'Marathi films should compete with B'wood on content, not budgets'

If Marathi cinema has started hitting gold at the BO these days, a large part of the credit goes to Mahesh Manjrekar.
The industry, which some years back was languishing in mediocrity, has in the past few years seen some quality films being produced by him, which are also doing well at the BO. As he gears up to make a Hindi version of his hit film Kaksparsh, TOI speaks to him about films...Excerpts:
Kaksparsh is a period film, and yet, it's clicked big time with the masses, not just classes'
I've always maintained that the Marathi industry has very rich content. So, if we make content our driving force, then success will be achieved. The geographical proximity of Marathi film industry to Bollywood cannot be changed; just like we cannot be at par with Bollywood in budgets! So, why try and compete, because it's a lopsided battle, which we cannot win. Then how do we win? We give B-town a run for their money on content not budgets!
With your Marathi films - Fakt Ladh Mhana, Lal Bag Paral, Mee Shivajiraje Bhosle Boltoy proving to be very successful, is your return to Bollywood getting delayed?
My return to B-town is getting delayed not because of my Marathi films! It's because Hindi films have nothing new to offer me. I simply cannot add my name to a remake of a South or any other film. I am offered a film every day, but I refuse because when I make a film it's on my terms. And these days in B'wood that doesn't happen often.
But, you are making a remake of Kaksparsh?
Because it's on my terms! And for the nth time, it doest not star Mr Bachchan, as the protagonist ages from 35-65, and obviously he cannot fit the part. I've shortlisted a few names, and once I am convinced of who will fit the bill, I will go ahead.
The Marathi film industry is doing well, so what's your take on the subsidy that the government offers to the filmmakers?
The government started the subsidy with good intentions, and even now it can help immensely, but I seriously think it needs to be redefined'
As there are very mediocre 'first' films flooding the market?
Exactly! And that's why we need to redefine this policy and I am ready to meet the concerned minister to bring up this issue.
You've changed the landscape of Marathi films, making them larger-than-life. Are you the kind who breathes cinema all the time?
Not just cinema. I breathe entertainment. For me, entertainment is a business, which I take very seriously. So, whether it's my award show, my production house, my films, or my plays - I make sure that I give it my 100 per cent!
There's a waning interest in plays these days'
Yes and I want to revive the interest before it's too late. People have not shunned plays, we have refused to grow! We have to cater to changing audience's tastes.