Marathi cinema

Not to be confused with Bollywood.
Marathi Cinema

Number of screens Approx 500 in Maharashtra state of India.[1]
Main distributors Mumbai Film Company
Essel Vision Productions
Everest Entertainment
Produced feature films (2014)[2]
Total 160
Gross box office (2013)[3]
National films India: 100 crore (US$15 million)

Marathi cinema refers to films produced in Marathi, the language of state Maharashtra, India. Based in old Mumbai, it is the oldest and one of the pioneer film industry of India. The first Marathi movie released in India was Shree Pundalik by Dadasaheb Torne on 18 May 1912 at Coronation Cinematograph, Mumbai.[4][5] and a Marathi crew who were performing Marathi and Sanskrit Sangeet natikas (musicals) and plays in Marathi at that period. The first Marathi talkie film, Ayodhyecha Raja,[6] was released in 1932, just one year after Alam Ara the first Hindi talkie. Although the industry is much smaller than the large market driven Hindi cinema based in Mumbai, Marathi cinema is tax free, and is experiencing growth in recent years. Raja Harishchandra, directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, was a Marathi film, now known as India's first full-length feature, released in 1913. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema given annually by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

History

Silent movies period

Advertisement in the Times of India of 25 eh Damien koopt kaasbij de kerstman May 1912 announcing the screening of the first feature film of India, Pundalik, by Dadasaheb Torne
Raja Harishchandra

Marathi cinema is the oldest form of Indian cinema. The first Marathi movie released in India was Shree Pundalik by Dadasaheb Torne on 18 May 1912 at Coronation Cinematograph, Mumbai.[7]

Dadasaheb Phalke is known as the first pioneer and founder of cinema in pre-Independence India. He brought the revolution of moving images to India with his first indigenously made film Raja Harishchandra in 1913, which is considered by IFFI and NIFD as part of Marathi cinema as it was made by a Marathi dialogues while shooting and fully Marathi crew.[8] Kolhapur in Western Maharashtra was another centre of active film production in the twenties. In 1919 Baburao Mistry — popularly known as Baburao Painter — formed the Maharashtra Film Company with the blessings of the Maharaja of Kolhapur and released the first significant historical Sairandhari (1920) with Balasheb Pawar, Kamala Devi and Zunzarrao Pawar in stellar roles. Because of his special interest in sets, costumes, design and painting, he chose episodes from Maratha history for interpreting in the new medium and specialised in the historical genre.[9] Baburao Painter made many silent movies till 1930. However, after a few more silent films, the Maharashtra Film Company pulled down its shutters with the advent of sound. Baburao was not particularly keen on the talkies for he believed that they would destroy the visual culture so painfully evolved over the years.[10]

After advent of sound

As cinema grew in Union of India, major production houses rose and one of them was again a company owned wholly by Maharashtrians, the Prabhat Film Company. Prabhat's Sant Tukaram was the first Indian work to win the Best Film Award at the Venice film festival in 1937.[11] In 1954 at the very first edition of the National Awards, Shyamchi Aai another Marathi film, won the first President's Gold Medal for Cinema. It was directed by Acharya P K Atre, and it was an adaptation of the eponymous novel by Sane Guruji.[12]

The Golden era

Marathi cinema was in its full bloom by this time with the advent of greats like V. Shantaram, Master Vinayak, Bhalji Pendharkar, Acharya Atre, followed by Raja Paranjpe, Jyotiram,sonal and mumtaz, Dinkar D Patil, G. D. Madgulkar, Sudhir Phadke. The 1960s saw the emergence of directors like Anant Mane who made Marathi films based on the folk art form Tamasha.[13] Then came directors like Datta Dharmadhikari and Raj Dutt who made traditional family dramas. The early 70s saw the advent of Dada Kondke who captured the audiences with his sense of humour. He went on to create satirical, pun-ridden films often including social and political commentary, many of which became cult classics. By this time Marathi cinema was caught in either the Tamasha genre or tragedies revolving around traditional family dramas on one side and the comedies of Dada Kondke.

