Keeping up audience Mandali pumped up
Four “hatte katte” young men, two beautiful damsels, and there were no sparks flying.
Nor was there any hero chasing the heroine in the “bageecha” while belting out a romantic number (accompanied by music) by the end of which the heroine would have succumbed to her suitor’s charms.
But then again, this is no ordinary Bollywood flick. This is “Pump Up The Mandali” – the first feature length Fiji Hindi language film shot in Auckland, Napier and Fiji – and now heading for the international market.
Although the “hatte katte” young men end up calling the girls “didi” in the movie, the grassroots approach and humble storyline is sure to connect with the audiences.
“The story wasn’t designed for romance,” declares director Monti Issar, head of Purple Post Productions.
“It works very well, and is one of the unique points of the movie. People loved it.”
“Pump Up The Mandali” is an emotional rollercoaster ride of four friends from a poor Fiji village to the glamour and glitz of Auckland.
The four mandali boys – Michael (played by Bhushan Mishra), Abdul (Leonard Kumar), Ramesh (Sarvesh Singh) and Pravin (Kunal Kartik) – lose all in floods which devastate their village, but win a local radio talent contest which lands them in New Zealand to participate in an international quest.
Needing lots of money to travel to New Zealand, they borrow money and the villagers chip in to help them make the trip.
Enter Priya and Pooja (played by Neha Jaura and Bali Virk), the two Indian “city girls” they end up sharing their flat with.
Priya and Pooja are from impressed with the boys’ rustic appearances, and their “dhol” and “baaja” which accompany their late night practice sessions.
Dazzled by the bright lights of Auckland City and the flashy Auckland teams, the four friends decide to pack it in but Priya and Pooja develop a change of heart and push the boys to face the challenge and overcome the odds.
Opening with a tranquil village scene in Fiji, director Israr has cleverly managed to intersperse the movie with elements of Bollywood, making it an even more attractive product on the international market.
The first-time Fiji actors hold their own well. Aucklander Bhushan proved calm and collected and carried his performance well, as did the frisky Leonard (police officer), the laidback Sarvesh (radio announcer) and Auckland DJ Kunal.
Neha Jaura put in a commanding performance which should see her land more roles in the future, while Bali Virk proved strong in support.
Produced under Auckland’s Purple Post banner, “Pump Up The Mandali” recently held its world premiere in Manukau’s Berkley Cinemas. It opens for public screenings next month (date yet to be decided).
The 115-minute film is now Fiji’s first ever entry into the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be held in Brisbane next month. Story and screenplay was also by Issar.
My Verdict: Has strong grassroots appeal, destined to be a hit among Fiji audiences.
LOOKING FOR TALENT
With “Pump Up The Mandali” now set to hit the big screen soon, the makers are set to launch into their next project.
“Sab Set Hai”, to be shot in New Zealand, is a comedy which is set to feature some big Bollywood names including star comedian Rajpal Yadav.
Purple Post chief Monti Issar, who is also head of the Mirchee Indian TV in Auckland, said he was now on the lookout for cast of “Sab Set Hai”.
Auditions are scheduled to be held later this month in Auckland.
If you have what it takes to be an actor, contact Monti Issar at Purple Post or Mirchee Indian TV.
Four “hatte katte” young men, two beautiful damsels, and there were no sparks flying.
Nor was there any hero chasing the heroine in the “bageecha” while belting out a romantic number (accompanied by music) by the end of which the heroine would have succumbed to her suitor’s charms.
But then...
Four “hatte katte” young men, two beautiful damsels, and there were no sparks flying.
Nor was there any hero chasing the heroine in the “bageecha” while belting out a romantic number (accompanied by music) by the end of which the heroine would have succumbed to her suitor’s charms.
But then again, this is no ordinary Bollywood flick. This is “Pump Up The Mandali” – the first feature length Fiji Hindi language film shot in Auckland, Napier and Fiji – and now heading for the international market.
Although the “hatte katte” young men end up calling the girls “didi” in the movie, the grassroots approach and humble storyline is sure to connect with the audiences.
“The story wasn’t designed for romance,” declares director Monti Issar, head of Purple Post Productions.
“It works very well, and is one of the unique points of the movie. People loved it.”
“Pump Up The Mandali” is an emotional rollercoaster ride of four friends from a poor Fiji village to the glamour and glitz of Auckland.
The four mandali boys – Michael (played by Bhushan Mishra), Abdul (Leonard Kumar), Ramesh (Sarvesh Singh) and Pravin (Kunal Kartik) – lose all in floods which devastate their village, but win a local radio talent contest which lands them in New Zealand to participate in an international quest.
Needing lots of money to travel to New Zealand, they borrow money and the villagers chip in to help them make the trip.
Enter Priya and Pooja (played by Neha Jaura and Bali Virk), the two Indian “city girls” they end up sharing their flat with.
Priya and Pooja are from impressed with the boys’ rustic appearances, and their “dhol” and “baaja” which accompany their late night practice sessions.
Dazzled by the bright lights of Auckland City and the flashy Auckland teams, the four friends decide to pack it in but Priya and Pooja develop a change of heart and push the boys to face the challenge and overcome the odds.
Opening with a tranquil village scene in Fiji, director Israr has cleverly managed to intersperse the movie with elements of Bollywood, making it an even more attractive product on the international market.
The first-time Fiji actors hold their own well. Aucklander Bhushan proved calm and collected and carried his performance well, as did the frisky Leonard (police officer), the laidback Sarvesh (radio announcer) and Auckland DJ Kunal.
Neha Jaura put in a commanding performance which should see her land more roles in the future, while Bali Virk proved strong in support.
Produced under Auckland’s Purple Post banner, “Pump Up The Mandali” recently held its world premiere in Manukau’s Berkley Cinemas. It opens for public screenings next month (date yet to be decided).
The 115-minute film is now Fiji’s first ever entry into the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be held in Brisbane next month. Story and screenplay was also by Issar.
My Verdict: Has strong grassroots appeal, destined to be a hit among Fiji audiences.
LOOKING FOR TALENT
With “Pump Up The Mandali” now set to hit the big screen soon, the makers are set to launch into their next project.
“Sab Set Hai”, to be shot in New Zealand, is a comedy which is set to feature some big Bollywood names including star comedian Rajpal Yadav.
Purple Post chief Monti Issar, who is also head of the Mirchee Indian TV in Auckland, said he was now on the lookout for cast of “Sab Set Hai”.
Auditions are scheduled to be held later this month in Auckland.
If you have what it takes to be an actor, contact Monti Issar at Purple Post or Mirchee Indian TV.
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