Good News For Marathi Filmmakers: Maharashtra Govt Plans Revival Of Single-Screen Cinemas

Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 10:43 IST

Ashish Shelar chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday with officials from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Goregaon Film City, and other key government departments.

Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai.

To support Marathi films and revive the dying culture of single-screen cinemas in Maharashtra, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has instructed the formation of a joint committee that will study the issues faced by these theatres and recommend possible solutions.

Shelar chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday with officials from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Goregaon Film City, and other key government departments. Representatives of the Cinema Owners’ Association also took part. The focus of the meeting was to find practical ways to revive single-screen cinemas, many of which are struggling or have shut down completely.

Shelar directed that the joint committee include members from the Urban Development, Home, Revenue, Finance, and Cultural Affairs departments, as well as experts from the film and theatre industry. The committee will study the current status of approximately 300 single-screen cinemas across the state—both operational and non-functional—and suggest steps for their revival. Importantly, the committee will also explore whether government schemes or incentives can be introduced to support cinema owners, especially if they commit to screening Marathi films regularly. Shelar has asked for the committee’s report to be submitted within the next two months.

At the same time, a separate meeting was held about the long-pending demand for a dedicated theatre in Goregaon, Mumbai. Actor Sunil Barve, along with local citizens, had recently led a signature campaign in support of this theatre. MLA Vidya Thakur and municipal officials also joined the meeting.

Responding positively, Shelar instructed that a detailed report be prepared within 15 days on land availability and the proposed structure. He added that the suggestions and views of artists must be included in the plan, and assured that construction should begin as early as possible. Minister Shelar also met with Lavani artists to understand the challenges they face and explore ways the government can help safeguard this traditional folk art form.

Single-screen cinemas once played a major role in promoting regional films, including Marathi cinema, across Maharashtra. However, due to the rise of multiplexes, changing audience preferences, and lack of modernisation, many of these theatres have either shut down or are on the verge of closure. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly requested government support, highlighting that preserving these cinemas is vital for the cultural and cinematic heritage of the state.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

Read More

Location :

First Published:

August 08, 2025, 10:43 IST

News india Good News For Marathi Filmmakers: Maharashtra Govt Plans Revival Of Single-Screen Cinemas

Read More