Marathi cinema steals show at National Awards

Mumbai: Marathi films Kaasav, Ventilator and Dashakriya bagged nearly half a dozen trophies, with the former winning Best Feature Film, at the National Film Awards on Friday.

Congratulating the Marathi film industry, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “While there was a time when Marathi movies were known for their storytelling, gradually the technical aspect has become high-standard. Marathi movies have their own special place now.”

State culture minister Vinod Tawde, acknowledging the success of Marathi movies, claimed that the awards were recognition of the good work carried out by the Marathi film Industry.

Kaasav, directed by Sunil Sukthankar and Sumitra Bhave, is centred on the weighty topics of depression and environment conservation. The film’s team is hopeful that the win will give the movie a much-deserved boost ahead of its release.

“Kaasav got the best film award, which is a great thing, but another point of happiness is that the film deals with the theme of depression. The award definitely gives a boost to Marathi cinema. It is a proud moment for us. I am really glad that in Marathi cinema, apart from star system, big marketing, the theme is the most important thing,” said Mr Sukthankar.

Rajesh Mapuskar won the Best Director award for Ventilator. The movie, produced by actor Priyanka Chopra and her mother Madhu, also won Best Editing and Best Final Mixed Track awards.

“I am very happy that Ventilator won three National Awards. It was my first Marathi film. This is really special. I am thankful to Priyanka Chopra and her mother Dr Madhu Chopra (producers) for believing in the film. Their support and encouragement for Marathi cinema is commendable. The award definitely gives a boost to Marathi cinema. It's a proud moment,” said Mr Mapuskar.

The Best Adapted Screenplay went to Dashakriya, which was also selected as the Best Marathi Film, while its star Manoj Joshi was named the Best Supporting Actor.

Akshay Kumar, who was named the Best Actor for Rustom, in a video on his Twitter handle, said, “Thank you seems like a very small word right now, but I don’t know how else to express what I am feeling. I am truly humbled by this honour. I would like to thank the National Award jury and all my fans from the core of my heart for believing in my talent. Rustom was a very special role. Getting to wear the country’s Navy uniform is in itself special. Be it for a film. And now this National Award has made this even more special.”