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By:

Bharati Dubey

17 May 2026 at 1:38:10 am

Raja Shivaji sparks a new era for Marathi cinema

Mumbai: As Raja Shivaji marches steadily towards the Rs 100 crore mark, the film has reignited debate around the future of the Marathi film industry. Having already crossed Rs 80 crore at the Indian box office, the historical drama is now only the second Marathi film after Sairat to achieve the milestone. Its success has raised a larger question within the trade: can a major blockbuster finally attract sustained investment into Marathi cinema, an industry often marked by cycles of growth and...

Raja Shivaji sparks a new era for Marathi cinema

Mumbai: As Raja Shivaji marches steadily towards the Rs 100 crore mark, the film has reignited debate around the future of the Marathi film industry. Having already crossed Rs 80 crore at the Indian box office, the historical drama is now only the second Marathi film after Sairat to achieve the milestone. Its success has raised a larger question within the trade: can a major blockbuster finally attract sustained investment into Marathi cinema, an industry often marked by cycles of growth and slowdown? Much of the buzz surrounding the film stems from the support it received from prominent Hindi film stars, several of whom reportedly came on board to back the project and the industry. Trade analyst Girish Wankhede believes the film’s biggest achievement lies in the scale of collaboration it represents. “The real strength of Raja Shivaji lies in its creative ensemble star cast, which Riteish Deshmukh successfully brought together. By roping in heavyweight Hindi stars like Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Salman Khan, the film showcases the immense combined value of cross-industry collaboration. This strong gesture of Hindi cinema’s biggest names extending full support to a Marathi project has created a powerful impression, generating tremendous curiosity and respect for Marathi cinema among audiences, investors, and other industries. It underscores how Marathi films can now command pan-Indian attention and star power,” he says. At the same time, Wankhede feels it may still be premature to call the film a runaway commercial success given its production scale and costs. “What is heartening is the visible new energy and creative fuel that Riteish Deshmukh has infused into Marathi cinema. With him at the helm of affairs, the film looks strong and polished, and this momentum, further amplified by the star support, is already drawing serious attention from investors who were earlier hesitant about the regional space,” he adds. Producer Suniel Wadhwa, Co-Founder and Director of Karmic Films, says the film’s performance could play an important role in rebuilding investor confidence in theatrical cinema. “The success of Raja Shivaji could significantly improve investor confidence in theatrical cinema, especially at a time when many non-film investors have become cautious about the sector. If the film succeeds as a large-scale theatrical event rather than just an opening weekend phenomenon, it will reinforce the belief that culturally rooted Indian stories still possess massive commercial potential across regions and demographics,” he says. However, Wadhwa points out that the industry continues to face deep structural challenges. “One of the biggest is the shortage of true theatrical stars who can create urgency for audiences to step into cinemas. Streaming has created visibility, but not necessarily ticket-selling mythology. At the same time, India remains heavily under-screened, and even strong films often struggle with inadequate show slots, limited showcasing windows, and overcrowded release calendars. Many films today are judged within the first 48–72 hours, leaving little room for organic word-of-mouth growth,” he says. According to him, the theatrical business is evolving rather than disappearing. “Audiences are now reserving cinema outings for event-driven experiences — spectacle, emotion, mythology, action, horror-comedy, and culturally resonant storytelling. Films that can create that collective viewing urgency will continue to attract both audiences and serious investment capital,” he adds. The Marathi film industry has witnessed a mixed year so far. More than two dozen films have released, but only a handful — including Raja Shivaji, Kranti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam, Aga Aga Sunbai Mahnatay Sasubai, and Super Duper — have performed strongly at the box office. Veteran journalist Dilip Thakur believes Marathi cinema has already begun regaining momentum after the slowdown caused by the pandemic. “New Marathi films are getting launched regularly. The upcoming film Bapya had its screening at Sunny Super Sound, which was attended by non-Marathi journalists in big numbers. The story of Bapya is complex and difficult to make. The point here is that a producer agreed to put his money into the film. Sabar Bonda was another difficult subject which won an award at Sundance. So, producers willing to invest money in such subjects is one positive sign,” he says. Thakur also points to the continued appetite for mainstream Marathi entertainers. “The boom after Sairat still exists in Marathi cinema. There was a setback for four years because of Covid, but the industry has gained momentum. Ravi Jadhav’s new film Fulawara, based on tamasha folk art, will soon go on floors in Pune,” he says. He further notes that Marathi cinema is increasingly attracting investors from outside the industry. “Most Marathi films have non-Marathi investors. They are putting in money because there is business in Marathi cinema. But not every film becomes a hit. Subhash Ghai also produced a few Marathi films. If the subject is good, people are willing to invest,” he adds. Not everyone, however, is convinced that one major hit can alter the industry’s fortunes overnight. Nitin Datar, president of the Cinema Owners Association, remains cautious about reading too much into the film’s success. “Only one film success is not going to bring investors. In the last five years, out of nearly 500 films produced, the success rate has not been encouraging,” he says. Datar acknowledges that the presence of Hindi stars has helped boost the film’s commercial appeal but stresses that Marathi cinema still lacks enough bankable stars capable of consistently drawing audiences to theatres. “The production houses and directors have attracted audiences. Unfortunately, producers haven’t been successful in attracting financial assistance, which has resulted in low production and advertising budgets. But if films succeed in pulling audiences over the weekend, exhibitors automatically increase shows and reduce screenings of underperforming films from other languages. The audience is always there, waiting to visit theatres in large numbers for a good film,” he says. For now, Raja Shivaji has undeniably given Marathi cinema a strong moment in the spotlight. Whether that momentum translates into long-term financial confidence and sustained industry growth remains the larger question.

