ones used only for the shoot.

Prospects
Aditya:
It is a different film so I am very positive of the response it will get. It is a thorough entertainer.

Makrand:
So far, I have been known for my comedy roles. I have had several successes and thus producers have always tried to cash in on my comic image. But in Uladhaal, I play a serious character for the first time. I know I am a versatile actor but I hope I am accepted in a stern role as well. In fact, Aditya had first thought of this as a comic role but I suggested otherwise and he agreed to take the risk. Moreover I don’t have a physic of an action man with a talwar in my hand yet I featured in a war sequence. I am happy that the director had faith in me.

Future of marathi cinema
Makrand:
Uladhaal has a young and talented starcast and the film is about the young generation and imparts a valuable message. The marathi audience is addicted to comedy only and with films like De Dhakka corporates have shown keen interest and there is a change in the audience taste as well. So the future of Marathi cinema is in the right hands today. Venturing into different avenues and attempting to make big budget projects is just a start. Marathi cinema will soon be making waves.

Subodh:
With Uladhaal and a young director like Aditya, the naksha of Marathi cinema will change for good. The future of Marathi cinema is very bright.