The poster and music launch of the Marathi musical film Phula was held in a grand and celebratory atmosphere, marking the arrival of a film rooted in Maharashtra’s folk traditions and cultural identity. The event took place in the presence of senior journalist and ABP Majha’s Senior Executive Vice President Rajiv Khandekar, along with the film’s cast and crew and noted saxophonist Raj Soda.
Phula tells the story of a woman and brings to the screen the traditional folk world of Waghya Murli, a deeply embedded cultural form in Maharashtra. The film aims to explore the life, emotions and struggles connected to this tradition while presenting an authentic musical experience. One of its standout features is a rich album of seven songs, something rarely seen in Marathi cinema today.
The film has been produced by wrestler Ajit Shivaji Jadhav and is presented by Shivsharvil Movie and Bodhi Cinema. The story and direction are by Abhishek Javeer, while the screenplay has been written by Ravikiran Javeer. The music has been composed by Samadhan Aivale, who has also worked as a lyricist along with Ravikiran Javeer. Amar Devkar serves as the creative director.
The technical team behind the film includes cinematographer Pratap Joshi, art director Atul Lokhande and editor Rahul Prajapati. Dance direction has been handled by Ashutosh Kirtikar and Srushti Jadhav. Costumes are by Komal Javeer and Akshata Patil, while make-up is by Samadhan Bhore.
The soundtrack features vocals by several noted singers including Vaishali Samant, Vaishali Made, Rohit Raut, Ravindra Khomane, Vaishali Kulkarni, Vaishnavi Adode and Akash Navgire. The seven songs in the film are Kanha Tuji Basri, Mazha Raja Malhari, Asara Tu Mazha Jeevacha, Kunku Koral Kapali, Murli Jhale Mee Gan Bai, Kapali Sajal Bashing and Derbycha Tharaar.
Speaking at the event, Rajiv Khandekar said that Maharashtra’s folk art and folk traditions are a matter of pride. He noted that Phula attempts to highlight the real lives of the artists behind the traditions people admire. He also said that the film had been made by energetic young people trying to create something meaningful and new, and that audiences should support this distinctive cinematic effort.
Set against the traditional cultural backdrop of Tamasha Phad and Jagran Gondal, Phula is the story of a girl born into the Murli tradition. Through its narrative and music, the film seeks to bring alive the emotional and cultural world of Waghya Murli artists.
With its strong folk roots, meaningful songs and musical richness, Phula promises a distinctive big-screen experience. The film is scheduled to release across Maharashtra on April 17.
