10 Marathi Films Everyone Should Watch at Least Once: Sabar Bonda, Shwaas, and More

Marathi cinema has a way of telling stories that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. Whether it's a tender coming-of-age tale, a gripping social drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a musical rooted in tradition, these films focus on honest characters and meaningful storytelling over spectacle. The birthplace of Indian cinema itself and one of its earliest and most influential foundations, Marathi films often draw directly from a deep cultural and literary background.

Over the years, Marathi filmmakers have created some of India's most acclaimed and influential movies, many of which have gone on to inspire audiences far beyond Maharashtra. This starter pack brings together films that showcase the range, heart, and creativity of Marathi cinema—making it an ideal place to begin your journey.

A lighthearted, inspiring retelling of Dadasaheb Phalke’s struggle to make India’s first feature Raja Harishchandra that released in 1913 as a silent mythological movie.

Where to watch: ZEE5 / Amazon Prime Video

Set in coastal Maharashtra, starring Priya Bapat, Sachin Khedekar, Kaksparsh explores widowhood, tradition, and emotional sacrifice in a conservative society.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

A powerhouse performance by Nana Patekar that carries its emotional weight on acting alone. After retirement, Ganpat Belwalkar, a Shakespearean actor, divides his property amongst his two children. However, their ungratefulness leaves Ganpat and his wife homeless during their old age.

Where to watch: ZEE5 / Amazon Prime Video

Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi ( transl. This Is Being Street–Smart) is a 1988 Indian Marathi-language slapstick comedy. Chaos ensues when two brothers, Dhananjay and Shantanu, force two friends to pose as their wives as their landlady allows only married couples as tenants. 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

A labourer discovers his artistic identity through Tamasha folk theatre, challenging masculinity norms. Guna, a poor village labourer, loses his job and faces a financial crunch. He holds a passion for theatre and decides to start his own theatre company.

Where to watch: ZEE5 / Amazon Prime Video

Toh Ti Ani Fuji (Him, Her, and Fuji) is a 2026 Marathi romantic drama directed by Mohit Takalkar and written by Irawati Karnik. Starring Lalit Prabhakar and Mrinmayee Godbole, the film explores the non-linear timeline of an intense, passionate, and ultimately toxic romance in Pune, followed by a chance reunion in Japan seven years later.

Where to watch: SonyLiv

Dnyanesh and Mukta, two young siblings, live in poverty with their mother. Things take a turn when their mother decides to sell Dnyanesh's favourite bicycle in order to get some money.

Where to watch: Zee5

India's official entry to the 2004 Oscars and ranked 6th in the Academy Award, Shwaas narrates the story of a young boy suffering from retinoblastoma, retinal cancer, and can only survive after losing his eyesight. So, his grandfather endeavours to show him that life is beautiful in every form.

Where to watch: YouTube

A family consecrates the loss of its patriarch with a 10-day mourning period that strands Anand in the countryside he long ago deserted for Mumbai. Grief's common phases (poring over old photos, sharing beloved memories) coexist with local rituals, all while Anand's hidden desires materialize in a rekindled friendship with childhood companion Balya.

Where to watch: Netflix

The curiosity of four adolescents leads them to develop a bond with their elderly schoolmate Vishu who introduces them to a world they were completely unaware of.

Where to watch: Prime Video