The Maharashtra Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Marathi cinema by expanding infrastructure, improving distribution, and offering greater financial support. As part of this effort, the process of setting up new Film Cities in Nagpur and Nashik has already begun, said Prashant Sajnikar, Joint Managing Director of the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation (MFSCDC).
Sajnikar was speaking during a session on the “Film Ecosystem” at the 24th Pune International Film Festival. He was interviewed by film director and Film Grant Committee member Dr Santosh Pathare.
Highlighting distribution reforms, Sajnikar said the government is working to ensure Marathi films reach a wider audience. Pilot projects have been launched to screen Marathi films in drama auditoriums. After successful trials in Mumbai, the model will be extended across the state. He added that the government is also considering increasing the number of cinema screens and is in discussions to amend the Cinema Regulation Act to reduce ticket prices for Marathi films. Plans are also underway to develop low-cost theatres and revive the traditional Touring Talkies system.
Sajnikar noted that the state has introduced an international-standard Marathi film festival titled ‘Chitrapataka’. Marathi films are also being promoted at major platforms such as the Film Bazaar sections of Cannes and the International Film Festival of India. To encourage quality filmmaking, the government offers double subsidies to Marathi films that win national or international awards.
He further explained that a 28-member screening committee evaluates films for subsidies under a transparent grading system that categorises projects into A, B and C groups. Over the past few years, ₹86.35 crore has been distributed to film producers, significantly benefiting emerging talent, especially from rural areas.
On infrastructure development, Sajnikar said Mumbai Film City is completing 50 years of operations. The Maharashtra Government has also acquired the 50-acre ND Studio in Karjat, where development work has already started. In addition, the process of establishing a 70-acre Film City near Ramtek in Nagpur is underway, while preliminary procedures have begun for a Film City in Nashik.
Describing the facilities at Mumbai Film City, Sajnikar said it is an eco-friendly complex with 16 studios and over 70 outdoor shooting locations. The facility hosts shoots for Marathi and Hindi serials, reality shows, and films in multiple languages. Marathi productions receive a 50 per cent concession on charges. He also highlighted the Single Window System introduced in 2019, which streamlines shooting permissions. Currently, filming across Maharashtra is permitted free of cost. The government has identified 150 dedicated shooting locations and has granted more than 1,500 shooting permissions in recent years.
Sajnikar also announced new training initiatives for the industry. Screenwriting and filmmaking workshops will soon begin at Chitrangana in Goregaon, with plans for long-term professional courses in the future. A Film Appreciation Club, known as Rasaswad Mandal, has also been launched to engage audiences. Currently active in Mumbai, the initiative will soon expand to Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. Membership is available for ₹500 for a three-year period.
Concluding the session, Sajnikar said the government annually allocates ₹10 crore each for three films based on national icons, along with ₹10 lakh support for documentary films. He also confirmed that the Maharashtra Government’s comprehensive Film Policy will be announced soon.
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