Ever since Marathi film ‘AB Aani CD’ was released on Amazon Prime Video on 1st May 2020, this film attracted good viewership from home viewers during the lock down period and still continues to do so, with word of mouth publicity. Though this film was released on 15th March 2020, its theatrical run was impacted due to spread of corona virus pandemic which forced theatres to shut down. Therefore, it was a wise decision to premiere this film on Amazon Prime video .

Even otherwise, this film had an advantage of having two big names on the poster of this film- Vikram Gokhale and Amitabh Bachchan and therefore it helped to attract the viewership from Non Marathi audience too. No matter Mr. Bachchan had very limited role in this film, his presence was felt in the film, with the plot of this film having a direct connection with him. Above all, Vikram Gokhale being a versatile actor invited all the attention playing that most important character of Chandrakant Deshpande aka CD in this sensible humour filled film.

Now, talking about overall viewership of Marathi films on this network, there is a good demand for films starring Vikram Gokhale and Sachin Pilgaonkar, no matter how big or small is their role in such films. Just watching their photos on the poster or watching them in trailer or credits of the film, the viewership of such films is decided by home viewers. Surprisingly, the non Marathi viewers are increasing day by day, as noticed from the comments seen on social media. Moreover, Family dramas and films with good subject and decent language are preferred by the viewers.

The other best examples are films like ‘Sohalla’ starring Sachin Pilgaonkar and Vikram Gokhale, ‘Love You Zindagi’ starring Sachin Pilgaonkar in the lead and ‘Ek Nirnay’ starring Vikram Gokhale along with Subodh Bhave and others. In short, Prime Video has offered a new life to Marathi films, as the Marathi film makers need not depend on theatre release henceforth.