Marathi films ruling the roost

Shah Rukh Khan may have left no stone unturned to make sure his upcoming Eid release gets as many screens as possible But even the star had to recently bow out to director Sanjay Jadhavrsquos recent release Duniyadari that seems to be the toast of the town right now across single screensu00a0 Even Rajiv Patilrsquos forthcoming 72 Miles Ek Pravas albeit coproduced by Akshay Kumar is the only film releasing on the coming Friday that will singlehandedly take on Chennai Express for the week to come And this once again brings to our notice a handful of Marathi films that are gems in their own rights Some of them promoted well or otherwise had the potential to give their Bollywood counterparts a run for their money Shwaas 2004 Director Sandeep Sawant Storyline The movie that set the ball rolling in Marathi cinemarsquos favour last decade was also based on reallife events It follows a grandfather and his attempt at showing his grandson ldquothe world aroundrdquo before he loses his sight forever Honours National Film Award for Best Feature Film Indiarsquos official entry to Oscars Dombivali Fastu00a02005 Director Nishikanth Kamath Storyline Therersquos a price you pay when you try too hard to correct some of the wrongs Something the protagonist in this film does too A fastpaced film just like its title suggests it brings to light the dark side of the city and a manrsquos drive to keep it clean Honours A commercial success the film was later remade in Tamil as well Tingyau00a02008 Director Mangesh Hadawale Storyline The ruralbased movie concentrates on a little innocent boy and the love he has for his bull The story throws light on the daily challenges too by the farmers in Maharashtra Honours Sharad Geokar won the National Film Award for Best Child Artiste Harishchandrachi Factory 2009 Director Paresh Mokashi Storyline As a homage to the very founder of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke the film revolves around his struggle to keep his passion for filmmaking alive despite several obstacles Honours Indiarsquos official entry to the Academy Award Vihir 2009 Director Umesh Kulkarni Storyline Vihir is a heartwrenching tale about friendship between two young boys And it also subtly touches a chord with the insignificance of death and the endless possibilities of keeping a memory alive Honours Screened at international film festivals including Berlin Rotterdam Warsaw and Pusan Jogwa 2009 Director Rajiv Patil Storyline Unlike the title which refers to charity the film is quite au contraire as it deals with the gross abuse of faith Highlighting the societal ills of the past it focuses on an inspiring woman and her struggle to break free from the shackles of discrimination and sexual oppression Honours National Awards in five different categories Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy 2009 Director Santosh Manjrekar Storyline Much relevant to current times this film jostles its audiences by showing how prejudiced a common man could be under the garb of regionalism Interestingly the fabled Shivaji Maharaj himself is reckoned by the plot to conclude on a fair scale Honours First Marathi film to gross over R 25 crore Zenda 2010 Director Avdhoot Gupte Storyline A rather very brave controversial too attempt at depicting politics the way it is This particular movie showcased the animosity that political differences can create not only between enemies but also between friends Honours In the first quarter of 2010 it managed to outclass several Bollywood releases at the box office Natarangu00a02010 Director Ravi Jadhav Storyline Set in the 1970s a bold film that depicts the journey of a young artiste in overcoming hurdles in pursuit of artistic passions As the story progresses several issues like gender bias are effectively tackled Honours A commercial success it was the only Indian film to be selected in the Above the Cut category at MAMI Shikshanachya Aaicha Ghou00a02010 Director Mahesh Manjrekar Storyline Unlike its controversial title the film quite literally attack the education system The young protagonist wants to have a career as a sportsman but his dad doesnrsquot share his zeal for cricket Honours A bumper hit the film was later remade in Tamil Telugu and Bengali Deoolu00a02011 Director Umesh Kulkarni Storyline Starring Nana Patekar and Sonali Kulkarni in the leading roles and marking Naseeruddin Shahrsquos Marathi film debut the film lays bare the effect of globalisation on smaller towns in the country and the terrible state of Indian villages with a political backdrop Honours Won three National Awards including the Best Film Shaalau00a02012 Director Sujay Dahake Storyline Set in the rsquo70s Shala is about four young kids each hailing from varying background but almost facing similar problems Friendship love innocence family and loneliness are some of the themes the film brilliantly explores Honours National Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi Anumatiu00a02013 Director Gajendra Ahire Storyline Starring Vikram Gokhale and Reema Lagoo in the leading roles Anumati is a heartwarming story about love and understanding between an elderly couple To add to the pathos the husband is about to lose his wife and adjust to life without her Honours Gokhale won the National Award for Best Actor Kaksparsh 2012 Director Mahesh Manjrekar Storyline A period drama set in 1930s the film starring Sachin Khedekar and Priya Bapat upsets the proverbial cart with a story yarned around an orthodox Brahmin community In the meantime many societal mores are challenged in its trials against modernity Honours Commercial success along with critical acclaim Touring Talkiesu00a02013 Director Gajendra Ahire Storyline About the dying world of artistes and workers involved in travelling tents and wheels this peculiar film is a tribute to the love of cinema and art Honours Perhaps firstofitskind story Urmila Matondkar in Ajoba Coming soon Some Marathi films to look forward to Shivaji Doltadersquos Topiwale Kawade Atmaram Dharnersquos Govinda Sujay Dahakersquos Ajoba Satish Rajwadersquos Popat Ajay Naikrsquos Lagna Pahave Karun Pratik Kadamrsquos suspensethriller Sutradhar