A fresh row has erupted in Maharashtra between Hindi and Marathi cinema over the allocation of movie theatre screens.
The controversy began when screenings of the Marathi film Yere Yere Paisa 3 were reportedly reduced across multiplexes to accommodate the Hindi blockbuster Saiyaara, which has already grossed over Rs 220 crore globally. The decision has drawn strong backlash from Marathi filmmakers and regional political parties, who see it as a blow to the state’s cultural identity.
Amey Khopkar, the chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Cinema Wing and producer of Yere Yere Paisa 3, alleged that multiplexes were engaging in “vindictive politics” by favouring Saiyaara over regional cinema.
“If my film isn’t given screens, I will break the glasses of those theatres,” Khopkar warned, accusing cinema chains of ignoring the rule that mandates one screen in every multiplex for regional films.
MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande backed Khopkar’s warning, reflecting the party’s aggressive approach to protecting Marathi culture. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also extended support to MNS, writing on X, “To accommodate Saiyaara, Yere Yere Paisa 3 has been sidelined, a recurring issue. The fight for Marathi must intensify. Jai Maharashtra!”
The ruling Shiv Sena faction, led by Eknath Shinde, also entered the fray. Its Cinema Wing President, Sushant Shelar, staged a protest outside a Bandra PVR multiplex, demanding strict implementation of the regional film screening policy.
Meanwhile, Saiyaara’s screen count has surged from 800 to 2,000, while Marathi films struggle to secure prime slots in theatres. BJP minister Nitesh Rane weighed in on the issue, urging Marathi filmmakers to approach the government rather than protest. “Saiyaara is a hit. If your movie is good, it will get screens,” he said.
The controversy comes amid growing concerns about the marginalisation of the Marathi language and culture in Maharashtra. Just weeks earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray joined forces to oppose what they termed the imposition of Hindi in state schools.
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