Over the past decade, Marathi cinema has witnessed a remarkable transformation, particularly in the representation of women on screen. There was a time when female characters were relegated to supporting roles, mere love interests, or passive figures in male-centric narratives.
Now, modern Marathi cinema has embraced strong, independent, and multifaceted women who drive stories forward with depth, resilience, and authenticity. From hard-hitting social dramas to lighthearted romances and action-packed thrillers, leading ladies in Marathi films are now portraying characters that reflect real-life struggles, aspirations, and triumphs.
Women shaping the future of Marathi cinema
One of the key reasons behind this evolution is the increasing involvement of women in various aspects of filmmaking. More female directors, writers, and producers are stepping into the industry, bringing unique perspectives and championing women-centric narratives. Filmmakers like Sumitra Bhave, Sai Paranjpye, Shrabani Deodhar, and Madhuri Dixit have significantly contributed to redefining how women are portrayed on screen.
In an insightful conversation with ETimes, National Award-winning filmmaker Shrabani Deodhar reflected on her journey and the importance of telling women’s stories. She shared, “My first film, ‘Lapandav,’ as a director, was released in 1993. Then, I did ‘Sarkarnama,’ a political film. We must admit that all women have their own story to tell.”
Emphasizing the need to showcase diverse female experiences, she added, “I have immense respect for all courageous women, and people should know their stories. But I also believe that women who may not be seen as courageous have equally interesting lives. Their stories deserve to be told too.” Deodhar expressed her desire to bring such narratives to the screen, allowing audiences to connect deeply with real-life experiences. Through her films, she continues to champion compelling female-driven storytelling that highlights the richness of women’s lives across different walks of society.
The filmmaker pointed out, “The presence of women in filmmaking—be it as directors, writers, or producers—remains significantly low. Despite the abundance of talent in the industry, the contribution of women behind the camera is still minimal. We see remarkable female artists excelling in various creative roles, yet the numbers don’t reflect their true potential. It’s essential to create more opportunities and encourage women to take leadership roles in filmmaking. A more balanced industry will not only enrich storytelling but also bring fresh, diverse perspectives to cinema.”
“Today, we have actors like Sai Tamhankar, Priya Bapat, Amruta Subhash, and Sonalee Kulkarni who have played crucial roles in this transformation. Their performances in acclaimed films like ‘Kaksparsh,’ ‘Anandi Gopal,’ and Mogra Phulaalaa’ have highlighted the depth and versatility of female characters. These films go beyond mere entertainment—they challenge perspectives, spark conversations, and inspire change. Through their powerful portrayals, these talented actresses continue to redefine Marathi cinema, proving that compelling storytelling can both engage audiences and drive meaningful social impact,” Shrabani added.
No one can match the aura of Smita Patil
Shrabani recalls, “Smita Patil was my inspiration. I deeply miss the days when I worked as an assistant director, watching her perform with such grace and confidence. Her aura was truly mesmerizing, and I was captivated by her powerful presence on screen. I believe no one can match the charisma and authenticity she brought to her roles. She wasn’t just an actress; she was a force of nature who left an everlasting impact on Indian cinema.”
Marathi movies that celebrate womenhood
‘Mee Sindhutai Sapkal’
Mee Sindhutai Sapkal’ by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan is a saga that will touch hearts and motivate every human being to fight against all odds and emerge successful. In today’s day and age, where films revolving around the subject of women empowerment are gaining importance, this movie, based on the real-life story of Sindhutai Sapkal and her works, is awe-inspiring. Tejaswini Pandit’s acting will surely move you from start to end. She has played the character so well that the audience will resonate with it. This film was a big success at the box office.
‘Nude’
‘Nude’Ravi Jadhav’s Marathi film ‘Nude’ was the story of a woman played by Kalyanee Mulay. But actress Chhaya Kadam also managed to make a solid impact in the film through her character Chandra Akka. Her character encourages Mulay to take up the profession of a nude artist at JJ School of Arts. Inspired by a real-life nude artist, this movie tries to stay real and true to its original intent, and that is what makes it a wonderful watch.
‘Anandi Gopal’
Sameer Vidwans’s ‘Anandi Gopal’ is a biopic based on the life of Anandi Gopal Joshi, who is known as the first Indian woman doctor. It features stars like Bhagyashree Milind, Lalit Prabhakar, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Yogesh Soman in pivotal roles. In the film, the actress will be seen playing the role of India’s first female doctor, Anandibai Gopal Rao Joshi. The first woman to live abroad in the eighteenth year of her life and the first woman to complete medical education, suffering from depression. Bhagyashree is playing the titular role in the film and has given a brilliant performance on the big screen.
Beyond the screen, the empowerment of women in Marathi cinema is evident in the industry’s changing dynamics. Female-led projects are receiving critical and commercial success, proving that stories driven by women are just as compelling and commercially viable as those led by men. As audiences demand more realistic and empowering portrayals, Marathi cinema sets a benchmark for progressive storytelling.
