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Riteish Deshmukh: Marathi Cinema Shrinking as Hindi Films Dominate

Actor Riteish Deshmukh highlighted the challenges facing the Marathi film industry, tracing its decline to the rise of Hindi cinema. He noted that unlike other states, Maharashtra often prioritizes Hindi over its local language, marginalizing Marathi content. Deshmukh pointed out the economic constraints, with most films made on modest budgets of Rs 3-7 crore, limiting their scale and audience appeal. He stressed that despite a massive Marathi-speaking population, the industry is not producing enough content for them.

Key Points: Riteish Deshmukh on Challenges Facing Marathi Film Industry

  • Marathi cinema shrinking as Hindi films grew
  • Local language prioritised less in Maharashtra
  • Large Marathi-speaking audience underserved
  • Budget constraints limit scale and appeal
  • Economics create a cycle of struggle
3 min read

"We are not making enough content": Riteish Deshmukh opens up about challenges faced by Marathi film industry

Actor Riteish Deshmukh explains why Marathi films are struggling, citing budget constraints and audience preference for Hindi cinema.

"We are not making enough content": Riteish Deshmukh opens up about challenges faced by Marathi film industry
"The birth of the film industry happened here in Maharashtra... Marathi content started shrinking. - Riteish Deshmukh"

Mumbai, March 16

Actor Riteish Deshmukh recently spoke about the "birth" of Indian cinema and the challenges faced by Marathi films while attending the 'Vision India: Creative Economy Summit'.

While addressing the event, he said that although the film industry began in Maharashtra, Marathi films gradually began "shrinking" as Hindi cinema grew larger.

Discussing the origins of the industry, Riteish referred to the "birth" of cinema in Maharashtra and credited legendary filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke for starting the journey. He explained that Mumbai played a pivotal role in the early days of Indian cinema.

"The birth of the film industry happened here in Maharashtra, in Mumbai. A Marathi man, Dadasaheb Phalke, started this journey... When Hindi films began growing bigger, Marathi content started shrinking," Riteish said.

He also highlighted how other states give more importance to their local-language films. He pointed out that in Maharashtra, Hindi often became the first choice, while Marathi was pushed to second place, gradually causing the industry to lose its space. Speaking further, he noted the large Marathi-speaking population and stressed that not enough films are being made for them. "This was because, for example, in Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, the local language and content consumed in the local language were prioritised, while Hindi came second and English third. Similarly, in Karnataka or Kerala. But in Maharashtra, the first choice was Hindi, and the second was Marathi."

"That started depleting in the middle years. If you look at Maharashtra's population today, the Marathi-speaking population could be anywhere from 9.5 to 11 crores, much more than the population of Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh. Despite this large population, we are not making enough content for them. That is a problem," he added.

Riteish also discussed the "economics" of the Marathi film industry, explaining that most Marathi films are made on smaller budgets, which makes it difficult for them to match the scale of big Hindi or South Indian films. He added that many Marathi films are produced with budgets ranging from Rs 3 to 7 crore, limiting what filmmakers can achieve on screen. "What happens when films don't do well? Let me explain a bit of the economics of the Marathi film industry. Mostly, when Marathi films are made, they are budgeted at Rs 3, 5, 6, or 7 crore. While there isn't much difference in ticket prices between Marathi and Hindi cinema, the budget restrictions prevent the creation of films on the same scale as Hindi or South Indian films."

"When a film has a smaller budget, you have only so much to work with. When you go to watch a film, you might have a choice: 'I have Rs 200, should I watch a Rs 7 crore film or a Rs 100 crore film?' The larger the scale, the more thrilling the experience, and the audience enjoys it more. When faced with this choice, it starts to shrink. Budgets shrink, collections don't happen, and it becomes very difficult..." he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's a complex issue. Yes, we need more Marathi content, but audiences also want quality. Look at the recent success of some Marathi films on OTT platforms. Maybe the future is there, not just in theatres. Budget constraints are real, but good storytelling can overcome them.
A
Aditya G
As a Marathi speaker from Mumbai, I feel guilty sometimes. I'll happily watch a Tamil or Telugu blockbuster but often skip a Marathi film. Riteish makes a valid point about our own mindset. We need to prioritize our language. जय महाराष्ट्र! 🙏
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. I'm an expat living here, and I've noticed this too. In the South, local cinema is a huge part of the culture. In Mumbai, Hindi seems dominant. It's a shame because Marathi theatre has such a rich history.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the comparison with Southern states is a bit off. Tamil and Telugu industries built their own ecosystems over decades with massive star power and loyal audiences. Marathi cinema needs to find its unique voice and market, not just copy that model. The budget issue is critical.
M
Meera T
True! We have such talented actors and directors in Marathi cinema. But the marketing is poor. How will people watch if they don't know about the films? Also, multiplexes should give better show timings, not just the 11 AM slot.

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