1980s

The 1980s saw two comedy heroes catapult to stardom, Ashok Saraf and Laxmikant Berde. Around the mid-80s two young actors donned the director's mantle: Mahesh Kothare and Sachin Pilgaonkar. Pilgaonkar directed Navri Mile Navryala and around the same time Mahesh Kothare directed Dhumdhadaka. Pilgaonkar's film was a box-office hit while Mahesh Kothare's became a mega hit at the box-office, became a trend-setter, and brought young audiences to Marathi cinema. Mahesh Kothare went on to make comedy films that became major hits. He made the first Marathi film shot on the anamorphic format (Cinemascope) Dhadakebaaz. He brought a number of innovations in the technical quality of Marathi films and was the first to bring Dolby Digital sound to Marathi cinema with Chimni Pakhara. He made the first Marathi film with Digital Special Effects, Pachadlela, in 2004. He also made first marathi movie in 3D Zapatlela 2, in 2013. The 3D of this film was highly appreciated and technically this film was extremely well made. This film also went on to become a blockbuster. Currently Mahesh Kothare is working on Zapatlela 3. This for the first time that a franchise has emerged in Marathi cinema.

Reasons for the decline of Marathi cinema

While the theatre of Maharashtra earned recognition at the national level, the cinema failed to make a mark. A major reason was the proximity to the production centre of Hindi cinema (Bollywood), which encroached on the identity of Marathi cinema. Other reasons include the shortage of cinema halls for distribution due to poor marketing, lack of money magnets, a vibrant theatre scene and the emergence of private television. It also lacked the powerful lobby at the national level unlike Bengali and South Indian cinema because state congress (ruling party over 40 years) encouraged Hindi cinema for profit mainly; the regional film industrial advantage being soaked up by Bollywood.[12]

Revival: Marathi New Wave

In past few years, the Marathi cinema industry has produced many films that are not only critically acclaimed but commercially successful as well. It has brought fresh ideas, untouched subjects and deeper human sensitivity on the celluloid.

Acclaimed director Dr Jabbar Patel explains the reasons behind the change, "The kind of Marathi cinema that is being made today is very fresh and different. This is thanks to directors and writers getting exposed to world cinema via television, film festivals etc. They are coming up with new storylines and innovative concepts."

Actor Mrinal Kulkarni remarks, "There is a lot of content and variety in Marathi films. A lot of bold subjects have been handled well by them. They carry a lot of substance." But, she adds, "We need to start watching a lot more Marathi films. Until we see the films ourselves, we will never be able to appreciate them when they are sent to the Oscars."

With outstanding contribution and efforts from different producers and directors of the Mumbai film industry, Marathi cinema relatively outshined other Indian film industries such as Bollywood in the first quarter of 2010 in box office collections and critical appreciation.[14]

Contemporary

Marathi cinema received critical acclaim in 2004 with the film Shwaas winning the Golden Lotus National Award.[15] It was India's official entry to the 77th Academy Awards. It won the President's medal for best film, beating Bollywood's prolific output with quality.[16] Shwaas was the second Marathi film to win the President's Medal after Shyamchi Aai (1950).

The Maharashtra state government has begun to issue grants to Marathi film (between 1.5 million and 3.0 million rupees). After the success of Shwaas, Indian media players like Shringar Films and Zee Telefilms are exhibiting a re-emerging interest in Marathi cinema. The growing popularity of Marathi television (notably Zee Marathi and ETV Marathi) has helped to popularize older Marathi cinema and promote the genre. Zee Talkies, a 24-hour channel dedicated to Marathi movies, has been introduced.

