Marathi cinema, also known as Kollywood, has a rich history dating back to the 1910s. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that Marathi entertainment content started gaining mainstream popularity. The success of films like "Sholay" (1975) and "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!" (1994) laid the foundation for the growth of Marathi cinema. The 2000s saw a surge in Marathi film production, with movies like "Shatrughan" (2005), "Laaga Chunari Mein Daag" (2007), and "Nuvvu Nenu" (2007) receiving critical acclaim.
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emerged as the sole major "money-spinner," grossing over ₹28 crore.
Maharashtra, India’s second-most populous state, boasts a rich literary and performative heritage. From the tamasha folk theatre to the socially conscious plays of Vijay Tendulkar and the mythological films of Raja Thakur, Marathi entertainment has historically served as both a mirror and a moulder of society. However, for much of the late 20th century, Marathi cinema—often termed "M-town"—struggled with stereotypical plots (village-centric dramas, family sentimentality) and poor distribution, leading to a marginalised position against Bollywood and Hollywood.