Nagraj Manjule
Award-winning filmmaker Nagraj Manjule achieved great success with the Marathi film ‘Sairat’, which depicted the realities of caste and love in rural Maharashtra. Manjule caught Bollywood’s attention with Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Jhund’ (2022). His films often focus on social issues and marginalised communities, presenting them in a deeply emotional but commercially successful manner.
The National Award-winning director started his career in 2013 with the Marathi film ‘Time Please’. Sameer made his Bollywood directorial debut with ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani. Talking about his pan-India recognition, Sameer Vidwan told ETimes, “I was looking for a subject that could be made on a pan-India level, which could connect with maximum people without being limited to a specific audience. When I made Anandi Gopal in Marathi, it won me the National Award, but sadly, it did not get the wider recognition that I had hoped for. The story of Anandi Gopal is incredibly powerful and it needed to reach a larger audience, but it did not happen. So, I was waiting for another impactful subject through which I could convey a meaningful message to a wider audience.”
Sameer said, “I love watching comedy, horror, suspense, thriller, drama etc. but ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ depicted a very important subject which plays a vital role in our lives. This subject had a message for everyone. So if I am getting a commercial film which has comedy, romance, emotion and a special message, then it is very special for me. It is a matter of good fortune for me that I got such a beautiful script for my directorial debut in Bollywood.”
After impressing audiences with his debut Marathi directorial venture ‘Lapachhapi’ in 2017, filmmaker Vishal Furia made his Bollywood debut with the Hindi remake of the same film, titled ‘Chhori’. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Vishal Furia said, “Post the pandemic, audiences are consuming content from across the world, and the lines between industries have really blurred. Be it Bollywood, South film industry, regional cinema or global productions, everything is now put in the same category. There are no clear distinctions anymore. It is important for filmmakers and storytellers, no matter which industry they work in, to match the level of storytelling and quality offered by global filmmakers and producers. At the same time, it is important to maintain Indian emotions and cultural references while keeping pace with global standards in terms of storytelling techniques and production quality. If we don’t meet those expectations, people simply won’t watch – be it on OTT platforms or in theatres.”
“The challenge has increased because we no longer work in isolation. The star system is no longer enough to attract audiences, unless those stars offer something truly engaging and interesting. It’s an exciting time for accomplished filmmakers and those with new ideas, but there is still a gap. Producers need to be more proactive and supportive of new, innovative concepts, whether big stars are involved or not. Unfortunately, many producers and OTT platforms are still chasing stars instead of focusing on strong stories, which should not be the way forward. Good stories should be prioritised, and if a star fits naturally into the narrative, that’s great – but the focus should be on ideas,” Vishal said.
Cinematographer-turned-director Laxman Utekar caught people’s attention with his Marathi films and directed Bollywood hits like ‘Luka Chuppi’ (2019) and ‘Mimi’ (2021). Now, he is gearing up for the much-awaited historical film ‘Chhava’ starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna.
Stories inspired by Maratha culture:
Marathi literature and history have often inspired films that appeal to audiences across India. Some of these stories celebrate Maratha culture and warrior character, while others depict everyday life in Maharashtra.
Tanaji: The Unsung Warrior
The Ajay Devgn-starrer is based on the life of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, a trusted general of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Om Raut, the film brought the bravery and imperial spirit of the Marathas into the national spotlight, grossing over Rs 350 crore globally. It showed how deeply Maratha history is respected and appreciated by audiences across India.
Pawankhand (2022)
A part of the popular Marathi Shivraj Ashtak series, the film depicted the legendary battle of Pawankhind, further strengthening the resonance of Maratha historical stories in the collective Indian consciousness.
After impressing everyone with blockbuster films like ‘Farzand’, ‘Fateshikast’ and ‘Pavankhind’, Maratha history enthusiasts Digpal Lanjekar He is all set to make his Bollywood debut. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, filmmaker Digpal Lanjekar said, “I took this lockdown positively and made the best use of the time. I was working on the script of my upcoming Bollywood film, which is set in the pre-independence era.”
Bollywood remakes of Marathi films
The success of Marathi films often inspires Bollywood adaptations. For example, Nagraj Manjule’s Sairat was remade in Hindi as Dhadak, and Salman Khan’s ‘Antim: The Final Truth’ was a remake of the Marathi film ‘Mulshi Pattern’. These adaptations indicate that Marathi films have unique narratives Marathi Cinema These are considered universally attractive.
Marathi composers in pan-Indian cinema
Music has been a defining aspect of Marathi influence in Bollywood, with composers and singers bringing regional flavour to mainstream cinema. Ajay-Atul: One of the most celebrated composer duos in Indian cinema, they began their journey with Marathi films but have since become a pan-India sensation.
With blockbusters like ‘Agneepath’ (2012), ‘Singham’ (2011) and ‘Dhadak’ (2018), he has brought a lush orchestral sound to Indian cinema, blending folk elements with contemporary arrangements. His iconic work in Sairat has catapulted him even further into the music world, and his Marathi roots resonate in his work across various industries.
Avadhoot Gupte
Renowned Marathi composer and playback singer Avadhoot’s work spans across both Marathi and Hindi cinema. His popular songs have a blend of folk and modern sounds, appealing to a wide audience.
Salil Kulkarni
Salil Kulkarni, a well-known composer and singer of Marathi cinema, has also contributed to Bollywood music. His work is often praised for its simplicity and soulfulness.
The ‘Maratha power’ in Indian cinema is a powerful mix of directors, composers and storytellers who have transcended regional boundaries and left a lasting impact on Bollywood and pan-Indian cinema. Their ability to bring local culture, traditions and the art of storytelling into the mainstream has not only enriched Indian cinema but also helped preserve and promote Marathi heritage across the country.
