The movie Killa opens to the sound of waves and a shot of the beach and the horizon. A boy stands at the centre of the screen, his dark silhouette commanding attention amidst the vibrant colours. Directed by Avinash Arun, the film is remarkable for its cinematography and poignant narrative. Killa is just one of the many Marathi films that are heralding a revolution by creating compelling and visually captivating content.
“The Marathi film industry always had good content. But the trend of concentrating on experimental film-making techniques that add to the film’s visuals came about three years ago,” says Kshitij Patwardhan, writer for the indie film, Double Seat.
Patwardhan attributes this transition to an evolving taste. “A commercial film like Lai Bhaari made `3-4 crore, while an independent film like Killa made `10 crore. The audience’s choice has evolved towards stronger, intellectual content,” he says.
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is highlighting this cinematic renaissance with Nave Valan, their annual film festival.
Here are our top picks
Court: This Oscar-nominated film focuses on the trial of an ageing folk singer who has been arrested for allegedly abetting a sewage worker’s suicide.
Where: Little Theatre
{{/usCountry}}Where: Little Theatre
{{/usCountry}}When: October 10, 3pm
Highway: The film tracks a Mumbai to Pune journey where the characters belong to different walks of life.
Where: Little Theatre
When: October 11, 3pm
Double Seat : It depicts the life of a newly married couple as they cope with the novelty of marriage and an ever-evolving city.
Where: Little Theatre
When: October 12, 6.30pm
Other films
Bioscope: October 10, 6pm
Nagarik: October 11, 6pm onward
Killa: October 13, 6.30pm onward
Rajwade and Sons: October 14, 6.30pm
Nave Valan is on from October 10 to 14 at NCPA, Nariman Point; Call: 6622 3737