NT BUZZ
The landmark 15th edition of the Goa Marathi Film Festival will be held in Panaji on August 7, 8, and 9, with Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant inaugurating the three-day movie bonanza. Noted Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt is expected to be the guest of honour at
the opening.
Sanjay Shetye of Vinsan World, the organiser of the festival, informed that the Marathi film, ‘Bandakhor’ directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and produced by Vinsan Graphic Production will be the opening film and have its world premiere. The film stars Priyadarshini Indalkar, Chhaya Kadam, Mrinal Kulkarni, Siddharth Bodke, and other
Goan actors.
Shetye also said that the film festival will be held at the Inox Multiplex and Maquinez Palace auditorium. He informed that this year, veteran stage and film actor, Mohan Joshi will be honoured with the Krutadnyata Puraskar, the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Indian theatre, Marathi cinema, Hindi films and television.
Speaking further, Shetye said that till now, 19 Marathi films out of the 24 entries have been selected for the festival screenings, with another two-three films possibly added to this list.
He also maintained that Goan filmmaker, Sainath Uskaikar’s documentary ‘Waai’ that has recently won the Silver Conch for Best Documentary in the National Competition at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, will be shown at the fest.
‘Sabar Bonda’ directed by Rohan Kanawade, which was the first Marathi film to be premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize, will be screened at the Goa Marathi Film Festival. Other notable titles selected for the festival include ‘Krantijyoti Vidyalaya’ starring Sachin Khedekar, ‘Uttar’ starring Renuka Shahane, ‘Fussclass Dabhade’ with Amey Wagh and Siddharth Chandekar, ‘Tighee’, ‘Tu Ti and Fuji’, ‘Tumbbadchi Manjula’, ‘Mardani’, ‘Bhutam Bhayam’, ‘Aga Aga Sunbai Kai Mhanta Sasubai’, and ‘Ghabadkund’.
The annual fest will also feature unreleased film, ‘Snowflower’ directed by Gajendra Ahire. It will further have the world premiere of ‘Pishwi’ with Swapnil Joshi and Anita Daate. “Together these films will offer audiences an engaging cinematic journey across diverse genres and themes, and reaffirm the vitality and creative confidence of Marathi cinema today,” said Shetye.
A galaxy of stars from Marathi cinema including Sachin Khedekar, Renuka Shahane, Mrinal Kulkarni, Amey Wagh, Siddharth Chandekar, Swapnil Joshi, Anita Daate, Jitendra Joshi, Lalit Prabhakar, Nirmiti Sawant, Subodh Bhave, Prarthana Behere, Neha Pendse, Sonalee Kulkarni, and Mrunmyee Godbole is expected to attend the festival.
“A unique film workshop is also being planned during the festival. The details will be revealed soon,” said Shetye. Online registration for the film festival will be open via Burraa website and app, while in-person registration will begin later this week, and will be available in Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa, and other Goan cities.
The Goa Marathi Film Festival, during its past 14 editions has screened around 300 films of various genres.
