Key Points

Ashutosh Gowariker's Marathi directorial Ata Thambaycha Naay delivers a powerful message about lifelong learning through its story of elderly protagonists. The Lagaan filmmaker reveals the movie successfully balances entertainment with social messaging about age being no barrier to education. Gowariker shares how the real-life inspirations behind the film gained recognition through this heartwarming project. The director himself is now motivated to pursue his long-delayed dream of learning piano, proving the film's message resonates personally.

Key Points: Ashutosh Gowariker Says Age No Barrier in Ata Thambaycha Naay

  • Film highlights elderly men pursuing academic dreams
  • Gowariker stresses cinema should entertain and educate
  • Director plans to learn piano himself
  • Story based on real-life inspirations Uday Shirurkarji and Nilesh Mali
3 min read

Ashutosh Gowariker believes 'Age is no barrier if you want to learn something'

Lagaan director Ashutosh Gowariker shares how his Marathi film Ata Thambaycha Naay proves learning has no age limit through its inspiring story.

"Age is no barrier if you want to learn something - Ashutosh Gowariker"

Mumbai, June 25

Ashutosh Gowariker’s Marathi directorial "Ata Thambaycha Naay" shares a crucial message that "age is no barrier if you want to learn something”.

Talking about the box office and critical success of the drama, the 'Lagaan' maker said, “Ata Thambaycha Naay has performed very well at the box office, and also the critics are loving it. I have loved it. It's an exhilarating feeling because it's very rare that you find yourself a part of a film that is liked for both reasons. I'm most happy that the one person who gained tremendously—not one, actually, two people who gained tremendously—from this film are the original Uday Shirurkarji and the original Nilesh Mali sir. Because they had actually gone and done it. And what greater joy than them getting all the limelight for this film, through which they’re able to tell their story? So that is the biggest takeaway for me from this entire experience.”

"Ata Thambaycha Naay" revolves around two elderly men who defy social norms to realize their long-delayed academic dreams.

Shedding light on the impact of the film, Gowariker shared that "Ata Thambaycha Naay" strikes a balance between social messaging and entertainment.

"I firmly believe that cinema must definitely entertain, but it also must give some kind of message. That message can be a social message, a moral message, a learning curve—anything. Apart from entertainment, there should be something in the movie that the audience takes home. They get entertained while watching the film in the cinema hall, but when they go home, the film's message keeps coming back to them. I think that is very important.", he stated.

Revealing what is the message given through 'Ata Thambaycha Naay', the director said, "And one of the most important messages this film gives while entertaining is that age is no barrier if you want to learn something. If you put your mind to it, if you put your heart into it, you can go out there and pursue the dream you want to achieve.”

Citing his personal example, he added, “For example, I feel even today that I want to learn the piano. And to do that, I am going to start taking classes because I feel I can learn piano at this age too. It doesn't have to be about performing in a concert—it's about following what you want to do and learning.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What an inspiring message! In our Indian society, we often think education is only for the young. But this film shows that learning has no age limit. My grandfather learned to use WhatsApp at 70! More power to such meaningful cinema. 🙌
P
Priya M.
Ashutosh Gowariker always brings depth to his films. After Lagaan and Swades, this seems like another gem. The Marathi film industry is producing such quality content these days. Can't wait to watch it with my parents - the perfect audience for this message!
A
Arjun S.
While I appreciate the message, I wish Bollywood would make more films like this instead of just remakes and masala movies. Our regional cinema is showing the way forward with meaningful storytelling. Kudos to the team!
N
Neha T.
This reminds me of my grandmother who learned to read at 65! In India, we need to change our mindset about age and education. Retirement shouldn't mean the end of learning. Maybe our schools should have special classes for senior citizens too?
S
Sanjay P.
The film's success proves that audiences are hungry for good content, not just star power. Hope this encourages more filmmakers to take risks with meaningful subjects. Though I wonder - would a Hindi remake reach wider audiences while keeping the essence intact?
M
Meena R.
As someone who went back to college at 40, this really resonates with me! Indian society can be judgmental about adult learners, but it's never too late. The film's message about following your passion is universal. More power to the team! 💪

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