New Delhi:
The historic ‘Delhi Marathi Film Festival 2026’, designed to provide a national platform for Marathi cinema, was inaugurated at the Dr. Ambedkar International Center by BJP Member of Parliament Vinod Tawde. On this occasion, the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Film Appreciation Club’ was also formally launched in New Delhi under the joint auspices of Maharashtra Sadan and the Maharashtra Information Center.
Marathi Art Forms Have Enriched Indian Cinema: Vinod Tawde
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony, MP Vinod Tawde highlighted the profound impact of Marathi literature, theater, and cinema on Indian film history. He noted that there is immense respect for Marathi art and culture across the country, including in Delhi. He added that Marathi cinema and theatrical works have inspired numerous films in Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, and Bengali.
In his address, Tawde specially mentioned iconic Marathi works such as Raigadala Jhawa Jag Yete, Patlaag, Kunku, Shantata! Court Chalu Ahe, Natsamrat, Heech Ti Banwa Banwi, and Phekapheki. He called upon the younger generation to understand the creativity, acting nuances, and rich directorial traditions of Marathi literature and film. Paying tribute to the memories of Lata Mangeshkar, Vijaya Mehta, and Shanta Shelke, he remarked that dedication, discipline, and sharp observation have rendered Marathi art immortal.
Expanding Scope and Future Plans
Expressing hope that the film festival initiated in Delhi will expand into a Marathi theater festival in the future, Tawde assured all necessary support for such endeavors.
The event was attended by several dignitaries alongside MP Tawde, including Resident Commissioner Shweta Singhal, Founder of Delhi Marathi Pratishthan Vaibhav Dange, Joint Managing Director of Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Prashant Sajanikar, Director of Maharashtra Information Center Hemraj Bagul, Financial Advisor to the Cultural Development Corporation Chitralekha Khatu, and PR representative Ganesh Ramdas.
Resident Commissioner Shweta Singhal outlined the vision behind establishing the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Appreciation Club. She stated that Marathi cinema does not merely entertain but also provokes thought. The primary objective of this initiative is to introduce the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra and the Marathi language to both Marathi residents and non-Marathi citizens in Delhi.
She further announced that regular screenings of Marathi films will be organized at Maharashtra Sadan, allowing people to enjoy acclaimed cinema after office hours. Calling the launch of the club a proud moment for Maharashtra’s cultural history, she noted that it marks a new beginning in strengthening the cultural bridge between Maharashtra and Delhi.
Prashant Sajanikar, Joint Managing Director, provided detailed insights into the history of Maharashtra Film City (Chitranagari), its contribution to Marathi cinema, and its future roadmap.
In his introductory remarks, Vaibhav Dange, Founder of Delhi Marathi Pratishthan, stated that organizing the festival for the first time in the national capital is a milestone step toward securing a national audience for Marathi cinema. He affirmed that the Pratishthan remains committed to uniting the Marathi community in Delhi and preserving its cultural heritage.
It was announced during the ceremony that the ‘Delhi Marathi Film Festival’ will be held annually during the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August. Additionally, regular monthly film screenings and appreciation sessions will take place on one Saturday every month at Maharashtra Sadan.