Why Are Bollywood Celebs Heading To Marathi Cinema

The rise of regional cinema in India is in full swing. For a long time now, the country has seen the dominance of Bollywood films all over but finally, the regional films seem to be getting their due. Earlier, if a regional film had to reach a wider audience in India, it had to be remade in Hindi with popular stars as then only people would watch it.

But in doing so, a lot of films had to be tweaked keeping in mind the interests of largescale Hindi population and the films would lose their essence. The trend of regional films especially from the south rampantly being remade in Bollywood has been going on for years. Now, with the increase in the number of cinematic screens across India thanks to the opening of new multiplexes in big cities, small towns and villages, there are options available to the cinema owners to screen multiple films.

This is a major reason why films like Sairat, Baahubali, Bharat Ane Nenu, Kabali, Rangasthalam and Lai Bhari have done exceedingly well not only in their states but all over the country and the world. Bollywood stars hold the top position when it comes to the most popular stars in the country thanks to the wide reach of Bollywood but by being a part of regional films, these actors achieve a lot of different things.

Reason for going Regional

Not only an actor gets introduced to a new type of audience, they also get to do the content they otherwise they won't be able to do in Bollywood (like films based on a regional specific issue of importance). Also, as an actor, it gives them the challenge to pull off a role in different language, setting altogether which helps them in becoming an actor. Monetary, fame and usual benefits aside, these films helps the actor keep busy and working on their craft.

The rise of Marathi Cinema

Since the last couple of years, we have seen a tremendous rise in the Marathi Cinema. A major reason for this can be attributed to Bollywood celebs producing, directing and acting in Marathi films which gives them a universal appeal. Also, it doesn't hurt that both Bollywood and Marathi film industry are in Maharashtra which makes it easier for the actors as well. 

Content

The content being produced in Marathi films has a universal appeal and when a Bollywood celebrity makes an appearance, produces, directs or simply presents that film, it attracts the attention of a large number of people. Films like Lai Bhari, Sairat, Timepass and Duniyadari did great business even though they clashed with big Bollywood blockbusters. Some of them starred known Bollywood faces and some films will be remade in Hindi as well.

Sharing

Bollywood directors and producers keep in mind that there is a demand for Marathi films as well and they carefully plan out the release strategies of their films along with the Marathi ones so that both films get a fair amount of showings as well. Sairat earned more than 100 Crores worldwide while Riteish Deshmukh starrer Lai Bhari earned 40 Crores worldwide.

Stars:

Nana Patekar- He is a known name in Marathi Cinema and continues to star in Marathi films.

Madhuri Dixit- She stars in the recently released Bucket List which is doing great business at the box-office and her performance is garnering universal acclaim.

Riteish Deshmukh- He debuted through the blockbuster Lai Bhari and will star and produce a film of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Salman Khan-He sang the popular song Gacchi in Mahesh Manjrekar's Friendship Unlimited and even cameos in Lai Bhari. He has also said that he will produce Marathi films as well.

Priyanka Chopra- She produced the national award-winning Ventilator which received highly positive reviews.