As Marathi cinema steps into 2025, the industry stands at a pivotal juncture, eager to reassess and redefine its strategies for box office success. The past year witnessed a notable 15 percent decline in collections. This decline has raised significant concerns among filmmakers, producers, and stakeholders, prompting the need for a thorough evaluation of the factors at play.
Key challenges contributing to this drop include a reduced number of screens allocated for Marathi films, limiting their reach to audiences. Additionally, the rapid rise of streaming platforms has shifted viewer preferences, with many opting to consume content from the comfort of their homes. Compounding the issue is the increasing dominance of Southern Indian cinema, which has captivated audiences nationwide with its grand narratives, high-quality production, and star-studded appeal, drawing attention away from regional industries like Marathi cinema.
Talking about the role sequels and franchises will play in restoring audience confidence, Film Trade Expert Girish Wankhede told ETimes, “Marathi cinema has traditionally been overshadowed by Hindi films in Maharashtra. With the recent dominance of Southern cinema over Hindi, Marathi films have further lost ground. Audiences in Maharashtra tend to prefer Hindi, English, and even dubbed Hindi films over original Marathi productions. This shift contributed to the decline in Marathi cinema’s box office numbers last year, compounded by subpar content. However, films like the ‘Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai’ series, which have a strong connection with audiences through beloved characters, consistently perform well. Such sequels and franchise films will likely remain popular.
“Looking ahead, two genres are expected to dominate this year. First, sequels and franchises, such as those based on historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will thrive. Second, the suspense and thriller genre, as seen in films like ‘Valvi’ and ‘Aapla Manus’ (featuring Nana Patekar), is gaining traction. These stylish, international, noir-inspired films cater to a new generation of Marathi cinema-goers with a taste for Western storytelling. Meanwhile, traditional cinema focusing on prequels and sequels continues to appeal to a separate audience segment. Wankhede added.
Eloborating further, Wankhede added, “To boost the Marathi film industry, remaking and creating sequels of old classics, along with fostering co-productions with foreign studios, could pave the way forward. Collaborations like these would modernize the industry, moving it beyond the independent filmmaking roots and toward a studio-driven model. Marathi filmmakers who excel in Hindi cinema, like Mahesh Manjrekar and the late Nishikant Kamat, have demonstrated the potential of working across both industries.”
“Encouraging more such filmmakers, including Madhur Bhandarkar and Ritesh Deshmukh, to contribute to Marathi cinema can elevate the industry. For instance, Ritesh’s ‘Lai Bhari’ was a game-changer because it brought a major Marathi star with a Hindi fanbase into regional cinema. By fostering cross-functional ideas and collaborations, Marathi cinema can continue to evolve and thrive, “he shared.
Upcoming Films in 2025
‘Raja Shivaji‘
After the success of ‘Ved’, Riteish Deshmukh announced his next film ‘Raja Shivaji.’The bilingual movie will be made in Marathi and Hindi. The film is expected to release in theatres in 2025. The film is special for the actor as he will not only direct the film but also play the iconic historical figure. Besides Riteish, his wife Genelia Deshmukh has also joined the team as the producer.
‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat‘
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is collaborating with director Mahesh Manjrekar for a Marathi period drama titled ‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat’. The actor will essay the role of emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the film. This will be Akshay Kumar’s foray into the Marathi film industry.
‘Huppa Huiyya 2‘
After a 15-year wait, the much-anticipated sequel to the iconic film Huppa Huiyya is finally on its way! Directed by the creative mastermind Samit Kakkad, Huppa Huiyya 2 promises to deliver an even more grandiose and stylish cinematic experience that will captivate audiences once again.
“I am a huge Hanuman devotee myself, so when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t but say yes. My aim has always been to push the envelope with each of my films and I am hoping to do the same with this one too.” said filmmaker Samit Kakkad.
‘Devmanus’
Actors Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane and Subodh Bhave will be starring in Luv Films’ maiden Marathi venture “Devmanus” directed by Tejas Deoskar. It is all set to release on April 25, 2025. The film is being Produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg’s Luv Films, the production house that has produced some of the major Hindi blockbusters such as Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, De De Pyaar De, Malang, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, ‘Pyaar Ka Punchanma’ franchise and ‘Vadh’.
In conclusion, 2025 holds immense potential for Marathi cinema with an exciting lineup of films. However, the industry’s success will depend on its ability to embrace evolving audience preferences, foster innovation, and tackle internal challenges, ensuring sustained growth and relevance in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
