The other day, we were talking to the team of forthcoming Marathi film ‘Zentleman’, during their first look. Replying to our question, whether their film would face competition from other Marathi films, when the film is released on 16th May ; veteran actress Usha Nadkarni, who is part of this film, spoke on behalf of their team. ” We are not concerned, whether there are three films or 10 films releasing along with our film. We are confident about our presentation,” she said. One could imagine the positive attitude of this popular actress; but, what if her two films were to be released simultaneously?

At the same function, we met Mr. Viju Khote, who was eager to know from media persons, about the response received for his film ‘Cappuccino ‘. He had already received the reactions from them for his film ‘Dhamak’, but not many had seen his other film ‘Cappuccino’. And, the reason given by some of those present that they could not attend the press show, due to other commitments that day. This is what happens when 3 or 4 Marathi are released simultaneously. The audience and the media persons have to make their own choice, which film to watch.

Now again, coming Friday, we are going to witness simultaneous releases of three Marathi films; namely ‘ Bhakarkhadi 7 km’, ‘Ek Hazarachi Note’ and Urmila Matondkar’s debut Marathi film ‘Aajoba’. Now, if we don’t call it a competition among themselves, then what is it ? And, we don’t think, it is a healthy competition. Right from acquiring theatres the competition begins. Then, it is marketing. Whichever film does the marketing well, succeeds in getting the audience at theatres. Those producers, who don’t have budget for marketing, suffer the most, in spite of making a better film. Today, even if they want to participate at international film festivals, there is a separate budget for that too.

Few years a ago, there was a time, when hardly 50 Marathi films were released during the year. But now, we find on an average 100 to 125 marathi films released during the year. Now, how many of them are actually able to find the audience at the theatre, is a big question? Also, when there are so many films released during the year, with more and more new producers; the state Government should seriously think about the granting subsidy only to those films, which are able to receive appreciation at film festivals and at the national and popular awards. It is not the competition from Hindi films; but Marathi films are facing competition among themselves; with such simultaneous releases.