Whatever prompted you to troop down to small towns audiences - are things that desperate for the Marathi film industry?
The situation is grim. It was my idea that if the audiences are shying away from us, let's approach them personally. Shriram Bade, the producer of my latest release Janata Janardan was very impressed with the concept and he pushed me into implementing it. We went to Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji. There was a huge turnout at each of our meetings and we held open houses everywhere, during which it transpired that the problem is that Marathi films are not being released in the theatres. Most of them complained about television releases of my films, and said they wanted to see those on the big screen.What can be done to ensure theatre release and proper distribution of Marathi films?
Like Mahesh Kothare in the past who always distributed his own films, producers themselves will have to take the initiative in distributing their films. Similarly Ajay Zankar, the producer of Sarkarnama, successfully distributed the film himself. Is a good distribution network enough? Don't you admit Marathi film-makers will have to improve the standard of the films in order to woo back the audiences?
The recent sops announced by the stated government may prove to be a shot in the arm of the ailing Marathi industry. Given the subsidy of Rs. 15 lakhs and other concessions, film-makers will dare to experiment with novel ideas and thought-provoking scripts. In addition to my usual comedies like Bayko Chukli Stand Var, Mumbaicha Navra and Dekhni Bayko Namyachi. I am doing interesting films like Manus, Shodh - based on a one night incident.
With a vast experience of cinema behind you, don't you feel like diversifying into direction or film production?
Why should I? When my hands are so full with acting assignments, why should I complicate matters for myself by getting into the hassles of direction or production? Not as yet.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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