Politicians using Marathi cinema to gain mileage, say artists who genuinely want to revive the industry.

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Regional movies should be showcased in metro citiesWe need to respect good cinema and regional films definitely deserve projection in metro cities. When I make a film, I don’t view it as a Marathi film. For me, all good Indian films deserve respect and proper exposure. There are many praiseworthy films made in regional cinema, not only in Marathi. It is important that every independent filmmaker should get a slot and proper distribution system in the cinemas and multiplexes to showcase his film. It’s up to us, the society, to introspect as to why some of the finest Marathi films have got recognition abroad, but not here in India. — Sachin Kundalkar, writer/director

As an industry, we need to revive ourselfIn the past two years, very few Marathi films have done well. Apart from Mee Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, De Dhakka, Natrang, Harishchandrachi Factory and a couple of other films, none of the other films did well. It’s not just because they didn’t get a proper screening or weren’t marketed well. The reason is the fact that many of the films were mindless films. A bitter truth that we as an industry have to face up to is that we are not churning out great cinema consistently. Today, audience wants good cinema and will go for it even if it is not a big starrer. — Abhijeet Deshpande, scriptwriter

We need to take cinema to the massesMaharashtra has vast culture and literature. Marathi cinema has a large number of talented actors and directors, who want the cinema to reach out to the masses. People still don’t understand what the depth of cinema is and don’t want to go beyond the typical masala movies. Having said that, I also agree that the audience is changing and wants more than just formula films. It will take some time before the audience at large, directors and actors change their viewpoints to take Marathi cinema to the next level. It’s important to take Marathi cinema to the masses apart from other big cities.  — Veena Jamkar, actor

Multiplex audience is deprived of Marathi filmsShowing Marathi films in multiplexes and even single screens would surely help revitalise Marathi cinema. In fact, some of these films are especially made for the multiplex audience. I think the audience is willing to watch regional movies, but they are deprived of it as it’s not showcased in theatres. There aren’t many theatres in rural areas. Also, the distribution and promotion of the films requires a lot of money these days. Despite making good films and getting international acclaim, they do not reach the audiences. Everything from art, culture and movies is politicised today.    — Ratnakar Matkari, author