Regional cinema offers a variety of genres and deals with diverse issues, which sometimes even a mainstream Hindi film cannot. It connects with the local people in a easier way, thanks to the language and dialect. Moreover, for urban citizens like me, it helps us to connect with our cultural, our roots and ahem, learning the language in an entertaining way. Yes! I have learnt a lot about different Maharashtrian dialects, all thanks to Marathi films. I don't really remember the 1st Marathi film that I saw, but I have been regularly catching up with Marathi cinema of late, both old and new, thanks to my parents (their film collection) and channels like Zee Talkies, Star Pravah among others. There are many films like Mi Sindhutai Sapkal, Jhing chik Jhing which still top my 'List of movies to Watch," but here I present to you the Part 1 of Top 10 Marathi movies (in no particular order) which I can watch over and over again. I personally recommend you watch these films even if you don't understand the language (Err... Subtitles will help you anyway).

Please Note : Classics do not feature in this list.

Natrang (2010) 

Starring Atul Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni,Kishore Kadam

Directed by - Ravi Jadhav

The film is an adaption of Dr.Anand Yadav's book, Natrang (Artist). The film, directed by Ravi Jadhav, is about a farmer whose dream is to become an artist & play the role of a king. It traces the journey of Guna (Atul Kulkarni) who overcomes hurdles to realize his dream. The film is set in Rural Maharashtra during the 1970's. It also deals with the issue of Gender Bias.This film gave me goosebumps! Trust me, No one could have played the role of Guna the way Atul Kulkarni did. He went through a lot of training for this film. Apart from the direction, performances and an amazing storyline, the music also played an important role in helping the film become a huge hit. Ajay-Atul, the National award winning duo, composed some beautiful songs for Natrang. Be it the Lavani number "Mala jau dya na ghari" or the song that traces the journey of an artist "Natrang Ubha", almost every song from this album became a household hit. The film is a must watch for those who love art & for those who love meaningful cinema. This one has it all. A flawless film!

Ashi hi Banwa Banwi 

Starring Sachin,Ashok saraf, Siddharth & Laxmikant Berde

Directed by Sachin

This one's a complete laugh-a-riot! One can never sit with a straight face when this film is playing on the television. Brilliant dialogues & an even better screenplay, This comedy directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar, released in 1988. Four boy and their hunt for a rented house, lands the group into a big soup, when the new landlady demands that only couples can stay in her house. With no other option left, Sachin & Laxmikant Berde dress up as women & pose as Ashok saraf & Siddharth's wives. That's when the real roller coaster ride begins! Performances by the entire Cast is outstanding. Dont miss the scene where Laxmikant Berde is shown as a pregnant lady & Is made to sit on a cardboard moon, all decked up. ROFL!!

Jatra 

Starring Bharat Jadhav, Kranti Redkar, Vijay Chavan, Siddharth Jadhav

Directed by Kedar Shinde

This one is a must watch for all those who love to laugh till their tummy hurts! I can never forget the long, serpentine queues outside Bharatmata, where people were ready to push each other for a ticket. This went on for around 2 months after the release. People dressed up and arrived at Bharatmata as if they were going for a marriage and actually ended up standing in a never ending queue. Jatra was a Mass-Blockbuster. The song Kombdi Palali can still make even a non-dancer perform, 6 years after its release. In this film, Sidhu & Monya leave their rented house, where they are forced to pay or work as a laborer and land up in Hyalagadh, where the annual Jatra (carnival) is nothing short of a Do or Die game. The fun begins when the duo try to flee and instead of going the right way, land up in Tyalagadh, the "enemy" village. That's when the madness begins. The film has Bharat Jadhav & Vijay Chavan in a double role and both the talented actors have played their parts exceptionally well. The winner again, apart from the actors & the director, is the music! Talented duo Ajay-Atul made Kombdi & Maina (not the birds) a national Hit. Even non-Maharashtrians couldn't stop themselves from shaking. Don't miss MNS chief Raj Thackeray's voice over in the beginning, where he narrates the story of the two enemy villages. Enjoy this film with your family & you will certainly end up rolling on the floor laughing.

Shwaas 

Starring Arun Nalawade, Ashwin Chitale, Sandeep Kulkarni

Directed by Sandeep Sawant

This film made the Marathi film industry proud by becoming India's official entry to the Oscars. Need I say more? It also bagged the National Award for Best Film in 2004, 50 years after the Marathi film Shyamchi Aai won the award. Made at a modest budget of 30 lakh rupees, this film made people stand up & notice the incredible potential and talent of the Marathi film industry. Shwaas made it big without any songs, heroes or heroines. The storyline is based on a real story set in Pune. The main protagonist of the film, Parshuram (Ashwin Chitale) is a little kid who is diagnosed with Retinal Cancer. It traces the journey of Parshuram & his grandfather (Arun Nalawade) who cannot come to terms with the fact that his grandson has to go through a surgery and may not be able to see the world ever again. The film earned a lot of accolades and certainly deserved all the attention that it got. Definitely a must watch for one and all.

Balgandharva 

Starring: Subodh Bhave, Kishore Kadam, Avinash Narkar, Vibhavri Deshpande

Directed by - Ravi Jadhav

A film that brought one of my favorite, versatile Marathi actors, Subodh Bhave, and director Ravi Jadhav together. Balgandharva tells the story of Narayanrao Shripad Rajhans aka the legendary artist Balgandharva, one of the greatest singers and stage actors of his time. He was famous for his roles as female characters in Marathi plays. He got the name “Balgandharva” from the famous freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. The film shows the rise and fall of this legend, his relationship with his mother, his wife, his co-actors and other women. It celebrates his life in the most amazing way. But what adds more charm to this amazing journey are the performances. Each & every actor has added life to their respective characters. Be it Kishore Kadam, Avinash Narkar, Vibhavri Deshpande; everyone has done justice to their roles. The soulful music by Kaushal Inamdar is just what a film like this needed.My personal favorites include "Chinmaya Sakal Hridaya" and "Parvardigar". Cinematography by Mahesh Limaye is outstanding! Costumes by Neeta Lulla are beautiful and I must make a mention of the choice of colors and fabric. Make up artist Vikram Gaikwad is a magician, as he spells magic with his incredible work. The producer & art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai (remember his brilliants sets in Devdas, Black?) gets all the brownie point. Right from the lavish expenditure, amazing sets to getting a good team together, he has done it all.The film is a real treat for cinema lovers and full marks to Ravi Jadhav for his work as the director. Finally, reserved the best for the end. As Balgandharva, Subodh Bhave made me cry, smile, cheer and clap for his wonderful performance. He had the grace, the ada, charm & everything that an actor needs to portray the role of Balgandharva. Subodh has proved that he is definitely one of the finest actors in the Indian Film Industry today. This film has definitely made it to my 'All Time Favorite Films' list. Thumbs up!!

So, that's all in Part 1. The second part will be out very soon!!

Love,

The Dancebee