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.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 (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.

Smita Patil (17 October 1955 – 13 December 1986) was an Indian actress of film, television and theatre. Regarded among the finest stage and film actresses of her times, Patil appeared in over 75 Hindi and Marathi films in a career that spanned just over a decade. During her career, she received two National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award. She was the recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour in 1985.

Patil graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and made her film debut with Shyam Benegal's Charandas Chor (1975). She became one of the leading actresses of parallel cinema, a New Wave movement in India cinema, though she also appeared in several mainstream movies throughout her career. Her performances were often acclaimed, and her most notable roles include Manthan (1977), Bhumika (1977), Aakrosh (1980), Chakra (1981), Chidambaram (1985) and Mirch Masala (1985).

Apart from acting, Patil was an active feminist (in a distinctly Indian context) and a member of the Women's Centre in Mumbai. She was deeply committed to the advancement of women's issues, and gave her endorsement to films which sought to explore the role of women in traditional Indian society, their sexuality, and the changes facing the middle-class woman in an urban milieu.

Dilip Prabhavalkar is an Indian Marathi film, television and theatre actor. Although he established himself as a prominent Marathi stage and movie actor, he became particularly known on the national scene for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the 2006 film, Lage Raho Munna Bhai. He reprised the role of Gandhi in the Telugu language remake, Shankar Dada Zindabad. Apart from acting, Prabhavalkar is author of many plays and children's story books.

Dilip Prabhavalkar gained a Master's degree in Biophysics and a diploma from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, before working for a pharmaceutical company and as a partner in a video production unit. During this period, he performed as an actor in several children's and experimental plays staged at Chhabildas.

His first major performance was in Lobh Nasava Hi Vinanti a play written by Vijay Tendulkar and directed by Arvind Deshpande. In 1991, he decided to choose acting as a career.

In children's and amateur theatre, Prabhavalkar was associated with Ratnakar Matkari's group and performed in all the plays staged by the troupe. His performances of a simpleton in Prem Kahani and Vidur in Aranyak — a play based on the Mahabharat — were awarded prizes at the Maharashtra State Drama Festival.

Atul Kulkarni (born 10 September 1965) is an Indian actor who has won two National Awards and has attained the superstar status in Marathi film industry after successful movies like Valu and Natarang.

Kulkarni won a National Award for his portrayal of Shriram Abhyankar in the film Hey Ram. Although he started his career in theatre, he has won critical acclaim for his performances in films like Page 3 and the Aamir Khan starrer Rang De Basanti. He has acted in several Marathi movies including Maati Maay (A Gravekeeper's Tale) that premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. He has achieved superstar status in Marathi Films with the success of blockbuster movie of year 2009-10 Natarang.

Kulkarni was born on 10 September 1965 in Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Atul completed his secondary education (10th Standard) from Haribhai Devkaran High School, Solapur, Maharashtra. His father, a businessman, and his mother, a housewife, were settled in Solapur. He completed his Junior College (12th Standard) from Belgaum and was able to secure a seat for electrical engineering at College of Engineering Pune (COEP) . Due to his disinterest in engineering, he quit the college and came back to Solapur to join D. A. V. College, Solapur which was affiliated to Shivaji University. He completed his graduation in English literature.

Sanjay Narvekar is an Indian actor from the state of Maharashtra. He has worked in Marathi and Hindi stage plays and movies.

He has played lead roles in many Marathi films and supporting roles in Hindi films. His portrayal of Sanjay Dutt's sidekick 'Dedh Phutiya' (lit. One and a half-footer, referring to the short stature of his character) in the popular Hindi film Vaastav: The Reality was appreciated by critics and audiences alike.

Narvekar ,born in a Marathi speaking Konkani Daivajna family,now lives in Mumbai-Powai with his wife and son.His son Aryan narvekar recently made his debut with the marathi film Bokya Satbande.

He is known for his cynical and loud comments in films.

Following are some of the Marathi plays in which Sanjay Narvekar has played a role