State plans major boost to Marathi cinema with film cities in Nagpur & Nashik

Pune: The Maharashtra govt has outlined an expansive roadmap to strengthen Marathi cinema. The plan includes establishing new film cities in Nagpur and Nashik as also policy reforms to improve access, affordability and infrastructure for filmmakers and audiences.The announcements were made by Prashant Sajnikar, joint managing director of the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation, during a session of the ongoing Pune International Film Festival at Pavillion Mall on Senapati Bapat Road on Jan 17.
"The Maharashtra govt is working extensively to ensure Marathi cinema progresses and garners support from the audience," he said, adding that the process to establish Chitranagari film cities in Nagpur and Nashik had begun."We want to ensure Marathi films reach a wider audience, beyond the urban space. We plan to screen films in drama auditoriums across the state as done in Mumbai," Sajnikar said. He said increasing the number of screens is also under consideration. "The govt is looking to amend the Cinema Regulation Act and reduce ticket prices for Marathi films. Schemes related to low-cost theatres and the revival of Touring Talkies are also being explored," he added.The official mentioned Maharashtra's earlier efforts to decentralise film infrastructure. A film city in Kolhapur, Chitranagari, was established in 1984 and was among the first initiatives to support Marathi film production with shooting and post-production facilities under one roof. It is spread over 75 acres near Morewadi. The site saw a slow start but remained functional over the years. In 2022, the Maharashtra govt approved development works worth around Rs30 crore for new sets, training facilities and artist accommodation, followed by Rs44.4 crore in 2023 for major infrastructure upgrades — including training facilities, new sets, lodging for artists and technicians and state-of-the-art production equipment."The proposed film cities in Nagpur and Nashik will build on this legacy and cater to newer regions and talent pools," he added.Sajnikar said, "There is a 28-member screening committee to grant subsidies to Marathi films. Grants are awarded transparently by categorising films into A, B and C grades. Over the last few years, Rs86.4 crore was distributed to producers. It benefited talented artists from rural areas."He said an international-level Marathi film festival, Chitrapataka, had been launched. "The govt sends Marathi films to the Film Bazaar sections of prestigious festivals like Cannes and IFFI. Marathi films that win national or international awards receive double the subsidy," he added.Sajnikar said the Mumbai Film City, now completing 50 years, is eco-friendly and has 16 studios and 70 outdoor locations. "Marathi films and serials are given a 50% concession," he said. The official announced upcoming screenwriting and filmmaking workshops at Chitrangana in Goregaon, Mumbai, expansion of the Film Appreciation Club across Maharashtra and said the state's comprehensive film policy would be announced soon.