Questions and Answers
What is Marathi cinema?
An Indian film industry of Marathi-language motion pictures based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
When was the first Marathi film released?
18 May 1912
Who directed India's first full-length feature film?
Dadasaheb Phalke
The first Marathi talkie film was released before the first Hindi talkie film.
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What significant film did the Prabhat Film Company produce?
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Who was the director of 'Shyamchi Aai'?
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Which director is known for making significant contributions in the 1980s?
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What was the first Marathi film with Digital Special Effects?
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Which film won the Golden Lotus National Award in 2004?
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Sairat is the first Marathi film to gross over ₹100 crore worldwide.
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What is the name of the channel dedicated to Marathi movies introduced in 2009?
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Study Notes
Overview of Marathi Cinema
- Marathi cinema is the oldest Indian film industry, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- The first Marathi film was Shree Pundalik by Dadasaheb Torne, released on May 18, 1912.
- Ayodhyecha Raja, the first Marathi talkie, premiered in 1932, shortly after Hindi cinema's first talkie, Alam Ara.
Historical Highlights
- Raja Harishchandra (1913), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, is seen as India's first full-length feature film.
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award honors lifetime contributions to Indian cinema, awarded annually by Maharashtra.
Silent Era and Early Storytellers
- Baburao Mistry, aka Baburao Painter, founded the Maharashtra Film Company in 1919 and directed the historical film Sairandhari (1920).
- The company specialized in historical narratives using episodes from Maratha history until it ceased due to the rise of sound in film.
Transition to Talkies and Notable Works
- The Prabhat Film Company became prominent, with Sant Tukaram winning the Best Film Award at the Venice Film Festival in 1937.
- Shyamchi Aai won the first President's gold medal at the inaugural National Awards in 1954, showcasing the industry's early recognition.
Golden Era (1950s-70s)
- Influential directors included V. Shantaram, Master Vinayak, and Dada Kondke, who are known for blending humor with cultural themes.
- Dada Kondke's films often featured social satire, establishing a niche in comedic cinema alongside traditional family dramas.
Decline and Challenges
- The rise of Bollywood posed challenges for Marathi cinema, leading to reduced visibility and funding.
- Factors included a lack of cinema halls, poor marketing strategies, and the dominance of Hindi films across the country.
Revival of Marathi Cinema
- A recent resurgence occurred with films being critically and commercially successful, driven by fresh storylines and innovative concepts.
- Innovations in technical quality were introduced by Mahesh Kothare, who integrated Dolby Digital sound and special effects in films.
Contemporary Achievements
- Shwaas received the National Award and was India's official entry at the 77th Academy Awards.
- In 2009, Harishchandrachi Factory depicted Dadasaheb Phalke's efforts in making Raja Harishchandra and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Recent Successes
- Sairat (2016) became a blockbuster, the first Marathi film to surpass ₹100 crore worldwide, solidifying the industry's growth.
- Recent big-budget films like Zombivli and Pawankhind also achieved significant box office success, showcasing the industry's evolving landscape and audience appeal.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Marathi cinema, the oldest Indian film industry, and its rich history. From the first Marathi film to the significant works and awards, this quiz covers essential milestones and key figures that shaped this cinematic journey.
