In 1896 cinema came to India with the help of Lumiere brothers at the Novelty Theatre in Mumbai. While watching one of these films Dadasaheb Phalke had the Eureka moment that led to the birth of Indian cinema. Phalke gathered an all-Marathi crew and created a film titled ‘Raja Harishchandra’. It was India’s first film. He later produced over 90 films. But soon Marathi films were overshadowed by Bollywood films. Nonetheless, Marathi cinema has evolved over the years and has seen legendary artists like Dada Kondke, Laxmikant Berde, Nivedita Saraf, Varsha Usgaonkar, Alka Kubal, Ashwini Bhave, Ashok Saraf, Mahesh Kothare, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Prateeksha Lonkar, among others. Marathi films are content-driven and strong-willed and have come of age. Some of the films are cult crowd favourites. On the occasion of Marathi Language Day (February 27), we bring to you a list of 10 Marathi films that are a must watch.
Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988)
The film was the remake of ‘Biwi Aur Makan’ and stars Ashok Saraf, Laxmikant Berde, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Mahesh Kothare. Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi shows Saraf as a salesman who makes his friends play the wives of him and his brother to get an apartment on rent as getting a room for bachelors is a task. The twist in the story comes when two ladies enter their lives.
Ek Hota Vidushak (1992)
Written by veteran author Pu La Deshpande and directed by Dr Jabbar Patel, ‘Ek Hota Vidushak’ is a rags-to-riches drama. The film deals with the life of artists in Tamasha – a form of theatre. Laxmikant Berde plays the role of a clown who works in the tamasha and is at the peak of fame and recognition.
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Shwaas (2004)
The film portrays the story of a 6-year-old kid named Parshya who suffers from a rare eye-cancer and how his grandfather copes with the situation. You can call the film the beginning of the ‘Marathi New Wave’. Though the film deals with a sensitive issue there is something hopeful about it – may be grandpa’s effort to ensure his grandson enjoys everything before his eyesight is gone permanently or the positive attitude of doctors and nurses or the last scene when Parshya returns to his home.
Dombivali Fast (2005)
Released in 2005, the film ‘Dombivali Fast’ is the story of a middle-class bank employee who finds himself against corruption and injustice in the society and goes against the system. The film portrays the lead character’s mental breakdown as he reaches his breaking point and his act as a vigilant across Mumbai to make things right. The film stars Sandeep Kulkarni, Shilpa Tulaskar, and Sandesh Jadhav.
Jogwa (2009)
The film deals with one of the sensitive topics of ‘Devdasi’ – the tradition where people are supposed to give up their entire lives and desires to a deity. The story is about one such girl named ‘Suli’ who is forced to become a jogti and ‘Tayappa’ a man who is forced to follow the custom by wearing a saree. Their love and the oppression they face make a beautiful tale. To add to it is the music of Ajay-Atul and the melodious voice of Hariharan and Shreya Ghoshal.
Harishchandrachi Factory (2009)
Harishchandrachi Factory is the retelling of Dadasaheb Phalke’s journey of creating India’s first moving picture that resulted in the establishment the Indian film industry. The film beautifully portrays Dadasaheb’s efforts from dressing men as women to explain to the people what exactly is a film.
Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy (2009)
The protagonist Dinkar Maruti Bhosale faces identity crisis and feels there’s no Maharashtra left in Mumbai, which is occupied by non-Maharashtrians. He is later confronted by the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and hence the name. The film is a must watch.
Court (2014)
The film is India’s official entry to the Oscars 2016 and has won several international awards. The courtroom drama shows how a folksinger is arrested amidst a performance for the suicide of a sewage worker. The reason for his arrest is the song sung by the singer which is said to have incited his action. The film also gives an insight into the lives of the judge, prosecutor, lawyer and the accused. The case delays and the accused is kept in the custody. The film is a sneak peek in today’s courtroom.
Katyar Kaljat Ghusali (2015)
The film ‘Katyat Kaljat Ghusali’ is an adaption of a play of the same name and centres around a prestigious dagger that is bestowed upon the greatest poet in the kingdom. The film is a journey of a musical duel between two families and how the lust for the dagger, greed, and politics make their way into the story. The melodious extravaganza and star-studded ensemble make the film a must watch.
Natsamrat (2016)
Ganpat Ramchandra Belwalkar, also known as the ‘Natsamrat’, retires from the stage but cannot leave the theatre behind. There comes a time when his family members feel embarrassed by him because if his blunt and brash persona. After he is deserted by children, he along with his wife goes on a self an-nihilistic journey. The film is a one-man show and Nana’s character carries the entire film on his shoulders and leaves audiences in a pool of emotions.
