Top grossing Marathi filmmakers whose movies you should not miss

A new era is dawning and leading the charge are some of the most visionary directors Marathi Film industry has seen. Regional cinema is now rubbing shoulders with other film industries in terms of content, quality, and production value. Marathi films have been making all the right noise of late, some of them even putting India on the global radar. Let's have a look at some of the great brains behind this.

Ravi Jadhav is an ad-man and commercial writer turned film director. His directorial debut 'Natrang' released in 2010 won him a National Award and many more accolades & recognitions. His second film 'Balgandharva' was a periodic saga of one of the greatest Marathi singers and stage actors Narayan Shripad Rajhans, it was a successful box office hit. His 'Time Pass' was the first ever Marathi film to cross the Rs 100-crore mark. His other great works include 'Balak Palak'.

Mahesh Manjrekar is one of the renowned and respected names in the Marathi film industry. He has given many hits to the industry. Not just the director he is also an actor, writer, and producer. He has also made a mark in Bollywood with some of the best works such as 'Vastav'. His films often talk about the hot subjects that raise curiosity. 'Natsamrat' was one of the most anticipated releases, and marked a big day for the Marathi film industry. His other outstanding works include 'Kaksparsh', 'Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy', 'Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho' and 'Astitva'.

Nagraj's films are deeply rooted in rural Maharashtra. His films are mostly based on the plights faced by the Dalits and other oppressed communities. His debut feature film, 'Fandry' garnered massive critical acclaim. His debut short film 'Pistulya' won the National Award in 2011. His masterpiece 'Sairat' premiered at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival. 'Sairat' is currently the highest grossing Marathi film of all time.

Umesh Kulkarni has become one of the names to watch out for in the new wave that has hit Marathi cinema. 'Valu', released in January 2008 was featured in the Berlin film festival. His another film 'Girni' won the National Film Award. 'Deool' had a 100-day run at the box-office along with a great reception at film festivals and at the National Awards. His other works include 'Three of Us', 'Pune 52'. and 'Masala'.

Gajendra Ahire is noted for his work in Marathi cinema and till now he has 42 movies under his belt. He made his filmmaking debut in 2003 with an award-winning movie, 'Not Only Mrs. Raut' which then won numerous awards. His other movies include 'Anumati', 'Shevri', 'Vasudev Balwant Phadke', and 'Bioscope'. Ahire is known for unique stories in his films.

Especially known for the love stories in his films, Sanjay Jadhav has been known for giving box office hits one after another. He has given us a masterpiece 'Duniyadari' which was a big box office success, further 'Pyaar Vali Love Story' was declared superhit at the box-office. His further films included 'Tu Hi Re', 'Guru', and 'Ye Re Ye Re Paisa '.