For the past 2-3 years, we have seen a change for good coming into Marathi films. But, there is no consistency. The year 2012 has come to an end with some of the sensible films like ‘Mokala Shwaas’ reminding one and all about the injustice on females and ‘Aaamhi Chamakte Taare’ educating the masses about the reality behind HIV affected children. There were some realistic films like ‘Kaksparsha’ , ‘Bharatiya’, ‘Babu Band Bajaa’, ‘Tukaram’,’Pipani’ & ‘Langar’ which invited attention; but, commercial films on the lines of Bollywood, like ‘No Entry’,’Teen Baika Fajiti Aika’ ‘Bluff Master’,’4 Idiots’ only reminded that some of the producers were not taking efforts to attempt new scripts.

Now, as we are set to welcome the new year 2013, there is a film “Balak Palak”( BP) from Ravi Jadhav, which is expected to surprise the marathi audience, as the film is based on a different subject, so relevant to today’s teenagers and their parents. But, what marathi film makers are expecting during this new year is a good turnout of audience at the theatres. Looking at the House full audience during the premiere show of ‘Aamhi Chamakte Taare’ at plaza theatre on 28th December 2012; one really wonders, as to why the same people can’t buy tickets to see Marathi films?

It may be kept in mind that the success of Regional films at places like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Kerala has been possible, only because the local people are respecting their culture and language by responding to their local language cinema with a big heart. It’s not that all these films are quality films with sensible subject; but, it is the respect for their language has earned popularity for south Indian films. It’s not that people in Maharashtra don’t respect their language and culture; otherwise, there won’t be overwhelming response for Marathi dramas, in spite of the high ticket rates. All that is required is to support the Marathi cinema , which is today nowhere behind Bollywood, as far as the technology and production quality is concerned. Otherwise, Music directors like Ajay Atul who began their career with Marathi films, would not have gained popularity in Bollywood.

Today, more and more Bollywood producers and Non Maharashtrian producers have taken keen interest in Marathi film making, which is a welcome move. Now, B.R. Chopra films and Akshay Kumar have also joined them for producing Marathi films under their new banner. There are many Bollywood personalities like Shakti Kapoor, Jhonny Lever, Anupam Kher, Murali Sharma, who have contributed by performing in marathi films and now we are going to watch Eesha Koppikar playing lead role in new Marathi film ‘Maat’ where she plays a Beauty Queen. One beauty Queen Amruta Patki has already made her debut through ‘Satya Savitri aani Satyavan’ few months ago and now, it’s the turn of Eesha Koppikar. Another news is about Ashutosh Rana making his debut through lead role in forthcoming marathi film ‘Sankasur’.Isn’t that enough to speak about the change coming in Marathi cinema?

Some of the marathi producers are also attempting something new; and the best example is forthcoming Marathi film’ Ajinkya’ which is due for release on 11th January 2013. The film is based on the life of a Basketball Coach, who is married to an executive from a corporate company. The film is produced and directed by two former basketball players from Nagpur, which itself is a news. Versatile Marathi actor Sandeep Kulkarni plays the intense lead role opposite another talented actress kadambari kadam in this film.

Few more eagerly awaited Marathi films are Girish Kulkarni and Sonali Kulkarni’s ‘Pune 52’’ also set for release in January 2013. Then there is Mrunal Kulkarni’s ‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asata’ which will be her debut as a director. Mrunal is very hopeful about her creation, which is set for release in February 2013. Sachit Patil, Pallavi Subhash starrer film ‘Asa Mi Ashi Tu’ has also raised some hopes, as this film too has a different story . ‘Welcome to Jungle’ the first marathi adventure filled science fiction, will also be a big news for the new year.

Now coming to under production films, Mahesh Kothare’s ‘Zapatlela 2′ with more special effects will also be a major attraction during 2013. Among other films, Sanjay Jadhav’s ‘Duniyadari , Ujwal Thengadi’s ‘Dharmantar’and Raees Lashkaria’s two films ‘Samrajya’ and ‘Short Cut’ to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and Avadhoot Gupte respectively, will also be grand attractions during year 2013. Let’s wait and see, who wins the race? But, the biggest compliment to the film maker would be, if his film is able to draw good full house crowds in the theatres. Can this happen in 2013?