Ayodhyecha Raja (1932), the Marathi film, was made by Prabhat Films

Marathi cinema (मराठी चित्रपट) refers to films produced in the Marathi language in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is the oldest and pioneer film industry in India. The first Marathi movie released in India was 'Shree Pundalik' by Dadasaheb Torne on 18 May 1912 at 'Coronation Cinematograph', Mumbai.^{[1] [2]}and a Marathi crew who were performing Marathi & Sanskrit Sangeet natikas (musicals) and plays in marathi at that period. The first Marathi talkie film, Ayodhyecha Raja^[3] (produced by Prabhat Films) was released in 1932, just one year after "Alam Ara" the first Hindi talkie film. Marathi cinema has grown in recent years. The industry is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

History[link]

Silent movies period[link]

Advertisement in the Times of India of 25 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.^[1] still Dadasaheb Phalke is also 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 & NIFD as part of Marathi cinema as it was made by a Marathi dialogues while shooting and fully marathi crew.^[4] 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.^[5]. 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.^[6]

After advent of Sound[link]

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 film to win the Best Film Award at the Venice film festival in 1937.^[7] 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. The film was directed by Acharya P K Atre, and it was an adaptation of the eponymous novel by Sane Guruji.^[8]

The Golden era[link]

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, Dinkar D Patil, G. D. Madgulkar, Sudhir Phadke. The 60s saw the emergence of directors like Anant Mane who made Marathi films based on the folk art form Tamasha. 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 later 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.

80s[link]

The 80s 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 film not only became a mega hit at the box-office but it also became a trend-setter and brought young audiences to Marathi Cinema. Mahesh Kothare then 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 also the first to bring Dolby Digital sound to Marathi Cinema with the film Chimni Pakhara. He made the first Marathi film with Digital Special Effects, Pachadlela in 2004.

Reasons for the decline of Marathi cinema[link]

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.^[8]

Revival of Marathi Cinema (Marathi New Wave)[link]

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 Mrunal 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 Mumbai Film Industry, Marathi cinema relatively outshined other Indian Film Industries such as Bollywood in the first quarter of 2010 in terms of box office collections and critical appreciation.^[9]

Contemporary[link]

Marathi Cinema received critical acclaim in the year 2004 with the film Shwaas bagging the Golden Lotus National Award^[10]. It was also India's official entry to the 77th Academy Awards and it also won the President's medal for best film, beating Bollywood's prolific output with quality.^[11] Shwaas, after Shyamchi Aai (1950) is only Marathi film to win the President's Medal.

The Maharashtra state government has begun to issue grants to Marathi film (between 1.5 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 also 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 budget 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 ^[12][13][14].

In the year 2009 released the blockbuster musical movie Natarang, which got both commercial and critical applause and has served as a path-breaking movie for Marathi cinema in many ways.

In the year 2010 released Vihir (Umesh Kulkarni), Zenda (Avdhoot Gupte), Jhing Chik Jhing (Nitin Nandan), Pratisaad - The Response (Yogesh Dattatraya Gosavi), Mumbai - Pune - Mumbai (Satish Rajwade), Paaradh (Gajendra Ahire) had given different direction to marathi films.

Awards[link]

Filmfare Awards[link]

Maharashtra State Awards[link]

National Film Awards[link]

Further reading[link]

Maharashtra portal

• Marathi Cinema: in retrospect, by Sanjit Narwekar, Raghuvir Kul, D. B. Samant. Corporation. Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corp., 1995.
• All about Marathi Cinema, by Dana Rasmussen. 6 Degrees Books, 2010. ISBN 1-171-06824-7.

References[link]

See also[link]

• List of Marathi films

External links[link]

• Largest information repository on Marathi Film Industry
• All about new marathi movies
• Marathi Film and Movies
• Watch Marathi Movies Online
• Marathi Chitrapat
• A portal of Marathi Cinema
• Marathi Movies
• Stills From Marathi Movies
• Reviews and storyline of marathi movies
• a complete portal of marathi glamour industry
• Latest Marathi Movie Stills

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Neena Kulkarni
Born	India
Other names	Neena Kulkarni Nini Kulkarni
Occupation	Actress Producer
Years active	1985–present

Neena Kulkarni is an Indian film actress and producer. she has appeared in many Hindi and Marathi movies.^[1]

Filmography[link]

Following table shows list of films^[2]

Television[link]

Nina Kulkarni appeared in Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai talk show in season 2.

