Young directors have a positive effect on Marathi cinema

Marathi film director Yashwant Bhalkar, who has directed 13 Marathi films till now including 'Lek Ladki', 'High Command', 'Raj Mata Jijau' and 'Natha Pure Ataa', has always been passionate about films. Bhalkar, who hails from Kolhapur, is keen to direct a Hindi film soon. A true Kolhapuri at heart, the director talks about his upcoming projects, what the city means to him and how it has shaped him in being what he is today. Excerpts:
What are the projects that you are working on right now?
Currently I am working on a documentary for the state government���s irrigation department. The shooting of the project is happening in Ojar at Pune. Also, some pre-production work is going on for my untitled film.
Marathi cinema is getting a facelift with out of the box projects and superior marketing. What are your views about it?
Marathi cinema is in its golden peak at this moment. Films like 'Dhag' have won National Awards which is a great signal for the industry. The process of handling different topics is done with a lot more confidence and ease now. New technology, young directors and creative topics is turning out to have a positive effect on Marathi cinemas and there is no looking back.
You have directed period films as well. What are the difficulties that you face while making a film based on historical events?
While shooting indoors, we can manage the sets quite well. The real problem that we face is when we have to shoot outdoors in the concrete jungles, mobile towers, windmills.
What does the city Kolhapur mean to you?
Kolhapur is everything for me. Whatever I am today is because of this city. I have grown here with the blessings of Bhalji Pendharkar and other legends who have done a lot for the film industry. For me it is the best place on earth as I am attached to the soil of Kolhapur.
What is your favourite shooting area in the city?
There are many beautiful places for shooting in Kolhapur. The Panchganga river bank is the most favourite shooting destination for me, as the architecture here is very beautiful. The intricately carved small temple structures are worth framing.
Your take on the current condition of Kolhapur���s film city?
Kolhapur has given us the first audio-video film 'Ayodhyecha Raja' through Prabhat Studios. The city has also been a witness in making the first hero of Marathi audio video cinema, 'Master Vithal'. However, it is sad to see the condition of the film city here. Both the studios have been destroyed and shootings in the city have also reduced due it. The politicians from Kolhapur and the government should look into this matter to rebuild the film city here, so that youngsters get a platform to show their talent.
What will be the one thing that you would like to change about the city?
I would like to build a film city in Kolhapur. It should be in the lines of some of the studios in Mumbai which have techniques and equipment of international standards.
- Rahul Gayakwad