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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.

Goa’s taxi owners remember late Ratan Tata

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Goa’s taxi owners remember late Ratan Tata

Since his passing on 9 October 2024, tributes, memories and anecdotes have filled our newspapers as well as social media recalling chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata’s contribution to Indian business, his vision as well as his support and encouragement to many a start-up, and many more. Yet, for this writer, the tribute paid by the taxi owners’ association in the village of Benaulim stands out. The Tata Group runs one of India’s finest luxury properties, The Taj Exotica, in this village. The property, built in the 1990s became a major source of employment for the locals of the village and the spill over benefitted the taxi drivers who transport tourists back and forth to this hotel.


It is to their credit that the taxi drivers, nameless faces in the tourist business, perhaps pooled funds to put out an advertisement of remembrance and gratitude in the local O Heraldo newspaper thanking the late Mr Tata for giving the locals job opportunities, and a chance to improve their lives.


Clearly, Tata touched the lives of many ordinary ways. It is a well-known fact around the world that hiring locals for jobs encourages the economy, and in the process creates hundreds of indirect jobs. These may not always be the high-paying jobs but they do sustain local communities, and create job opportunities that sustain families. In addition, these jobs create a sense of loyalty to an employer, and opportunities for locals who cannot otherwise travel for jobs outside their homes or state, and also a sense of fulfilment in locals, many of whom may not be highly educated.


Goa is hugely dependent on tourism for its revenues. About 17 percent of the GSDP comes directly from tourism, and 35 percent of jobs are tourism-related. Most of the better paying tourism jobs are in the hotels but it’s a small pool that may not always fulfil the requirements of the village communities. Media reports suggest that 7 million tourists visited the state in 2022 which is known for its beaches, temples that incorporate elements of Indo-Portuguese influence, and churches, and even restaurants that offer a variety of global cuisines.


Tourism has also brought a host of challenges, and one only has to only open the local newspapers to see the many hotspots where environmental issues and tourism intersect. Of late, villages in North Goa have protested against loud music that is played well into the night, and which is affecting the residents, especially the sick and elderly. Another controversy surrounds the music festival Sundance, the organisers of which are scouting for a new locale in the south Goa where locals here too have protested. In the north, public hearings by government bodies hear villagers who are against the resumption of mining as it will affect water bodies as well as religious heritage.


Goa has one of the highest unemployment rates estimated at in the region of 13 percent, thrice that of the national average. It would definitely benefit many locals if corporates employed locally. As the tourist season starts, many will be making a beeline for what is called the sunshine state. However, the rains are playing spoilsport of sorts with thunder showers that cause traffic jams and some flooding too. It’s grey skies through the day and occasional respite from the hot and muggy mornings.


(The author is a senior journalist based in Goa. Views personal.)

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