In 2009, Marathi film Harishchandrachi Factory (with a budget of Rs. 6 crore), depicting the struggle of Dadasaheb Phalke in making Raja Harishchandra in 1913, India's first feature film, directed by theatre-veteran Paresh Mokashi was selected as India's official entry to Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language Film category, making it the second Marathi film, after Shwaas, to receive this honour.[17][18][19]

2009 saw the blockbuster musical movie Natarang, which both commercial and critical applause and has served as a path-breaking movie for Marathi cinema.

Since the new decade beginning in 2010, several contemporary Marathi artistic films released including Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni's Vihir and Deool, and Nagraj Manjule's Fandry. They have given a new direction to Marathi films.

Deool became the third movie after Shyaamchi Aai and Shwaas to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film

Awards

Filmfare Awards

Production Year Film Director Actor Actress Music
1943 Chhattrapati Shivaji Suryakant    
1947 Ganimi Kawa Suryakant    
1951 Swarajyacha Shiledar Suryakant    
1956 Pavan Khind Suryakant    
1959 Sangte Aika Suryakant    
1965 Sadhi Mansa Suryakant    
1966 Malhari Martand Suryakant    
1963 Maza Hoshil Ka L.B.Thakur Damien koopt kaasbij de kerstman    
1964 Sant Nivrutti dnyandev Vinayak Sarasvate & Bal Chavan      
1965 Lakshmi Aali Ghara Madhav Shinde      
1966 Gurukilli Raja Paranjpe      
1967 Pawnakanthcha Dhondi Vinayak Thakur      
1968 Ekti G. Chaugule      
1969 Jiwhala Atmaram      
1970 Apradh Sharad Pilgaonkar   Ramesh Deo    
1971 Shantata! Court Chaloo Ahe Satyadev Dubey & Govind Nihalani      
1972 Kunku Mazhe Bhagyache Pradeep eknath nehete      
1973 Andhala Marto Dola Dada Kondke      
1974 Sugandhi Katta Not Awarded Shreeram Lagoo (Sugandhi Katta) Sarla Yevlekar (Sugandhi Katta)  
1975 Samna Jabbar Patel (Samna) Shreeram Lagoo (Samna) Sandhya (Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jali)  
1976 Aaram Haram Aahe Vasant Joglekar (Ha Khel Saavlyancha) Ravindra Mahajani (Zunj) Asha Kale (Ha Khel Saavlyancha)  
1977 Naon Mothan Lakshan Khotan Murlidhar Kapdi (Naon Mothan Lakshan Khotan) Shreeram Lagoo (Bhingree) Usha Chavan (Naon Mothan Lakshan Khotan)  
1978 Devki Nandan Gopala Jabbar Patel (Jait Re Jait) Yashwant Dutt (Bhairu Pahilwan Ki Jai) Smita Patil (Jait Re Jait)  
1979 Sinhasan Jabbar Patel (Sinhasan) Sachin (Ashtavinayak) Ranjana (Sushila)  
1980 22 June 1897 Jayu & Nachiket Patwardhan (22 June 1897) Nilu Phule (Sahkar Samrat) Usha Chavan (Ran Pakhre)  
1981 Umbartha Jabbar Patel (Umbartha) Girish Karnad (Akriet) Smita Patil (Umbartha)  
1982 Shapit Raj Dutt & Arvind Deshpande (Shapit) Ashok Saraf (Gondhalat Gondhal) Madhu Kambikar (Shapit)  
1983 Gupchup Gupchup V. K. Naik (Gupchup Gupchup) Ashok Saraf (Goshta Dhamal Namyachi) Ranjana (Savitri)  
1984 Lek Chalali Saasarla N. S. Vaidya (Lek Chalali Saasarla) Laxmikant Berde Supriya Sabnis (Navri Mile Navryala)  
1985 Dhoom Dhadaka Mahesh Kothare (Dhoom Dhadaka) Laxmikant Berde ??  
1994 Vazir Sanjay Rawal (Vazir) Vikram Gokhale (Vazir) Sukanya Kulkarni (Varsa Laxmicha) Shridhar Phadke (Varsa Laxmicha)
1995 Aai Mahesh Manjrekar (Aai) Sayaji Shinde (Aboli) Renuka Shahane (Aboli) Anand Modak (Mukta)
1996 Putravati Nichiket & Jayoo Patwardhan (Limited Manuski) Ashok Saraf (Soona Yeti Ghara) Sonali Kulkarni (Doghi) Shridhar Phadke (Putravati)
1997 Bangarwadi Amol Palekar (Bangarwadi) Mohan Joshi (Rao Saheb) Sukanya Kulkarni (Sarkarnama) Anand Modak (Sarkarnama)
1998 Tu Tithe Mee Sanjay Surkar (Tu Tithe Mee) Mohan Joshi (Tu Tithe Mee) Suhas Joshi (Tu Tithe Mee) Anand Modak (Tu Tithe Mee)
1999 Bindhaast Chandrakant Kulkarni (Bindhaast) Dilip Prabhavalkar (Ratra Aarambh) Sharvari Jamenis (Bindhast) Shridhar Phadke (Lekru)

