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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.

The Business Growth Secret Hiding in Your Story

In today’s competitive world, business owners and professionals are constantly chasing growth, revenue, and new clients. Many believe that if their work is good enough, it will speak for itself. Others dismiss storytelling as unnecessary or even indulgent. After all, what does telling your story have to do with closing a deal or running a business? The answer, though often overlooked, is everything.


The greatest brands and leaders in history have understood that people remember stories more than products, logos, or job titles. Logos fade. Professions change. Industries evolve. What remains etched in memory is the story that someone told and the way it made us feel. Yet many business owners fail to recognize the power of this tool. Some feel they don’t have a story at all, that their business simply “started one day.”


Others underestimate its impact, believing that transactions are all that matter. What they fail to realize is that in a marketplace overflowing with choices, it is the human connection created through stories that makes someone choose you over another. I have seen this not only in global icons but also in my own journey.


My personal experiences, both struggles and successes, have become the foundation of my work. Sharing them openly has not only built trust but also made people connect with me at a deeper level. It is not about narrating a perfect tale; it is about revealing the human side behind the brand. And there is an art to it. The way a story is delivered can make it either fall flat or resonate so strongly that the listener feels as if it is also their own.


A good story is never just about you; it is about how your audience sees themselves in your journey. The irony is that the very business owners who dismiss storytelling as a distraction often complain about struggling to stand out or to attract loyal clients. They continue to focus on features, benefits, and pitches, unaware that these things are easily forgotten. What people truly carry with them is the emotional memory of an encounter — and stories are what create that. Without them, even the best brands risk being invisible.


The good news is that storytelling does not demand a dramatic rags-to-riches journey. It does not require exaggeration or a stage-worthy performance. Some of the most powerful stories are the simplest ones: the reason you chose your profession, the turning point that shaped your vision, the challenge you overcame that taught you resilience, or even the values that guide your everyday work. These are the narratives that breathe life into a personal brand, giving it both authenticity and relatability.


When people tell me they don’t have a story, I remind them that life itself is a series of stories. The problem is not the absence of one but the inability to see it. That is where the real work begins — uncovering those moments, shaping them, and then sharing them in a way that touches the people who matter to your growth. Done right, storytelling is not just a communication skill; it is a business strategy. It is the bridge that turns a transactional relationship into a long-term connection.


The truth is simple: people may forget your pitch, your designation, or even your company name. But they will not forget a story that made them pause, reflect, or feel understood. That story becomes the anchor of your personal brand, the reason someone remembers you long after the conversation ends, and the reason they come back or recommend you when opportunities arise.


For leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who have been putting storytelling aside, it is no longer optional. It is the missing link between where you are today and where you aspire to be. And if you believe you don’t know how to begin or what to share, that is exactly where I can help. Because your story is already within you — it only needs to be uncovered, shaped, and told with authenticity. If you’re ready to uncover and shape the story that will set you apart, I’d be delighted to help you craft it. Reach out, let’s connect, and together we can make sure your story is not just heard, but remembered.


LinkedIn: DivyaaAdvaani Instagram: @suaveu6 YouTube: @suaveu


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

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