13 Marathi Classics You Must Watch
India produces the highest number of films in the world. Its no mean feat, that films and film-stars are loved and worshipped like Gods in a country that already has some 33 million Gods!
The founding stone of this giant industry was laid by Dadasaheb Phalke, a Marathi manoos, resident of Girgaum, and a passionate connoisseur of arts. Phalke made India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, back in 1913.
A culture that can boast of such great aesthetes, poets and writers as Mukundaraj, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Sant Eknath, Moropant, Samarth Ramdas, Vaman Pandit, Acharya Atre, Pu La Deshpande etc. can be assured of carrying one of the world’s greatest artistic legacy. From such a legacy, came a gifted poet and writer, Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar, popularly known by his sobriquet, Kusumagraj. Considered one of modern times’ greatest poet and writer, Kusumagraj’s birthday, 27th February is celebrated as Marathi Bhasha Din.
Springing from the same legacy, Marathi films have made a marked niche for themselves. Here’s a list of Marathi films you must watch, if you are a cinema lover.
Sant Tukaram (1936)
Often considered Maharashtra’s greatest gift to cinema, Sant Tukaram was made in 1936, under the Prabhat Film Studios banner. Directed by Vishnupant Damle and Sheikh Fattelal (the lesser known of the Prabhat owners; the popular one being V. Shantaram; S. Kulkarni, the fourth owner, handled the finances), Sant Tukaram was India’s first film to receive international acclaim and was adjudged one of the three best films to be screened at the Venice Film Festival. The film in its entirety, is available on Youtube. A must watch, MUST WATCH.
Harishchandrachi Factory (2009)
While I can think of a few other films I would rank above this, this one needs to be watched for the significance of what it portrays. Harishchandrachi Factory is the tale of how a certain no one called Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, rose out of nothing and nowhere, to become the father of Indian cinema. All on the back of sheer passion and determination. One of this film’s greatest achievements is how, without falling into the trap of making it all sound gritty or intense, it endearingly walks you through journey behind how India’s first silent film was made.
Shyamchi Aai (1953)
Written by Sane Guruji and based on a simple but emotional mother-son plot, Shyamchi Aai, may seem dated, even impractical, in today’s time. But viewed within its environment, Shyamchi Aai is a classic that needs to be devoured by every child and parent, by every idealist, and by every cinema buff for its dramatic moments.
Pinjra (1972)
Post its heady years of 30s to 50s, Marathi cinema saw a lull in the late 50s and then in the 60s with an occasional name breaking through. Wanting to experiment, but stuck inside dated parameters, Marathi cinema found its torch bearer in V. Shantaram’s Pinjra. The biggest box office success of its times, the first color Marathi film, and the first film to truly walk the tight rope between niche and commercial, Pinjra was a watershed moment for Marathi cinema.
Saamna (1975)
A classic rich vs poor angle weaved in a suspense plot. Saamna is no doubt a very well-made film, but the film’s truly cherish-able element is the monomachy of histrionics between two of Marathi cinema’s greatest performers - Dr. Shreeram Lagoo and Nilu Phule.
Chaukat Raja (1991)
An intense yet endearing story of a mentally disabled boy, his struggle to find acceptance in the society, and how those around him love and help him through it. It is Dilip Prabhavalkar’s ability to keep the character from becoming a caricature that makes you root for Nandu to fight through life and come out a winner.
Umbartha (1982)
Based on Shanta Nisal’s Beghar, Umbartha was sharp and unsparing for its time. The fact that it is a man’s world and women are but mere servants or objects is an accepted norm, and how Smita Patil’s Savitri breaks through those unfair boundaries and shackles, makes for engaging viewing. Aside from being an intensely arresting film, Umbartha is peculiar in the sense that Smita Patil’s performance (not for the first time), leaves you spellbound!
Jait Re Jait (1977)
Handling such complex themes as love, lust, ambitions, casteism … all at once, Jabbar Patel weaves a web for you to walk into. A reflection of the Thakar tribal caste and particularly the story of Nagya and Chindi, Jait Re Jait is a brave film headlined by brilliant performances by Mohan Agashe and Smita Patil. The film’s soundtrack still remains one of Marathi music’s greatest classics.
Sinhasan (1979)
Sinhasan holds relevance today as much as it did 10 years ago or 20 years ago, or back in 1979. Treating the politics-crime nexus as an unbeatable evil, Sinhasan juggles power, politics, corruption, ethics, greed, ambitions, etc. with much relish. With Sinhasan, Jabbar Patel creates a political drama that is entertaining and appalling at once.
Ek Hota Vidushak (1992)
Another Jabbar Patel classic. Produced by NFDC, this one takes Lakshmikant Berde away from his much loved stereotype of a lovable buffoon, and puts him in the midst of a dramatic ballyhoo. As the tamashgir turned film star, Berde portrays a likable but vulnerable Aburao, who allows everyone from friends to colleagues to politicians, and eventually his own self-importance, to exploit him and his popularity. Watch it for a Lakshmikant Berde like you’ve never seen before.
Shwaas (2004)
Like Pinjra, Shwaas rescued Marathi cinema from the relative obscurity and nuisance that it had gotten itself into. Shwaas’s success brought Marathi cinema back into the spotlight and paved the way for more meaningful films to be made over the next decade. A roller coaster of emotions, Shwaas tugs at your heart, knowingly and unknowingly, while making sure you smile at the end of it.
Court (2014)
One of the best film to have been ever made, and not just in Marathi cinema, Court is an achievement in the sense that this is a film that is devoid of a certain story. It is the film’s simplistic portrayal of the life of its characters and how they are entwined through a silly court case that makes Court so watchable. Multiple times! My Court review last year best summed up why Court is important - “Court is a cinematic triumph.”
Ashi Hi Banva Banvi (1989)
A cult classic, you can approach random cinema buffs in Pune or Mumbai and throw off a line from Ashi Hi Banva Banvi and they will set into motion, a jugalbandi of the film’s best lines. And there are way too many of them. Such is the film’s popularity, that people born a good 10 years after the film’s release know the film’s lines by heart! Aided by the comic aces of Ashok Saraf and Lakshmikant Berde, and ably supported by director-actor Sachin, Ashi Hi Banva Banvi is a laugh out loud comedy, that lets you no time to sit and think. You just go with the flow. With the hilarious punches and pratfalls that are being thrown at you. Try saying “Ha maajha baayko, Parvati” in a roomful of Marathi guys … and you will know!
More Recommended Viewing: Aga Bai Arechya, Dombivali Fast, Mee Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, Vihir, Deool, Zapatlela, Pachadlela, Balak Palak, Gaabhricha Paus, Jogwa, Natrang, Elizabeth Ekadashi, Natsamrat, Rege, Lai Bhari, Narbachi Wadi, Uttarayan, Kaaksparsh, Valu, Killa, Fandry.
Some of these are available for viewing on YouTube, some you may have to rent. Have fun!