Maharashtra State Awards

Production Year Best Film 1 Best Film 2 Best Film 3
1962 Prapanch (Madhukar Pathak) Suvaasini (Raja Paranjpe) Shaahir Parshuraam (Anant Mane)
1963 Ranglyaa Raatri Ashyaa (Raja Thakur) Ha Maazaa Marg Ekla (Raja Paranjpe) Phakir (Chandrashekhar)
1964 Chhotaa Jawaan, Paathlaag (Ram Gabale, Raja Paranjpye) Pahu Re Kiti Vaat (Raja Thakur) Thoraataanchi Kamalaa (Madhu Shinde)
1965 Vaawtal (Shantaram Aathavale) Sawaal Majha Aika! (Anant Mane) Third award not given
1966 Saadhi Maanse (Bhalji Pendharkar) Kelaa Ishara Jaataa Jaataa (Anant Mane) Shewatchaa Maalusaraa (Vasant Joglekar)
1967 Santh Vaahate Krushnaamaai (Madhukar Pathak) Kaakaa Malaa Waachwaa (Raja Paranjpe) Swapna Tech Lochani (Chandrawadan)
1968 Gharchi Raani (Rajdatt) Aamhi Jaato Aamuchyaa Gaawaa (Kamalakar Torne) Ekti (Raja Thakur)
1969 Apraadh (Rajdatt) Mukkaam Post Dhebewaadi (Madhukar Paathak) Dharmkanyaa (Maadhav Shinde)
1970 Mumbaicha Jawai (Raja Thakur) Warnecha Wagh (Vasant Painter) Laxmanresha (Manshav Shinde)
1971 Gharkul (Raja Thakur) Shantata Court Chalu Aahe (Satyadev Dubey) Dohni Gharcha Pahuna, Songadya (Garjanan Jagirdar, Govind Kulkarni)
1972 Jawai Vikat Ghene Aahe (Raja Thakur) Bholibhabdi (Rajdutt) Aandla Marto Dola (Dinesh)
1973 Sugandhi Katha (Vasant Painter) Kartiki (Datta Mane) Ashi Hi Sataryadi (Murlidhar Kapadi)
1974 Pandu Hawaldar (Dada Kondke) Saamna (Dr. Jabbar Patel) Bayanno Naure Sambhala (Dattatry Kulkarni)
1975 Charicha Mamla (Babsaheb Phattelal) Tumch Aamch Jamle (Dada Kondke) Pahuni (Anant Mane)
1976 Phrari (V. Ravindra) Bala Gau Kashi Aangai (Kamlakar Torne) Naav Motha Lakshan Khota (Murlidhar Kapadi)
1977 Devkinandan Gopala (Rajdutt) Bhairu Phehelwan Ki Jai (Kamlakar Torne) Jait Re Jait (Dr. Jabbar Patel)
1978 Janki (Vasant Joglekar) Ashtavinayak (Rajdutt) Bot Lavin Tithe Gudgulaya (Dada Kondke)
1979 22 June 1897 (Nechiket and Jayu Patwardhan) Sinhasan (Dr. Jabbar Patel) Paij (Babasaheb Phattelal)
1980 Umbartha (Dr. Jabbar Patel) Gondhlat Gondhal (V.K. Naik) Aakrit (Amol Palekar)
