Marathi audiences are window shopping at the M-town store; it's time we got them to walk in!

His cute looks and lover boy image have brought young audiences back into the theatres. Swwapnil Joshi tells us more
You are the toast of M-town today. When you look back, what do you think you can attribute your success to?
Belief in the power of good - this is what I think has landed me where I am today. Whether it was in content or people, I always believed in recognising the good and till today I guess it is this belief that has helped me in my journey.Because, if you go to see it's not like I have done lots of films. I've just done six - Manini, Checkmate, Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai, Target, Duniyadari and now Mangalashtak Once More - and all did well. I am just blessed that I got great people to work with and hope this blessing continues. I just knew one thing - that I can really work hard - the rest I think just fell into place.
However, some reports say that success has made you arrogant and that you have begun to charge more���������
Well, I take this kind of news too positively. If there are reports that I am charging more, that's between me and the producer. I don't think I have to explain. Arrogant, well���������I guess I just rely on what my fans say to me on social media. And let me tell you, all I see is just their immense love for me and that is all that matters.
You've started a new method of taking your acting fee though���������
Yes. I have begun working on the idea of profit sharing. Like for Rs 1, I take just 30 paisa. But, if the film makes the 70 paisa, then I get a share of the profit. If not, I've got my 30! So, it's a win-win situation for me and for the producers. And because I do the profit sharing, the producer/director knows that I am backing the film all the way, not till it just gets released. I have seen B-town stars do this and I thought why not try it here, and I did. I think it makes for perfect business sense.
Speaking of business, Mangalashtak Once More shows have doubled from 120 in the first week to 240 in week 2. This is great business. What do you think clicked with the audience?
I think it's the audience's love for our jodi! When Mukta Barve and I worked in Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai, we were strangers. We became friends during the movie. Then the TV serial Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta happened. In all this time our trust in each other just strengthened and the trust we share I think comes shining through in our films. We help uplift each other's presence on screen and keep looking out for each other. I guess that's what people call chemistry!
You've managed to bring in the young audiences into the theatre, how do you think this interest can be sustained?
If I can use a comparison, I'd say that the audiences currently are window shopping at the M-town store. The mannequins are looking good enough for the audience to stop and notice. Now, it's time we get them to walk into the store and actually shop! So, update the stuff, keep it high quality and ensure that the flow of good and high quality stuff is sustained. So, yes while the buzz about M-town is good, we all have to ensure that this trend is sustained over time.
And will the 'superstar' of Marathi films now take a break of sorts or is it work and more work?
I am not superstar! Just an actor doing his job, so no break for me in my work. I am working on a film, my play is getting a fab response and there is no time to relax. And whatever time I do get, I spend it with my parents and my wife, as they are the ones who truly deserve this time. They keep alive in me the qualities of a simple boy from Girgaun and that is what is helping me keep my head on my shoulders.