Mahesh Manjrekar bats for Astitva re-release: It doesn't age, it's still topical

India Today

22-04-2025

With re-releases becoming a growing trend in the film industry, veteran filmmaker-actor Mahesh Manjrekar feels this is the perfect time to revisit some of his most powerful stories. When asked which film of his he'd like to see back on the big screen and introduce it to the new generation, Manjrekar, without any hesitation, picked 'Astitva' from his filmography."See, I did a film years back, which someone told me was much ahead of its time. There were no multiplexes at that time – a film called 'Astitva'," he shared with India Today Digital.advertisementWhile many would expect him to root for 'Vaastav', especially as the film completes 25 years, Manjrekar had a different choice: "Someone told me it's 25 years of 'Vaastav'... I said no. I said 'Astitva' any day. Till date, it is topical. It does not age. 'Astitva' is absolutely on top of the list."
Released in 2000, 'Astitva' tackled themes of gender roles, fidelity, and self-worth with sensitivity and sharpness rarely seen at the time. Manjrekar believes that its relevance has only grown with time, making it the ideal candidate for a re-release.In the Marathi space, Manjrekar also holds a special place for 'Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy'. Reflecting on the film's core message, he added, "Even now, the only state which takes everything and doesn't react is Maharashtra. I really believe the people living in Maharashtra have a lot of patience."advertisementAs audiences embrace nostalgia on the big screen, Mahesh Manjrekar's call for a fresh screening of 'Astitva' and 'Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy' feels both timely and meaningful.When asked if we would see him directing a Hindi film, he had a rather bold response. "No, this is what I hate. How is Hindi defined as great? I don't think so. Today, the Hindi film industry itself believes it is less than the South. So why should I believe it's better than Marathi cinema? People have accepted this fact. They've already surrendered and thrown their weapons," he stated.He further added, "Only seven Hindi films have worked recently. In comparison, at least twenty Hindi films have worked over the past few years. So I don't think it's as bad as it's made out to be.""For me, cinema should have no language. The real problem is convincing people who think they know what works in Hindi cinema. Many of them have faced 90 - 95 per cent losses, and yet they believe they know what cinema is. Honestly, their IQ and mine don't match - not saying I'm better, but what they think good cinema is, I don't. So it's better to make your own kind of cinema in Marathi, and frankly, I am pleased with it, and one day, I will hit the nail on the Hindi film's head," he explained.advertisementDrawing a comparison to Marathi films, Mahesh said, "The business of 'Sairat' was Rs 100-150 crore, but I believe that the film's business was Rs 300 crore because the film's tickets were sold at Rs 100 and Rs 150. Hindi cinema tickets in the first week are sold at Rs 1,000. If you calculate footfalls, 'Sairat' had a bigger footfall than 'Baahubali'.""We (Marathi) have great content. I respect Malayalam cinema because they come up with amazing stories. Marathi cinema too. One day, content will triumph. In fact, it already is. Content has always been king."Mahesh Manjrekar will next be seen in the Marathi film, 'Devmanus'. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the film also features Renuka Shahane, and Subodh Bhave, along with Siddharth Bodke in a pivotal role. It is set to hit the big screen on April 25.Must Watch