1981 Shapit (Rajdutt and Arvind Deshpande) Ek Dav Bhootacha (Ravi Namade) Aali Angawar (Dada Kondke)
1982 Raghu-Maina (Rajdutt) Goopchoop Goopchoop (V.K. Naik) Thorli Jau (Kamlakar Torne)
1983 Hech Mazhe Maher (Rajdutt) Thkas Mahathak (Raja Bargir), Mumbaicha Phoujdar (Rajdutt) (Divided) Bahurupi (Satish Randive)
1984 Ardhangi (Rajadutt) Deva Shapath Kharan Sangen (Bhaskar Jadhav) Stridhan (Babasaheb Phattelal)
1985 Pudhcha Paul (Rajdutt) Tuzhyavdachun Karmena (Damu Kenkare) Aaj Zale Mukt Me (Rajdutt)
1986 Prem Karuyaa Khullam Khullaa (Girish Ghanekar) Gammat Jammat (Sachin) Khatyaal Saasoo Naathaal Soon (N.S. Vaidya)
1987 Ashi Hi Banwaa Banwi (Sachin) Nashibwaan (N.S. Vaidya) Rangat Sangat (Girish Ghanekar)
1988 Kalat Nakalat (Kanchan Nayak) Aatmavishwaas (Sachin) Hamaal De Dhamaal (Purushottam Berde)
1989 Aaghat (Ramakant Kavthekar) Ekaapekshaa Ek (Sachin) Kooldeepak (N.S. Vaidya)
1990 Chaukat Raja (Sanjay Surkar) Vedh (Pradip Berlekar) Anapekshit (Sanjiv Naik)
1991 Ek Hotaa Vidushak (Dr. Jabbar Patel) Aapli Maanasa (Sanjay Surkar) Wajwaa Re Wajwaa (Girish Ghanekar)
1992 Vajir (Sanjay Rawal) Sawat Maazi Laadki (Smita Talwalkar) Lapandaaw (Shravani Devdhar)
1993 Muktaa (Dr. Jabbar Patel) Waarsaa Lakshmichaa (Madhukar Pathak) Maazaa Chhakulaa (Mahesh Kothare)
1994 Doghi (Sumitra Bhave) Baangarwaadi (Amol Palekar) Abolee (Amol Shedge)
1995 Raosaaheb (Sanjay Surkar) Putrawati (Bhaskar Jadhav) Sunaa Yeti Gharaa (A. Radhaswani)
1999 Gaabhaaraa (N.F.D) Gharaabaaher (Suyog Chitra) Bindhaast (Devyani Movies--)

Nowadays Marathi movies have been listed at lots of International Film Festival and All lights Film Services, which provides a platform for such movies and the film makers to know big in the world film industry.All Lights Film Services [20] provided platform for various famous Marathi Films such as PINKY – Ek Sathyakatha, Kapus Kondyachi Goshta,Hou De Jarasa Ushir, Sopanchi Aye Bahina Bhai,Touring Talkies,Langar to almost all leading International Festivals across the world including Oscar.

