Marathi cinema rarely tackles pure horror, but Lapachhapi set a benchmark. The film uses atmospheric horror and rural folklore to address deep-rooted social evils like female foeticide. It proved that horror could be socially relevant and genuinely terrifying without relying on cheap jump scares. 5. Ventilator Director: Rajesh Mapuskar Cast: Ashutosh Gowariker, Jitendra Joshi, Sulabha Arya Genre: Family / Comedy / Drama

(For various popular 2017 regional releases)

Director: Manouj Kadam

While the above films ruled the box office, 2017 also blessed us with incredible art-house and parallel cinema:

at the same National Awards, this film explores the commercialization of post-cremation rituals in a small village. Ventilator

The film navigates the life of Anurag, who wonders about his first love, Kavya, years after they drifted apart. The narrative moves back and forth between their childhood, teenage years, and adulthood.

Watching films legally ensures that actors, directors, writers, and technicians receive their hard-earned financial dues, paving the way for more high-budget Marathi projects. Where to Watch 2017 Marathi Classics Legally Today

(2017) - A crime drama film directed by Pravin Dnyaneshwar, which explores the darker side of human nature.

Though released in late 2016, Ventilator dominated the cultural conversation and awards ceremonies throughout 2017. Produced by Priyanka Chopra, the film features an ensemble cast of over 70 actors. It uses the premise of an old family patriarch on a ventilator before the Ganesh festival to expose the chaotic dynamics, hypocrisy, and underlying love within a massive extended family. Director: Prakash Kunte Cast: Sonalee Kulkarni, Lalit Prabhakar Genre: Drama / Romance