Production[link]

She has produced following marathi film.

• 2006 - Shevri

References[link]

Sai Tamhankar
Born	Sai Tamhankar 25th June, 1986 Sangli
Occupation	Actress
Years active	7 (2005 to Present)

Sai Tamhankar (born, 25 June 1986) is a female Indian actor. She has acted in the Hindi movie Ghajini^[1] She has acted in Marathi movies such as Raada Rox, Rita^[2] and the September 2012 release No Entry Pudhe Dhoka Aahey,^[3] she has acted in the Shreyas Talpade home production Sanai Chaughade.^[4]

Biography[link]

Playing a variety of roles through TV serials like 'Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat', 'Agnishikha' and 'Saathi Re', Sai Tamhankar made her entry into Bollywood playing cameo in films like 'Black & White' and 'Ghajini'. But, her role in Subhash Ghai’s Marathi film ‘Sanai Choughade’ actually brought her into limelight and her acting career actually took off. In the recent past, she was also seen in films like 'Be Dune Sade Char’, ’Picnic’ and 'Rita'.^{[citation needed]}

Career[link]

When she was in Junior College, she performed for the first time in a play. Thereafter, she developed interest in acting and started taking part in Inter collegiate competitions. Her play, ‘Aadhe Adhure’ got her the Best Actor award, which encouraged her to take up acting as a career. She enjoyed this field and made up her mind to choose this field as her career. Coming to Mumbai in 2004, Sai tried her hand at a course in hotel management. She also auditioned for an MTV programme. Her first break, however, came for a Marathi serial, which got her more serials. It was during the award ceremony of her play that she was offered a major role in the marathi sitcom 'Ya Gojirvanya Gharat'. Since she has also acted in other Marathi serials like, Agni Shikha, Sathi Re and Kasturi. She has also been a part of Hindi films like Subhash Ghai's Black & White and Ghajini. Sai Tamhankar today is a sought after actor in Marathi film industry. She is called one of the bankable stars in the same. Started her career with doing street plays and inter-college drama competitions in Sangli to working with Aamir Khan in ‘Ghajini’ and Subhash Ghai’s ‘Black and White’, . Apart from Marathi serials, Sai also featured in Balaji’s ‘Kasturi’. While shooting for the Ghai’s ‘Black and White’, she was offered the lead role in ‘Sanai Chowghade’,^{[citation needed]}

Personal life[link]

Sai was engaged to Amey Gosavi - A special effects and VFX specialist on the 7th of April 2012. They had initially confirmed their marriage to be held on the 16th of December 2012, however she later gave a statement postponing her marriage plans to 2013 because of her upcoming projects.

Films[link]

• Balak Palak (2013) Marathi
• Pune 52 (2012) Marathi
• Ashaach Eka Betawar (2012) Marathi
• Gajrachi Pungi (2012) Marathi
• Villa (2012) Hindi
• No Entry Pudhe Dhoka Aahe! (2012) Marathi
• Aaghor (2012) Marathi
• Baburao La Pakdaa (2012) Marathi
• Daaghedore (2012) Marathi
• Zhakaas (2011) Marathi
• Raada Rox (2011) Marathi
• Don Ghadicha Daav (2011) Marathi
• Ajab Lagnachi Gajab Gosht (2010) Marathi
• Mission Possible (2010) Marathi
• Haay Kaay....Naay Kaay (2009) Marathi
• Be Dune Saade Char (2009) Marathi
• Rita (2010) Marathi
• Picnic (2008) Marathi
• Ghajini (2008 film) Hindi
• Sanai Choughade (2008) Marathi

References[link]

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Ritesh Deshmukh
Born	Sanjay Deshmukh (1978-12-17) 17 December 1978 (age 33) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation	Actor, Television presenter, Architect
Years active	2003–present
Spouse	Genelia D'Souza ( February 3, 2012– present)[1]

Ritesh Deshmukh (born 17 December 1978, in Mumbai, Maharashtra) is an Indian actor and architect who appears in Bollywood films. He is the son of Vilasrao Deshmukh, the Union Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, and the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra.^[2]

Deshmukh debuted with K. Vijaya Bhaskar's Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003) with his later to be wife Genelia D'Souza, but it was not until 2004 that he achieved success, when he appeared in the commercially successful comedy, Masti and the critically acclaimed Bardaasht. His work in Masti was nominated for several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category. He later starred in successful films such as Heyy Babyy, Dhamaal, House Full. Double Dhamaal, Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya and Housefull 2.

