Directors' Cut Deep Dives
Melody & Maestro
Critical & Commercial Crossroads
Literary Canvas
Unsung & Understated
100

This director, known for his socially conscious films, won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi for his 1975 film "Samna," starring Nilu Phule and Shriram Lagoo.


Who is Jabbar Patel?

100

This iconic music director, often called the "Father of Marathi Cinema Music," composed for V. Shantaram's "Pinjara" (1972), which is revered for its Lavani songs.

Who is Ram Kadam?

100

This 1972 V. Shantaram film, a musical drama centered around Tamasha, became a massive commercial success and is still considered a landmark in Marathi cinema.

What is "Pinjara"?

100

The iconic Marathi film "Natsamrat" (2016), starring Nana Patekar, is a direct adaptation of the celebrated Marathi play by this legendary playwright.

Who is V. V. Shirwadkar (Kusumagraj)?

100

This veteran actor, known for his distinctive voice and strong character roles, often played the antagonist or a strong supporting character in many Marathi films from the 70s onwards, including "Samna."


Who is Nilu Phule?

200

Which acclaimed director, active in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, is known for his nuanced portrayals of middle-class life and directed the 1981 Marathi film "Akriet," a dark psychological drama?

Who is Amol Palekar?

200

Which legendary singer, known for her powerful voice and for being a prominent voice of Lavani, sang numerous memorable songs in Marathi films, including "Mala Lagali Kunachi Hichaki" from "Natrang" (2010)?

Who is Asha Bhosle?

200

The 2004 film "Shwaas" was a groundbreaking moment for Marathi cinema as it was the first Marathi film to be officially submitted as India's entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Name its director.

Who is Sandeep Sawant?

200

Which Marathi film, released in 2005, was based on the acclaimed novel "Duniyadari" by Suhas Shirvalkar and became a massive commercial hit, popularizing the coming-of-age genre in Marathi cinema?

What is "Duniyadari"?

200

Which Marathi film from the early 2000s, though not a major box office success, gained cult status for its unique humor and innovative use of animation, featuring a talking puppet?

What is "Zapatlela" (1993)?

300

This director's 1993 film "Bangarwadi," an adaptation of a novel by Vyankatesh Madgulkar, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi and is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of rural life.

Who is N. Chandel?

300

The background score of the 2016 blockbuster "Sairat" was composed by this duo, whose innovative fusion of traditional Marathi folk with contemporary sounds garnered national attention.

Answer: Who are Ajay-Atul?

300

Which highly experimental and avant-garde Marathi film from 1976, directed by Jabbar Patel and based on a controversial play, explored the hypocrisy of society through a unique theatrical style, facing initial backlash but later critical acclaim?

What is "Ghashiram Kotwal"?

300

Starring Smita Patil and directed by Jabbar Patel, this 1982 Marathi film explores a woman's journey for self-discovery and social reform, based on the Marathi novel 'Chandnyachya Daryat' by Shanta Nisal. Name the film.

What is "Umbartha"?

300

The song "Dhaga Dhaga" from "Dagadi Chawl" (2015) became a massive hit. Which celebrated veteran Marathi actor, despite being known for his intense roles, made a rare and impactful appearance as a singer in this song?

Who is Ankush Chaudhari?

400

Identify the director whose 1988 film "Mahanagar," starring Smita Patil, was a poignant exploration of urban loneliness and won multiple state awards. This film is distinct from Satyajit Ray's "Mahanagar."

Who is Suma Ranade?

400

This renowned poet and lyricist penned the lyrics for many classic Marathi film songs, including those from the 1950s and 60s, and is widely considered one of the pioneers of Marathi film lyricism. Name him.

Who is G. D. Madgulkar

400

This film, released in 2011, won multiple National Film Awards including Best Feature Film in Marathi, and tackled the sensitive topic of child sexual abuse with immense critical praise.

What is "Kaksparsh"?

400

This director's 2010 film "Natrang" was an adaptation of a novel by Anand Yadav, exploring the life of a folk artist. Name the specific novel.

What is "Natrang"?

400

Before gaining widespread recognition as a director, Nagraj Manjule worked as an assistant director on which critically acclaimed, yet lesser-known, Marathi film from the mid-2000s that explored rural Maharashtra?

What is "Gabhricha Paus" (2009)?

500

Name the director whose 1977 experimental film "Jait Re Jait," starring Mohan Agashe and Smita Patil, was set against the backdrop of tribal life and featured iconic music, but faced initial resistance for its avant-garde style.

Who is Jabbar Patel?

500

Which classical vocalist, primarily known for Hindustani classical music, also lent his voice to a few select Marathi film songs in the 1970s and 80s, one notable example being for the film "Samna"?

Who is Pandit Bhimsen Joshi?

500

Name the critically acclaimed Marathi film from 2015 that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and explored themes of identity, sexuality, and society's perceptions, starring the director himself in a prominent role.

What is "Killa"?

500

Which obscure but critically praised 1980s Marathi film was a faithful adaptation of a classic short story by P.L. Deshpande, reflecting the humor and human observations characteristic of his writing? (Hint: The film's title also refers to a type of musical instrument).


What is "Gulacha Ganapati"? (Based on a story by Pu La Deshpande).

500

This veteran cinematographer, who was also an actor and director, who worked extensively in Marathi cinema from the 1970s, was known for his mastery of black and white cinematography and collaborated frequently with Jabbar Patel. Name him.

Who is Mahesh Kothare?