India is a diverse country with several cultural roots. From the north to the south, every kilometer gives us a show of new traditions and cultures. While travelling lets us explore these traditions and cultures, there’s a better, less expensive way of getting to know other regions better. Movies. The Hindi Film Industry dominates Indian cinema but the gates have recently opened and people are now leaning more towards what other states in India have to offer. Let’s take a look today at what India’s second-largest state, Maharashtra has up its sleeve with these best Marathi movies on Netflix.
Also read: 10 Best Marathi Movies On Amazon Prime That Will Make Your Day
1. Kaagar
Sairat star Rinku Rajguru is back at it again with a political romantic drama that will keep you all glued to your seats. Directed by Marakand Mane, Kaagar tells the realistic tale of the politics that permeates rural Maharsathra and the farmers that are affected by it. It is also a story of love as it traces the struggle to choose between the two- heart and power. The compelling performances delivered by the actors in the movie make the plot stronger and even more powerful.
2. Ani mi Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar
Ani Mi Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar is a biographical movie narrating the story of Kashinath Ghanekar, one of Marathi cinema’s biggest and oldest superstars. A dentist by profession but a theatre artist by passion, Dr. Ghanekar is said to have sowed the seed of Marathi theatre when Bollywood was at its peak. Subodh Bhave played the role of the legendary actor in the movie and has done a marvellous job at portraying the range that Dr. Ghanekar held as an artist. The directorial debut of Abhijeet Deshpande, Ani Mi Dr Kashinath Ghanekar was a hit and is a must-watch for all theatre lovers.
3. Cycle
Starring Hrishikesh Joshi, Bhalchandra Kadam and Priyadarshan Jadhav, Cycle is a feel-good Marathi movie that is considered to be a masterpiece of Marathi cinema. Known for its simplicity, the movie follows the story of Keshav, an astrologer and medical practitioner whose priced possession, a cycle gets stolen by a pair of thieves. The movie follows the aftermath of the robbery and explores what both go through. While the plot seems plain, the movie can carry so many emotions that catch the viewer’s eye. It’s very rare to find movies like these nowadays that manage to hold a viewer’s attention for so long but this movie makes the process smooth. The movie is didactic and meaningful and you won’t regret watching it.
4. The Disciple
The Disciple is a heart-touching movie that will give you a tough reality check. The thing in life that scares people the most is mediocrity, everyone wants to be the best, and everyone wants to be successful. There isn’t one person in the world that finds joy in being average. The movie beautifully depicts that through the story of a disciple’s relentless effort to excel in the field of classical Indian music. It perfectly captures the trials and tribulations of the protagonist as he deals with the pressure of being the best. The movie can be a little depressing but it is a realistic portrayal of what several individuals go through in their day-to-day life.
5. Poshter girl
Starring the gorgeous Sonalee Kulkarni in the main role, Poshter Girl is a comedy movie that paves the way for a rather important message. The movie is a full laugh riot that delves into the journey of an agriculture officer who in her new posting has to deal with the problem of female infanticide. Being the sole woman in the village leads her to be pursued by a long line of men who try their best to woe her. The anticlimactic end of the movie is something worth sitting down for.
If you have passed out from a Maharashtra State Board school, you must surely remember reading the humourous stories by P.L. Deshpande in the Marathi textbooks. Another legendary figure and pride of Maharashtra, Purshottam Laxman Deshpande was a writer who captivated readers with his witty stories based on real-life situations. The movie depicts these situations as they inspire him to come up with some of the most iconic pieces of Marathi literature.
7. 15 August
Another emotionally stirring Marathi movie, 15 August is a must-watch. A Madhuri Dixit Production, the movie explores the meaning of Independence through a completely different aspect. Set in the crammed chawls of Mumbai, the movie follows the love story of a couple who struggle to be together. The depiction of love and freedom in the movie is what makes the movie one of the best Marathi movies on Netflix.
8. Sur Sapata
Directed by Mahesh Kanthale, Sur Sapata is a comedy Sports drama. It highlights the importance of honesty, perseverance and dedication as it follows the story of a small-time Kabaddi team that moves to a bigger city to fulfil its dream. With a cast of several talented child stars, the movie is a treat to watch with a meaningful message.
9. Photocopy
Photocopy is a fun Marathi romantic comedy starring Chetan Chitnis, Parna Pethe, Anshuman Joshi and Vandana Gupte among others. The movie is a timeless classic and tells the story of a set of twins with stark opposite personalities who unknowingly fall in love with the same man. The chaos that ensues is hilarious yet intriguing. The movie was an audience favourite.
10. Thackeray
Besides being famous for its delicious and lip-smacking food, Maharashtra is also known for its dynamic yet powerful politics. And the foundation of this was laid by Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena. the movie is a biopic that narrates the rise of the party with its strong and charismatic leader. Played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the movie gained a lot of attention for his gripping performance which was widely appreciated. This movie is seriously not something you can miss if you want to understand Maharashtra better.
Meaningful and entertaining with a strong regard for traditional values and Indian ethos is how I would describe Marathi movies. The performances in these movies portray a strong love and passion for theatre and cinemas, something that is rarely seen today. These best Marathi movies on Netflix stand true to all of that. Let us know which movie you liked the most!