(This article was updated on February 18, 2025). In the realm in regional Indian cinema, Marathi films have stood out for their deep cultural roots, meaningful storytelling, and willingness to take on complex themes. While the modern idea of Marathi cinema is synonymous to films like Sairat and Court, we believe there are a host of lesser known and under-appreciated gems available on platforms other than Amazon Prime and Netflix. Here’s a look at the best Marathi movies on Hotstar, streaming as of February 18, 2025:
1. Shala (2011)
Adapted from a novel of the same name by Milind Bokil, this romantic-drama claimed two National Awards; the Silver Lotus for the Best Feature Film in Marathi category and the National Film Award for Best Screenplay. Harking back to the nostalgia of school days and a sweet adolescence filled with naivete, the film is set in the turbulent era of Emergency. It follows four ninth grade kids who are keen on shaping their own destiny.
Directed by Sujay Dahake, the film peeps into the life of a school boy, tracing his love for his classmate. Thematically, the film plays around with the idea of how adolescent love pans out at its very core. Questioning, while providing subtle answers, the film is a wholesome treat to watch. Get ready to press the rewind button with Shala!
2. Half Ticket (2016)
This heartwarming drama beautifully captures the struggles and dreams of two slum-dwelling brothers in Mumbai. Directed by Samit Kakkad, the film is an official remake of the Tamil classic Kaaka Muttai but retains a fresh emotional depth. The story follows the siblings as they embark on a journey to buy a pizza, a seemingly simple desire that turns into a reflection of social disparity. Stellar child performances, compelling cinematography, and a touching narrative make Half Ticket a poignant commentary on class divide and childhood innocence.
3. Ranga Patanga (2016)
Set in rural Maharashtra, Ranga Patanga is a well-intentioned social satire that talks about the appalling state of farmers today and the blatant politicization of their issues. Jumman, played by the delightful Makrand Anaspure is a poor peasant who’s just lost his two oxen Ranga and Patanga. With the help of his loyal friend, Popat, he sets about investigating the disappearance of the oxen. On this journey, they come across Kaustubh, an opportunistic TV reporter who finds their story fascinating and wants to cover it. The story immediately gains traction and Jumman unwillingly gets caught up in the middle of a feeding frenzy.
The first half plays out like a black comedy and is entertaining to watch. But, after the intermission, the film veers off its original trajectory as the tone suddenly becomes more serious. The ending seems a little far-fetched and overly simplifies the distressing issue of farmer suicide. Despite its flaws, Ranga Patanga should be lauded for its unconventional approach of telling a story with a social message attached to it.
4. Vaazhai (2024)
This is actually a Tamil film but is available for viewing across languages including Marathi, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali. An affecting drama from director Mari Selvaraj, it draws you in with its quiet yet powerful storytelling. The film focuses on a protagonist confronting personal challenges within a rural Tamil Nadu setting, all the while shedding light on caste-based discrimination and social hierarchy. Performances from the cast feel authentic, particularly the lead, who delivers an impressive portrayal of resilience and vulnerability.
Mari Selvaraj’s direction is both bold and sensitive, ensuring that each frame contributes to a cohesive, emotionally charged experience.
5. Aga Bai Arechha (2004)
The cinema snob in me says this is by no definition the greatest Marathi film. But the child in me loves this film. And you can clearly see who won the conflict. Loosely based on Hollywood film What Women Want, Aga Bai Arechha is adapted to Marathi sensibilities and we can relate to the middle class household. Sanjay Narvekar plays the perfect responsible Marathi man peeved by the opposite sex. It’s a hard life to be the sole breadwinner of a middle class house and Sanjay perfectly blends emotional vulnerability with helplessness. One day, God gives him the power to understand women. He can hear every single thought of every woman he ever encounters.
While the concept is not really original, the treatment certainly is. The film is a light-hearted take on women’s issues, but never goes the full feminist mode. Our protagonist understands that man is not the only victim here.
But Aga Bai Arrecha never falls in the trap of ignoring men completely. It is as much a dissection of the male psyche as it is of understanding women. Dilip Prabhavalkar’s unsaid words go a long way in telling the tragic story of a man affected by the 1980’s textile mill workers strike. The director seems to have had great fun making it and that translates into an endearing film.
Conclusion
These are the 5 best Marathi movies on Hotstar to add to your watchlist. From the first Marathi film, Shree Pundalik (1912), to the present day, the industry has evolved by leaps and bounds. Recognized as the birthplace of Indian cinema, Marathi cinema made history with Raja Harishchandra (1913), directed by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, which is regarded as India’s first full-length feature film. In celebration of this pioneering legacy, the Government of Maharashtra annually presents the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—the country’s highest honor in cinema.
Maharashtra continues to be a vital hub for film, housing both the Bombay film industry and India’s first dedicated film school.
So, for the uninitiated, I’ll leave you with the best Marathi movies for beginners. Some of the finest Marathi films in the history of cinema, these are essential viewing.
(Additional writing by Shreyas D.S.)
