₹14.62 Crore Financial Aid for 50 Marathi Films, Final Film City Plan Approved

Mumbai, December 2025 : Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar announced that financial assistance worth ₹14.62 crore is being distributed to 50 Marathi films that stand out for their social relevance, artistic quality, and experimental approach. He said this support is not just financial aid but a recognition and encouragement of meaningful cinema that promotes social awareness through innovative storytelling. He also announced that the final master plan for Film City has been approved.

The announcement was made at Ravindra Natya Mandir during a programme organised by the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation under the Department of Cultural Affairs. The event included the cheque distribution ceremony under the “Quality Films Financial Assistance Scheme,” prize distribution for the Ganeshotsav Reels Competition, and the unveiling of the poster of the film based on the life of Saint Tukdoji Maharaj.

The event was attended by Cultural Affairs Department Secretary Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Managing Director of the Corporation Swati Mhase Patil, Co-Managing Director Prashant Sajnalker, along with actors, directors, and award-winning filmmakers.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shelar said that cinema is not merely a source of entertainment, but a powerful medium that directly communicates with society and inspires thought. Marathi and Indian cinema have, over the decades, played a key role in raising awareness on issues such as women’s equality, social justice, environment, rural life, and entrepreneurship. He also announced that, on the lines of Film City, a modern audio-visual and gaming centre will be developed in Mumbai.

Providing details of the assistance, the minister said that among the 50 films receiving support are four National Award-winning films, three State Award-winning films, 10 ‘A’ grade films, 23 ‘B’ grade films and 10 ‘C’ grade films. A total of ₹14.62 crore is being disbursed to these films. He also thanked the evaluation committee for conducting a transparent assessment process. He added that through WAVES 2025, the global audio-visual summit, Maharashtra has firmly expressed its resolve to emerge as a “Creative Economy Hub.”

Minister Shelar further stated that Maharashtra has a rich legacy of saints, revolutionaries, social reformers, thinkers, artists, and sportspersons. It is the government’s responsibility to carry their life stories to future generations. With this objective, the government is promoting biographical films on great personalities. Under this initiative, a film on the life of Saint Tukdoji Maharaj is currently under production, and its poster was unveiled at the event. He expressed confidence that the film would inspire the younger generation and serve as a guide to understand the saint’s contribution.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Dr. Kiran Kulkarni shared details of the department’s ongoing schemes and innovative initiatives, while Swati Mhase Patil delivered the introductory address.

The programme concluded with the cheque distribution to selected filmmakers and prize distribution to winners of the Ganeshotsav Reels Competition.