Highest Grossing Marathi Films

Movie Year Studio(s) Worldwide Gross ref(s)
Natsamrat 2016 50 crore (US$7.4 million) [21]
Lai Bhaari 2014 Mumbai Film Company 40 crore (US$5.9 million) [21]
Timepass 2 2015 Essel Vision Productions 40 crore (US$5.9 million) [22]
Timepass 2014 Zee Talkies 33 crore (US$4.9 million) [23]
Duniyadari 2013 Dreaming 24/7 Productions 32 crore (US$4.8 million) [24]
Katyar Kaljat Ghusali 2015 32 crore (US$4.8 million)
Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy 2009 Everest Entertainment 25.5 crore (US$3.8 million) [25]
Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2 2015 18 crore (US$2.7 million) [26]
Deool Band 2015 15 crore (US$2.2 million)
Daagdi Chaawl 2015 15 crore (US$2.2 million)
Kaksparsh 2012 Zee Talkies 14 crore (US$2.1 million) [27]
Dr. Prakash Baba Amte - The Real Hero 2014 Essel Vision Productions 12 crore (US$1.8 million) [28]
Natarang 2010 Zee Talkies 12 crore (US$1.8 million) [29]
Balak-Palak 2013 Mumbai Film Company 12 crore (US$1.8 million) [30]

National Film Awards

Further reading

See also

References

  1. "STATEWISE NUMBER OF SINGLE SCREENS". Film Federation of India. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
  2. "The Digital March Media & Entertainment in South India" (PDF). Deloitte. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
  3. "The Digital March Media & Entertainment in South India" (PDF). Deloitte. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
  4. Kadam, Kumar (24 April 2012). "दादासाहेब तोरणेंचे विस्मरण नको!".
  5. Raghavendara, MK (5 May 2012). "What a journey".
  6. "Films of Prabhat Film Company". Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  7. Kadam, Kumar (2012-04-24). "दादासाहेब तोरणेंचे विस्मरण नको!".
  8. "Marathi cinema can surpass hindi cinema". Yahoo. Archived from the original on 12 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  9. "History of Regional cinema". Cinemaofmalayalam. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  10. "Baburoa Painter". Upperstall. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  11. Pate, Niel (28 September 2004). "Marathi cinema: Waiting to exhale". The Times Of India.
  12. 1 2 Rajadhyaksha, Mukta (29 August 2004). "Marathi cinema gets a shot in the arm". The Times Of India.
  13. "Marathi cinema database".
  14. Marathi films beat Hindi movies at BO
  15. "National Film Awards, India: 2004". Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  16. "Shwaas is India's Official Entry to Oscars". Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  17. 'Harishchandrachi Factory' India's entry for Oscars Indian Express, PTI 20 September 2009.
  18. Harishchandrachi Factory to tell story behind making of India’s first feature film, Indian Express, Express News Service, 3 May 2008.
  19. 'Harishchandrachi factory' India's entry for Oscars Press Trust of India, 20 September 2009.
  20. "'Go Global' with All Lights Film Services". indiantelevision.org.in. 18 December 2013.
  21. 1 2 N, Ganesh (11 April 2015). "Struggle for success: Marathi films lose out in the multiplex race as popcorn-loving movie-goers prefer Hindi and English blockbusters". Daily Mail.
  22. "Priya thanked her audience - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times News Network. 2015-05-28. Retrieved 2015-08-24.
  23. Deshmukh, Gayatri (Jul 31, 2014). "After Duniyadari, will Lai Bhaari break Timepass' record?". The Times of India.
  24. Ganesh N (2015-04-11). "Struggle for success: Marathi films lose out in the multiplex race as the popcorn-loving movie-goer prefers Hindi and English blockbusters | Daily Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-08-24.
  25. "Why Bollywood is jumping on the Marathi cinema bandwagon". mid-day. 25 August 2014.
  26. http://www.lokmat.com/storypage.php?catid=247&newsid=11304252
  27. "Monetary boost giving Marathi cinema a new lease of life? - Entertainment". Mid-day.com. Retrieved 2015-08-24.
  28. "Here's why Marathi cinema is doing better than Bollywood - Entertainment". Mid-day.com. Retrieved 2015-08-24.
  29. "A mixed first half for Marathi cinema". Afternoondc.in. 2010-07-06. Retrieved 2015-08-24.
  30. "Son of the Soil Rising". intoday.in.

External links

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