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There is no language barrier when it comes to films. It is an art of expression and when a film offers good content it appeals the audience. The Marathi film industry is going through a break through phase and achieving huge success around the country, and the world.
I have personally known of people who in spite of not understanding Marathi, are enthusiastic of watching Marathi films. And undoubtedly, being a Maharashtrian, Â I am the one to play the role of a translator unless provided with subtitles!
So, here are a few Marathi films which you should definitely watch and recommend to your friends. Because, in the end, good work should always be appreciated!
1. Court
Court, released in 2015, won The Best Feature Film award at the 62nd National Film Awards. The film examines the Indian legal system through the trial of an aging folk singer at a sessions court in Mumbai.
2. Killa
Killa, released in 2014, is a story about a 11 year old boy who has lost his father and is forced to adapt to a new school and surroundings. The story is about how he copes up and how life has to move on transforming a young mind into an adult.
3. Katyar Kaljat Ghusali
Katyar Kaljat Ghusali, released in 2015, is based on a play by the same name. It is a musical masterpiece with some brilliant actors.
4. Khwada
Khwada, released in 2015, won the Special Jury Prize and Best Audiography at the 62nd National Film awards. It is a story about shepherds who suffer from land acquisition by the forest department and how their dreams of a settlement get shattered by different obstacles (Khwada), leading them to migrate permanently.
5. Â Balak Palak
Balak Palak, released in 2013, is a comedy drama film which talks about how important it is to educate the children with sex education by the parents. The film was screened at South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) in New York.
6. Deool
Deool, released in 2011, won the Best Feature Film award at the 59th National Film Awards. It is a story of a villager who believes that God has arrived in his village but everybody disbelieves him. When politics comes in, everything takes a drastic change. The film also marks the debut of Naseeruddin Shah in the Marathi film industry.
7. Shala
Shala, released in 2012, is a romantic drama which revolves around the 70s era of rural India and portrays the lives of four 9th graders. The film has won Silver Lotus award at the 59th National Film Awards. Every youngster can relate to this film!
8. Fandry
Fandry, released in 2014, is a love story of a young lad who falls in love with his classmate. It talks about the age old caste discrimination issue that is lurking upon the society. It has won the Indira Gandhi Award for Best First Film of a Director at the 61st National Film Awards.
9. Duniyadari
Duniyadari, released in 2013, is a beautiful love story inspired by a book by the same name. It is a romantic drama of college going youngsters. If you want to reminisce the college days, this is the movie for you!
10. Natarang
Natarang, released in 2010, is based on a marathi novel by the same name. The film highlights upon gender bias and the journey of a young artist and the sacrifices that he has to make for the love of his art.
11. Elizabeth Ekadashi
Elizabeth Ekadashi, released in 2014, is a story of an innocent little child and his friends, based in Pandharpur (a town in Maharashtra). FYI, Elizabeth happens to be the name of the bicycle!
12. Shwaas
Taking you back a bit more, Shwaas, released in 2004, was India’s official entry to the Oscars 2004. The story is based on a real life incident from Pune. It has also won the National Award for the best film in 2004. The story is about how a grandfather tries to show the beauty of life to his ailing grandson who is suffering from cancer.
13. Balgandharva
Balgandharva, released in 2011, is a biographical film based on Narayan Shripad Rajhans, known as Balgandharva, a famous Marathi singer and a stage actor.
14. Harishchandrachi factory
Harishchandrachi Factory, released in 2010, is an epic film you shouldn’t miss! The film talks about the beginning of the Indian film industry in the year 1913. It was selected as the official entry to the Academy Awards. Â (A personal recommendation!)
15. Dombivali Fast
Dombivali Fast, released in 2005, was a critically acclaimed film which is about a middle class bank employee who is frustrated with the injustice and corruption that is spread across the society.
16. Kaksparsh
Kaksparsh, literally meaning “Crow’s touch”, released in 2012, is a heart touching story of a young widow who faces a lot of hardships and the only person to support is her brother-in-law.
17. Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy
Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, released in 2009, is a beautifully articulated movie of the “Marathi manus” who faces identity crisis and is at one stage, ashamed to be a common Marathi man. In this battle against himself, the only one to come to his rescue is Shivaji Maharaj, hence the name! A must watch!
18. Raja Harishchandra
Go back to the era of 1900s, when Raja Harishchandra, the first full length Indian feature film was released in the year 1913. The film is based on the legendary Raja Harishchandra. Although it is a silent film, the cast and staff comprised of Marathi people and hence considered as the first Marathi film.
19. Narbachi Wadi
Narbachi Wadi, released in 2013, a dramatic comedy is based on the life of a greedy landlord trying to take over a beautiful grove in Konkan from its ancestral owner. It is an adaptation of a Bengali play Shajjano Bagan. The movie will take you on laughter ride!
20. Jogwa
Jogwa, released in 2009, won a National Award for Best Film On Social Issues in 2008. It is a story revolving around the the journey of a woman breaking from superstitions in the name of religion.
21. Dr. Prakash Baba Amte
Dr. Prakash Baba Amte, released in 2014, is a biographic story of Dr. Prakash Amte, a social worker and doctor who selflessly dedicated his life towards the development of the tribal people in the forests of western Maharashtra.
22. Timepass
Timepass, released in 2015, is a set up of the 90’s teenage love story. If you have ever fallen in love as a teenager (which I am sure of ;)), this movie is for you!
23. Mumbai Pune Mumbai
Mumbai Pune Mumbai, released in 2010, is a film every Mumbaikar and Punekar will enjoy! The constant tussle between which city is the better is going on for a long time. Just add a beautiful love story to it and Mumbai Pune Mumbai is what comes out!
24. Yellow
Yellow, released in 2014, based on a true story of Gauri Gadgil, is a story of a mother daughter relationship and the behavior of a child with Down’s syndrome. It has won the Special Jury Award at the 61st National Film Awards.
25. Natasamrat
Natasamrat, released in 2016, is a recent film which made a lot of heads turn. It depicts the life of an actor who has retired from acting but cannot forget the memories of his theater days, which eventually turn to be an obstacle in his personal life. It is an adaptation of Kusumagraj’s famous Marathi play by the same name. The dialogues in the movie are something to die for!
26. Saatchya Aat Gharat
Saatchya Aat Gharat, released in 2004, talks about the stereotypical outlook towards women in spite of modernization, especially the rape victims. The film is based upon an incident that took place in the University of Pune campus when a student was raped by a disguised policeman. Although, an old movie, a must watch!
27. Valu
Valu, released in 2008, is a comedy film, which revolves around a wild bull named “Valu”. A forest officer visits the village where the bull resides in order to capture him. He is accompanied by a documentary film maker to shoot the entire scene. What follows is something you can’t imagine! So watch the film!
28. Zapatlela
Zapatlela, released in 1993, although an old film, you cannot miss. Hilarious! The famous character of “Tatya Vinchu” was born in this film! Its a horror comedy but you are sure to enjoy it from start to end!
29. Rege
Rege, released in 2013, is a story of a youngster unknowingly getting involved in a criminal activity. Â If you are a Satya, Shool, Ab Tak Chappan kind of a person; you definitely shouldn’t miss Rege!
30. Sairaat
Sairaat, has been on almost everyone’s mind and heart lately! Recently released, the film is the talk of the town. With a foot tapping music and a great story line, you can’t afford to miss this one. Book your tickets right away!
The list could go on and on…
So which ones have you already watched? In case, I have missed any, Wait! Until next…Â
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