Marathi Cinema Revival: Gargi Phule Proposes To Screen Marathi Movies In Theaters
In a bid to revive the Marathi film industry and make movies more accessible to the audience, actress Gargi Phule has proposed to Culture Minister Sudhir Munguntiwar that Marathi films should be screened in theaters across Maharashtra. This move aims to increase revenue for both filmmakers and theater owners, while also promoting Marathi cinema.
Phule’s proposal highlights the challenges faced by Marathi film enthusiasts, particularly in terms of affordability. With many single-screen theaters in poor condition or closed, multiplexes have become the primary option, but their high ticket prices deter audiences from watching Marathi movies. By screening Marathi films in theaters, ticket prices can be reduced, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
The Nationalist Cultural Department has echoed Phule’s sentiments, emphasizing that this move will not only benefit filmmakers but also increase theater revenues. With over 100 Marathi films produced annually, the lack of proper theaters hinders their reach to the audience. By utilizing existing theaters, Marathi cinema can regain its lost glory.
Maharashtra has a rich history of producing iconic Marathi films, with the industry experiencing a golden age in the 1960s and 1970s Classics like “Shyamchi Aai” (1950) and “Pinjra” (1972) showcased the industry’s potential, but its decline in the 1990s and 2000s led to a significant drop in production and viewership.