Career[link]

Deshmukh began his film career with the 2003 romance, Tujhe Meri Kasam opposite Genelia D'Souza. The film bombed at the box office, however the lead pair's performances were acclaimed. He later appeared in Out of Control in the same year, which didn't create magic financially either. His third film, Masti which was a comic thriller, managed to strike extremely well at the box office and critically worldwide. He gained to fame after his performance in Masti, the movie Masti made him win 2 awards, and then made friendly appearances in films such as Bardaasht and Naach. His first lead role to succeed him was his rebel character in the sex-comedy Kyaa Kool Hai Hum with Tusshar Kapoor. The film was panned by critics, though loved by public, and was a moderate success at the box office.

After that era, he appeared in mostly comic roles besides a few serious roles. Such as in Malamaal Weekly and Apna Sapna Money Money, he was the scene-stealer and was appreciated. In 2005, he appeared in a supporting role in Bluffmaster! with Abhishek Bachchan in the lead.^[3] He was also seen in Ram Gopal Varma's Darna Zaroori Hai.^[4]

In 2007, he was first seen in a guest appearance in Namastey London and then in the multi-starrer action film Cash which was a box office failure.^[3] Later that year, he appeared in Sajid Khan's directorial debut Heyy Babyy, co-starring Akshay Kumar and Fardeen Khan, which was a huge hit and is his most commercially successful film to date.^[5] He also appeared in the comedy film Dhamaal which was also a semi hit.

In 2008, he played a lead role in De Taali, in which his performance was praised, and later in Chamku, both of which failed at the box office.^[4]

In 2009, his first release was Aladin, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez. Including the multi-starcast, Aladin still flopped worldwide. He then played a supporting role in Ram Gopal Varma's Rann, again co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav. His final film of 2009 was Do Knot Disturb along with Govinda, Sushmita Sen, Sohail Khan and Lara Dutta.

In 2010, he once again worked with Sajid Khan on the comedy Housefull along with Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta, Arjun Rampal and Jiah Khan. The film received negative response from critics, though striked as a Blockbuster commercially. His first release of 2011 was F.A.L.T.U, in which he played a fake principal, though real nursery teacher. His second release of the year was comic sequel Double Dhamaal.^[6] Both the films were moderately successful.^{[citation needed]}

His latest film is Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya in which he is paired opposite his real wife Genelia D'Souza. The film has managed to do fairly well at the box office. He has done another sequel, Housefull 2 which released on 6 April 2012 and was a superhit .

Personal life[link]

Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza on the day of their Maharashtrian style wedding

Son of the ex-Chief Minister of Maharastra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ritesh got his architectural degree from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies. He later went abroad for a year to practice with a firm abroad, came back to India and has been designing since then. He owns a firm called Evolutions, which is an architectural and interior designing firm.

Deshmukh married Genelia D'Souza according to Marathi marriage traditions in a Hindu wedding ceremony on 3 February 2012 after dating each other for 8 years ^[7] and less publicized church wedding.^[8]

Filmography[link]

Television[link]

He hosted the IIFA Awards three times (2008–2010) with Boman Irani and Lara Dutta in 2009 and 2010, He also hosted the 2011 IIFA Awards once again in Toronto along with Boman Irani.

Awards[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Ritesh Deshmukh on Facebook
• Ritesh Deshmukh on Twitter
• Ritesh Deshmukh at the Internet Movie Database

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (January 2010)

Mohan Agashe
Mohan Agashe at 43rd KVIFF
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Actor

Mohan Agashe is an Indian theatre and film actor. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1996.^[1]