Marathi cinema once again showcased its immense talent and rich storytelling at the 71st National Film Awards, securing multiple prestigious honors.
“Shyamchi Aai” Leads the Way
A contemporary retelling of Sane Guruji’s beloved Marathi classic, “Shyamchi Aai,” directed by Sujay Sunil Dahake, clinched the Best Marathi Feature Film award. The jury praised its sensitive portrayal of timeless values, sacrifice, and the strength of family bonds, all set against a beautiful rural backdrop.
This film was honored with the Rajat Kamal, marking a significant win for its director and cast.
A Storied Legacy Reaffirmed
Interestingly, the original “Shyamchi Aai,” directed by P.K. Atre in 1954, holds a special place in history. It was the very first film to receive the President’s Gold Medal for the All India Best Feature Film, now known as the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. This early recognition set a strong precedent for Marathi cinema’s excellence.
The recent win for the reimagined “Shyamchi Aai” thus connects to a proud, long-standing tradition of cinematic achievement.
Spotlight on New Talent
The awards also celebrated emerging voices. Ashish Bende’s “Aatmapamphlet” was recognized as the Best Debut Film of a Director in the Feature Film category. This film stood out for its distinctive narrative style and brave thematic choices, exploring the complexities of adolescence and youthful rebellion. It was awarded the Swarna Kamal for its fresh perspective.
Engaging Young Audiences
Marathi cinema continued its tradition of strong children’s storytelling with “Naal 2,” directed by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti, winning the Best Children’s Film award. This sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 film “Naal” resonated with viewers of all ages, earning it the coveted Swarna Kamal.
Rising Stars Among Child Artists
The Best Child Artist category saw a remarkable showing from Marathi films. Treesha Thosar, Shrinivas Pokale, and Bhargav Jagtap, all from “Naal 2,” were jointly honored for their impressive and nuanced performances. Additionally, Kabir Khandare received an award in the same category for his role in “Gypsy,” another Marathi film that beautifully depicted a child’s connection with nature and his journey towards acceptance.
- “Shyamchi Aai” won Best Marathi Feature Film.
- “Aatmapamphlet” secured Best Debut Film of a Director.
- “Naal 2” was awarded Best Children’s Film.
- Four child artists from “Naal 2” and “Gypsy” were honored.
These wins collectively underscore the incredible diversity, depth, and creative energy that defines contemporary Marathi cinema, solidifying its significant position within Indian film.
