Rain outside, blue seats inside and a small gathering waiting for the opening ceremony — the Delhi Marathi Film Festival had a quiet beginning at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Centre on Friday. However, the modest start carried a larger goal — to create a regular space for Marathi cinema in a city where such films struggle for a stronger visibility.Speaking at the event, MP and former Maharashtra Minister for Cultural Affairs, Vinod Tawde said, “Today, a new beginning is happening in Delhi. Delhi audiences will now get an opportunity to watch Marathi films.”Tawde also shared the impact of Marathi cinema on Hindi film industry, adding, “Raja Paranjape’s Marathi movie Pathlaag inspired Raj Khosla’s Hindi classic Mera Saaya, Khosla had said this himself in an interview back in the day.”The crowd was small but diverse. A Marathi-speaking couple, Smita and Hemant Revankar, shared, “We are looking forward to watching Marathi films that are otherwise difficult to catch in the city.” Student Tanvi Patil disclosed that the festival was her introduction to Marathi cinema.Director of Photography and a documentary filmmaker, Sanjay Dattani said that he was there to learn. “I attended a Masterclass on film production by FTII earlier, organised by the festival.”From August 7-9, the festival will showcase 12 feature films and 16 telefilms, besides FTII masterclasses and interactive sessions. The line-up features Deool Band 2, Mamachya Govyala Jau Ya and Phulwanti among others.— Anvita Singh
