Why Are Maharashtra's Own Icons Missing from Marathi Cinema?

Maharashtra is the land of Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar. Their contributions to education, social justice, and equality shaped modern India. Yet, why has Marathi cinema made so few major films on their lives and ideas?

Ironically, filmmakers from outside Maharashtra have made notable films on these icons, while Marathi cinema rarely brings their stories to the mainstream. Nagraj Manjule is one of the few filmmakers who consistently speaks about caste realities.

This also raises a question about representation in the industry. Many people feel Marathi cinema is dominated by a particular social group and does not adequately represent marginalized communities and doesn't let them come forward and shine.

Marathi cinema has largely ignored the Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar legacy and that's a SHAME