Filmmakers Say Marathi Cinema Leads With Socially Relevant Stories

On the occasion of FPJ's 98th anniversary, Marathi cinema is being celebrated for its offbeat stories that champion inclusivity. Filmmakers and actors told Freepress Journal that the industry has consistently produced socially relevant films. Director Jeejivisha Kale said Marathi cinema is deeply rooted in people's lived realities and has always questioned and mirrored society. Actor Sandeep Kulkarni noted that good films act as a mirror to life, and he was impressed by the recent film 'Ata Thambayacha Naay!' for portraying the dignity of Mumbai's cleaning staff.

Writer-director Kshitij Patwardhan said Marathi cinema has always been content-driven, with no fan service films. He pointed to recent successes like 'Dashavatar' and 'Deool Bandh 2' as proof that audiences want big theatrical experiences, while smaller films like 'Tighee' also have a growing audience. Patwardhan noted that in the first six months of 2026, Marathi cinema has already done business of over Rs 200 crore, compared to Rs 100 crore in all of last year, and called for sustaining both kinds of cinema.