Directors, stories, musicians: Maratha power resonates with the audience- Exclusive!

Marathi directors, storytellers, and musicians have made significant contributions to Bollywood over the years, infusing the industry with fresh perspectives, rich storytelling, and unique musical compositions. Several prominent Marathi directors have successfully crossed over into mainstream Indian cinema, bringing their unique storytelling, cultural narratives, and technical expertise to a wider audience:

The award-winning filmmaker Nagraj Manjule won enormous success with Marathi film 'Sairat', which depicted the realities of caste and love in rural Maharashtra.Manjule captured the attention of Bollywood with 'Jhund' (2022), starring Amitabh Bachchan. His films often focus on social issues and marginalized communities, presenting them in a deeply emotional yet commercially successful way.

The National Award-winning director made his debut with a Marathi film in 2013, 'Time Please'. Sameer made his directorial debut in Bollywood with Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani starrer 'SatyaPrem Ki Katha'. Speaking about his pan-India recognition, Sameer Vidwans told ETimes, "I was looking for a subject that could be made on a pan-India level, one that could connect with the maximum number of people without being limited to a specific audience. When I made Anandi Gopal in Marathi, it earned me a National Award, but sadly, it didn’t receive the widespread recognition I had hoped for. The story of Anandi Gopal is incredibly powerful and deserved to reach a larger audience, but it didn’t. So, I’ve been waiting for another impactful subject through which I could convey a meaningful message to a broader audience."
"I love watching comedy, horror, suspense, thrillers, dramas, etc, but 'SatyaPrem Ki Katha' narrated a very important subject that plays a significant role in our lives. This subject had a message for everyone. So If I am getting a commercial film with comedy, romance, emotion, and a special message to convey, which was very special for me. It was a blessing that I got such a beautiful script for my directorial debut in Bollywood." Sameer added.

After impressing the audience with his debut Marathi directorial 'Lapachhapi' in 2017, filmmaker Vishal Furia made his Bollywood debut with the Hindi remake of the same film, which was titled 'Chhori'. In an exclusive chat with ETimes, Vishal Furia said, "Post-pandemic, audiences are consuming content from all over the world, and the lines between industries have truly blurred. Whether it’s Bollywood, the South film industry, regional cinema, or global productions, everything is now placed in the same category. There’s no longer a clear distinction. For filmmakers and storytellers, regardless of the industry they work in, it’s crucial to match the level of storytelling and quality that global filmmakers and producers are offering. At the same time, it’s important to retain Indian emotions and cultural references while aligning with global standards in terms of storytelling techniques and production quality. If we don’t meet those expectations, people simply won’t watch—whether it’s on OTT platforms or in theaters."
"The challenge has grown, as we no longer operate in isolation. The star system is no longer enough to draw viewers unless those stars are offering something truly engaging and interesting. It’s an exciting time for skilled filmmakers and those with fresh ideas, but there’s still a gap. Producers need to be more proactive and supportive of new, innovative concepts, whether or not big stars are involved. Unfortunately, many producers and OTT platforms are still chasing stars, rather than focusing on strong stories, which shouldn’t be the way forward. Good stories should be the priority, and if a star fits organically into the narrative, that’s great—but the focus must be on ideas." Vishal added.

Cinematographer-turned-director, Laxman Utekar, gained attention with his Marathi films and went on to direct Bollywood hits like 'Luka Chuppi' (2019) and 'Mimi' (2021). He is now gearing up for the highly anticipated historical film 'Chhaava' starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna.
Marathi literature and history have often inspired films that resonate with pan-Indian audiences. Some of these stories celebrate Maratha culture and warrior ethos, while others explore everyday life in Maharashtra.

This Ajay Devgn-starrer celebrated the life of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, a trusted commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Om Raut, the film brought Maratha's bravery and the spirit of the empire into the national spotlight, grossing over Rs 350 crore globally. It showcased how deeply Maratha history is revered and appreciated by audiences across India.

A part of the popular Marathi Shivraj Ashtak series, this film captured the legendary battle of Pawankhind, further cementing the resonance of Maratha historical stories in the collective Indian consciousness.
After impressing one and everyone with his blockbuster films like 'Farzand', 'Fatteshikast' and 'Pawankhind', Maratha history enthusiast Digpal Lanjekar is all set to make his debut in Bollywood. In an exclusive interaction with ETimes, filmmaker Digpal Lanjekar said, "I took this lockdown positively and made the best use of time. I was working on the script of my upcoming Bollywood film which is based on the backdrop of pre-independence"

The success of Marathi films often inspire Bollywood adaptations. For instance, Nagraj Manjule’s Sairat was remade in Hindi as Dhadak, and Salman Khan's 'Antim: The Final Truth' was the remake of Marathi film 'Mulshi Pattern'. These adaptations indicate that the unique narratives from Marathi cinema are seen as universally appealing.

Music has been a defining aspect of the Marathi influence in Bollywood, with composers and singers bringing regional flavours into mainstream cinema. Ajay-Atul: One of the most famous composer duos in Indian cinema, started their journey in Marathi films but have since become Pan-India sensations.

With blockbusters like 'Agneepath' (2012), 'Singham' (2011), and 'Dhadak' (2018), they have brought a majestic orchestral sound to Indian cinema, blending folk elements with contemporary arrangements. Their iconic work in Sairat further established them as musical powerhouses, and their Marathi roots resonate in their work across industries.

A renowned Marathi composer and playback singer, Avdhoot's work spans both Marathi and Hindi cinema. His popular songs have a blend of folk and modern sounds, which appeal to a broader audience.

A well-known composer and singer in Marathi cinema, Salil Kulkarni has also contributed to Bollywood music. His work is often praised for its simplicity and soulfulness.
The 'Maratha power' in Indian cinema is a powerful blend of directors, musicians, and storytellers who have transcended regional boundaries to leave a lasting impact on Bollywood and pan-Indian cinema. Their ability to bring local culture, traditions, and storytelling into the mainstream has not only enriched Indian cinema but also help preserve and promote Marathi heritage across the country.