Authority Fades, Brand Stays

We’ve all seen it happen. In boardrooms, over Zoom calls, or during routine discussions—someone raises a concern. It’s genuine, valid, even necessary to the progress of the project. But instead of being heard, they’re met with rolled eyes, a dismissive tone, or the infamous “let’s move on” response. Sometimes, the one shutting them down is not even addressing the issue—it’s their irritation, impatience, or misplaced authority speaking louder than logic.


Now imagine this moment doesn’t happen behind closed doors. Instead, it happens live on a Zoom call with multiple team members, peers, and even clients present. The entire room witnesses the eye-roll, the sigh, the sharp tone. For the one at the receiving end, it’s more than just a dismissal—it’s a public belittling.


But here’s where the bigger picture comes in: for the leader, the founder, or the senior professional doing the dismissing, this isn’t just a “bad mood” moment. This is a personal branding moment. One that leaves a lasting impression on every single person watching.


Because personal branding is not about logos, LinkedIn posts, or polished PR alone—it’s about how you show up, especially in the unplanned, unscripted moments.


When you roll your eyes at a colleague, the brand you’re silently building for yourself is one of arrogance, impatience, and disregard for collaboration. When you dismiss a concern prematurely, your brand message to the room becomes: “Hierarchy matters more than listening.” Even if you later realize the concern was valid and address it, the damage is already done. People rarely remember the solution as vividly as they remember how they were made to feel.


This matters even more for business owners and senior leaders. Every interaction you have—whether with a client, a colleague, or a team member—is shaping the narrative of your leadership. And in today’s world, where employees, clients, and stakeholders are highly observant and quick to form opinions, the smallest actions ripple outward into reputation.


Let’s be honest—frustration is human. We all have off days. But leadership demands self-awareness. Personal branding demands responsibility. Rolling your eyes might feel like a small act of release, but in that moment, you’re unknowingly teaching your team that belittling is acceptable, that irritation is more important than empathy. This isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about the culture you’re cultivating.


Here’s the deeper truth: the most powerful leaders are those who can hold space for ideas, even when they seem inconvenient at first. They listen with curiosity instead of irritation. They recognize that every genuine concern is an opportunity to either solve a problem or strengthen trust. And in doing so, they create a brand that speaks of maturity, composure, and respect.


Think about the personal brands that inspire you—whether it’s a global leader, a visionary entrepreneur, or even someone within your own circle. Chances are, you admire not just their achievements but also how they handle people. Their calm in the face of chaos, their ability to listen without judgment, their willingness to make others feel valued—these are traits that transform reputations from competent to unforgettable.


So, the next time you find yourself on the edge of irritation in a meeting, pause. Ask yourself: What personal brand am I creating in this moment? Is it the brand of someone who builds others up, or someone who makes them feel small? Is it the brand of a leader who listens, or one who reacts?


Because every raised eyebrow, every sigh, every sharp tone isn’t just a fleeting moment—it’s a permanent addition to your personal brand.


And in business, personal brand is currency. It determines who trusts you, who wants to work with you, and ultimately, who chooses you over others.


The choice is always yours. Do you want to be remembered as the leader who silenced voices, or the one who amplified them?


Your position or authority may make people follow your instructions—but it is your personal brand that makes them respect, admire, and willingly champion you. The question is: are people obeying you… or are they truly influenced by you? If you want to ensure it’s the latter, it’s time to work on building the brand called YOU.


Let’s get in touch and see how! Book a free consultation call with me https://sprect.com/pro/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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