Ajinkya Deo, a celebrated actor in both Hindi and Marathi cinema since the late 1980s, recently shared his thoughts on the challenges Marathi filmmakers face in securing wide theatrical releases. In an exclusive conversation with Zoom, he shed light on why Marathi films struggle to attract younger audiences to theatres.
Marathi Cinema’s Evolution and Audience Expectations
Reflecting on the transformation of Marathi cinema over the past 15 years, Ajinkya Deo noted, “The growth has been driven by a new generation of skilled, globally aware directors, writers, and actors. Many Marathi filmmakers today draw inspiration from international cinema and OTT platforms, blending global storytelling techniques with Marathi cultural elements.”He added, “Audiences have evolved too. They consume worldwide content and expect high-quality storytelling. This pushes creators to meet global standards while staying rooted in Marathi traditions. The industry is moving forward, and I’m hopeful that Marathi narratives will become more universal and impactful.”
The Challenge of Reaching Younger Viewers
Despite these advancements, Ajinkya pointed out that younger viewers often avoid theatres for Marathi films, making large-scale releases difficult. He explained, “The challenge is complex. South Indian films, like Kannada blockbusters, are made with budgets of ₹70–100 crores and earn over ₹300 crores. Marathi cinema is still catching up. We need to take bigger risks. Currently, most Marathi films cater to women and audiences over 40, but younger demographics aren’t showing up — even for Marathi stories. That has to shift.”He concluded, “We must craft bigger, more universal stories that connect emotionally with younger audiences. It’s a cycle: without bigger investments, audiences won’t come, but without audiences, large budgets aren’t justified. Still, I’m confident this change is inevitable and will happen soon.
”Upcoming Project
Ajinkya Deo will next be seen in the Farhan Akhtar-led 120 Bahadur, directed by Razneesh Ghai, releasing in theatres on November 21, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!
Ajinkya Deo will next be seen in the Farhan Akhtar-led 120 Bahadur, directed by Razneesh Ghai, releasing in theatres on November 21, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!
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