With access to worldwide entertainment, we often overlook the world’s less-celebrated film industries. We get carried away by mainstream media all the while ignoring the tiny presents other industries keep giving us. Instead of confining ourselves to the boxes of Hollywood and Bollywood, we should try exploring the unexplored and venture into new territories, hoping to find something new and meaningful. An easy way to begin this journey of exploration is from your home. India, being a mega-diverse country has various film industries, out of which the Marathi film industry is prevalent. Let’s look at the best Marathi movies on OTT that you can watch from home.
Also read: 10 Best Marathi Movies That You Must Watch Right Away!
1. Sairat
Sairat is a romantic drama starring newcomers Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar. The movie is an emotional roller coaster as it deals with two students belonging to different castes who fall in love and how it baffles the girl’s family. It serves as a reality check of how deeply rooted the caste system still is in our country. With a menial budget of 4 crores, the movie was a massive commercial success gaining a BoxOffice collection of around 110 cr.
Streaming platform: ZEE5
2. Natasamrat
This movie is proof of the talent that Marathi cinema holds. Starring Nana Patekar, Medha Manjrekar, and Ajit Parab, this 2016 movie is a painful reminder of how even family can betray. It deals with Ganpat Belwalkar, who after retirement divides his property between his two children but soon finds himself homeless. It is one of the most profound Marathi movies on OTT.
Streaming platform: Prime Video
3. Ved
This latest Marathi movie by the most iconic duo of both the Marathi and the Hindi film industry, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh is an unmissable one. The movie shows that true love stays with you no matter what. The songs of the movie too are catchy all thanks to Ajay-Atul. The cuteness of the actual couple onscreen serves to be a cherry on top.
Streaming platform: Hotstar
4. Cycle
Cycle is a movie with a rather simple plot. The family drama, set in a rural village of Maharashtra revolves around an astrologer and his beloved possession, his cycle. His work turns upside down when one day that cycle is stolen by a bunch of thieves. The movie focuses on both sides of the story, the thieves and the astrologer, and what they go through after the cycle is stolen.
Streaming platform: Netflix
5. Natrang
The movie Natrang is one of the most beloved movies of the Marathi film industry. Not only did it win people’s hearts with its plot but it also did so with its songs that still make people sway with joy. The movie deals with Guva, who after losing his job starts a theatre company. It is a perfect example of the love for cinema in Marathi cinema.
Streaming platform: ZEE5
6. Vaalvi
Vaalvi is a dark comedy movie with the most bizarre plot. A husband and his girlfriend decide to murder his wife but their scheme goes awry when nothing goes as planned. The movie is an unexpected thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. The suspense is worth the watch.
Streaming platform: ZEE5
7. Chandramukhi
Directed by reputed Marathi director Prasad Oak, Chandramukhi is a perfect blend of politics and tamasha (something Maharashtra is known for). The movie is an adaptation of the novel of the same name written by Vishwas Patil and is a drama that will keep you hooked. The talented star cast aids the impressive storytelling and narration of the movie.
Streaming platform: Prime Video
8. Sher Shivraj
You cannot learn about Maharashtra without learning about its great and powerful leader Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Chhatrapti is known to have laid the foundation of Maharashtra as we know it today and can be credited to its resilience and forte. Sher-Shivraj narrates a famous face-off between the Chhatrapati and Afzal Khan, a general of the Adilshahi dynasty at Pratapgarh. It is a dramatisation of the sequence of events as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeats the Adilshahi general with his foresightedness and wit.
Streaming platform: Prime Video
9. Fandry
Fandry is yet another movie about the prevalent caste system in Maharashtra. The movie follows the plot of a young boy from a lower caste falling in love with a girl from the upper caste with a complementary subplot of a pig being chased. This pig is very crucial to the movie, making it all the more meaningful and intriguing.
Streaming platform: ZEE5
10. Sarrsenapati Hambirrao
While we can largely credit the greatness of Maharashtra to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we must remember to acknowledge the numerous soldiers, generals, and commanders that helped him establish the mighty Marathi empire. One such general was Hambirrao Mohite who was in charge of the Maratha military and helped the Chhatrapati face
Streaming platform: Hotstar
11. Ventilator
Produced by Priyanka Chopra and starring Ashutosh Gowarkier, Sulabha Arya and Jitendra Joshi, Ventilator is an entertaining family drama. It tells the story of the Karmekar family as each member goes through a unique struggle to cope with the hospitalisation of their eldest member. The movie beautifully portrays the tight-knit nature of Indian families and is one of the best Marathi movies on OTT.
Streaming platform: ZEE5
12. Ashi Hee Banwa Banwi
Ashi Hee Banwa Banwi is a classic Marathi comedy starring the legendary icons of Marathi cinema Ashok Saraf, Lakshmikanth Berde and the director Sachin Pilgaonkar himself. The movie revolves around four friends who after struggling to find an apartment for themselves resort to some bizarre solutions to achieve their goals. These solutions have some hilarious consequences making the movie one of the funniest Marathi movies of all time.
Streaming platform: Prime Video
13. Baapjanma
Baapjanma is a heart-touching movie about the reality of old age and familial ties in the later stages of life. It follows the story of a father who tries his best to create a better environment with his now estranged kids. It is a must-watch Marathi movie on OTT.
Streaming platform: Prime Video
14. Harishchandrachi factory
Harishchandrachi Factory is the movie of all movies, a story of how everything began. It tells the story of Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, who through his genius and love for narration and storytelling gave us India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra. The movie traces his journey and gives us a brief insight into the inception of this vibrant industry.
Streaming platform: Apple TV
That concludes our list of the best Marathi movies to watch on OTT. Each movie in this list helps us gain perspective on the culture and traditions of the people living in the state. The movies reflect a sense of true dedication and passion to the world of cinema, and how deeply rooted theatre and folklore are in the hearts of Maharashtrians. While you’re watching these movies, make sure to check out the background music composed by Ajay-Atul. It is simply unmissable
Let us know in the comments if we missed out on any movie! Until next time.