May 10, 2026 6:02pm IST
Marathi Films Driving the Theatrical Wave After ‘Raja Shivaji’: Deeol Band 2 to Khashaba
Following the success of Raja Shivaji, Marathi cinema is set for a packed 2026 release slate with a mix of star-driven dramas, comedies and large-scale theatrical films. The strong performance of Riteish Deshmukh's historical epic has bolstered the spirits of the industry at a time when Marathi producers are increasingly aiming for wider audiences and bigger releases across Maharashtra. The titles lined up signal renewed confidence in the theatrical market for Marathi cinema.
Picture Boyz
Release date: May 15
A small-town aspiring actor leaves his village to pursue cinema and finds himself navigating the struggles, friendships and chaos of the entertainment industry alongside another dreamer. Led by Hansraj Jagtap and Pratik Lad, Picture Boyz blends humor and ambition with a grounded Marathi perspective on the pursuit of creative success, making it a relatable youth-focused release.
Ladki Bahin
Release date: May 15
Directed by Sheetal Shinde, “Ladki Bahin" is a social drama exploring women’s empowerment and the impact of welfare schemes on everyday life in Maharashtra. Releasing at a time when the “Ladki Bahin” conversation remains politically and socially relevant across the state, the film, featuring Smita Tambe, Usha Nadkarni, Usha Naik, aims to connect with audiences through its mix of topical commentary and emotional storytelling.
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Baapya
Release date: May 15
Set in coastal Konkan, “Baapya” follows an ordinary family whose lives are disrupted by the return of someone from the past. As the close-knit community reacts to the change, buried emotions and questions of identity begin to surface. The film’s coastal setting and emotionally rooted premise position it as a character-driven Marathi drama that promises strong performances and intimate storytelling. The movie features Girish Kulkarni, Rajshri Deshpande, Shrikant Yadav, Devika Daftardar, and Aaryan Menghji.
Deool Band 2
Release date: May 21
“Deool Band 2” continues the faith-driven rural drama established in the 2015 original. Directed by Pravin Tarde, the sequel features Prasad Oak, Mahesh Manjrekar and Mohan Joshi in key roles. The film arrives as Marathi cinema continues to see strong audience interest in culturally rooted stories with spiritual and social themes.
Ghabad Kunda
Release date: June 19
“Ghabad Kunda” is being spoken about for its ambitious world-building and horror-fantasy setup rooted in Marathi folklore and rural storytelling. The film has generated early online curiosity for its attempt at a larger-scale cinematic-universe approach in Marathi cinema, making it one of the more closely watched genre titles of the upcoming slate. The cast of the film includes Devdutta Nage, Kushal Bhadrike, Gaurav More, and ensemble.
Tumbadchi Manjula
Release date: June 5
“Tumbadchi Manjula” blends horror, mystery and village-set comedy as panic spreads through a community after the arrival of a mysterious young woman. Directed by Vividh Korgaonkar, the film stars Jitendra Joshi, Sai Tamhankar, Om Bhutkar and Makarand Anaspure. Its mix of folklore-driven horror and ensemble comedy has made it one of the most intriguing Marathi releases of the summer.
Swapnasundari
Release date: July 24
“Swapnasundari” is positioned as a musical romantic drama exploring dreams, relationships and ambition through a mainstream cinema lens. The cast includes Bhushan Pradhan and Sayli Patil. The film has drawn attention for its commercial packaging and youthful tone at a time when Marathi cinema is increasingly balancing rooted storytelling with broader theatrical appeal.
Khashaba
Release date: TBA
Directed by Nagraj Manjule, “Khashaba” is based on the life of Olympic bronze medalist Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India’s first individual Olympic medal winner. The film stars Nana Patekar, Mahesh Manjrekar and Sachin Pilgaonkar. With Manjule returning to large-scale biographical storytelling, the project is already among the most anticipated Marathi films currently in development. The film is set for a 2026 release with no release date announced as yet.
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