Dadasaheb Phalke created India’s first-ever full-length (3,700 feet) feature film with an all-Marathi crew, thus making way for Indian Cinema. Marathi cinema is one of the most evolved regional cinemas and yet fails to get acclaimed. Here is our list of best Marathi movies of all time that you can watch online.
Regional Cinema At Its Best: 11 Marathi Movies You Must Stream Now
Harishchandrachi Factory (2009)
If you have never watched a Marathi film before, let this movie be your first one. It depicts the struggles faced by Dadasaheb Phalke in making Raja Harishchandra in 1913 - India's first feature film. Along with the difficulties faced while making the first film, this movie also adds a pinch of humour by showing how Dadasaheb Phalke had to dress men as women or how he had to explain to the common people what a ‘film’ was. You can enjoy this classic on YouTube or Netflix.
Katyar Kaljat Ghuslai (2015)
Roughly translating to “A dagger through the heart”, Katyar Kaljat Ghuslai is a musical extravaganza. A prestigious dagger (which symbolises fame) brings a feud between two musical families. Driven by the lust for the dagger, greed for fame, power and human imperfections, this movie is a must watch. With its content, grandiose sets, star-studded cast and amazing soundtracks, the movie will leave you awestruck. You can watch the movie on Zee5.
Jogwa (2009)
The recipient of five National Awards, “Jogwa – The Awakening” dives into the inner core of India and throws light on the tradition of “Devdasis”- a system wherein people have to sacrifice their lives, dreams and desires in service and devotion of God. Jogwa, a heart-wrenching tale of a forbidden love story between a female devotee and male devotee, exposes the archaic traditions prevailing in the society. Amazon Prime streams this classic.
Natsamrat (2016)
‘The King of Theatre’ as the title roughly translates into, Natsamrat is a classic movie with Nana Patekar playing the protagonist. Revolving around the life of a renowned Shakespearean actor, Ganpat, a theatre artist, who, after retiring from the stage does not deal with his retirement gracefully and is also deserted by his children. Ganpat thus sets out on a journey of self-discovery. You can enjoy this movie on Airtel Xtreme, Netflix or Amazon Prime.
Court (2014)
Being awarded the National Film Award for Best Feature Film of 2014, Court is more than a normal court-room drama. As the movie unravels, the lives of all the people involved in a case – the judge, public prosecutor, the defendant and the lawyer are portrayed and how their personal issues affect the trial. The movie is a realistic ride within the justice system of India. You can watch it on Amazon Prime.
Killa (2014)
Killa – a National Award winning film revolves around the life of an eleven-year-old boy struggling to cope up with the death of his father. It also describes the journey of the adjustments he has to make in a new school in a small village, after relocating. It is a heart-warming story about how he adapts to the situations and surroundings on a day-by-day basis. It also reflects the pressures and the difficulties his mother faces being a single mother in a male-centric society. You can enjoy it on Zee5.
Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy (2009)
A product of pure cinematic magic, Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy is a must watch. Dinkar Maruti Bhosale, a citizen of Mumbai feels that thousands of “Marathis” face an identity crisis in the cosmopolitan city, Mumbai. Frustrated from being disrespected by many people, he ends up cursing himself for being born a Marathi. His outburst results in arousing the spirits of Shivaji Maharaj. What follows is sheer cinematic beauty, power-packed performances and a lightning importance of “Marathi Manus” (Marathi man). Enjoy this movie on Airtel Xtreme.
Sairat (2016)
An absolute favourite among audiences, this movie won 11 awards at the 2017 Filmfare Marathi Awards and went on to become the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. Determined to always be together, a lower-caste boy and an upper-class girl fight against all odds. But in the end, they are hacked to death by their own family. You can watch the movie on Zee5 and Netflix.
Nataranga (2010)
The obstacles male-dancers face in our society are heart-wrenching. Based on a similar subject, "Nataranga" tugs at your heartstrings and portrays the dark side of an artist's fame. Through sheer determination and passion for dance, a Nachya ( an effeminate dancer in a tamasha) succeeds in continuing what he adores by disarming the repulsive notions of the society. With amazing performances and career-making music by the well-known Ajay-Atul, this one's an absolute stunner. You can enjoy the movie on Zee5.
Elizabeth Ekadashi (2014)
Released in 2014, Elizabeth Ekadashi is an endearing film featuring two siblings who can go to any lengths to stop their mom from selling their cycle - Elizabeth. Set in the holy town of Pandharpur, the movie beautifully captures the essence of the town and Mukta and Dyanesh (the protagonists) emotions and lives. You can stream it on Zee5.
Taryanche Bait (2011)
A movie does not need to have a fancy set, songs, and glamour to make it a hit. Starring Sachin Khedkar, Taryanche Bait is a sweet story of a middle-class clerk Shridhar and his relationship with his mischievous but street-smart son who catches fancy of visiting a five-star restaurant after their visit to Mumbai. You can watch the movie on Zee5.
