Like directing Marathi films more than Hindi as there is no restriction of commerce: Manjrekar

Actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, who has directed critically-acclaimed Hindi films like "Vaastav"and "Astitva", says he enjoys making Marathi movies more as they come without any commercial trappings.

Some of his notable directorial ventures in Marathi are "Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho", "Kaksparsh", Nana Patekar-starrer "Natsamrat" and his latest "Bhai: Vyakti Ki Valli".

"As of today I like directing Marathi films more. I would love to feel satisfied doing a Hindi film when there is no restriction of commerce, which is song and dance, item numbers. Here I can do my own work," Manjrekar told PTI.

However, citing example of films like "Raazi', "Badhaai Ho", "Stree", "Uri: The Surgical Strike", Manjrekar said things are changing in Hindi cinema as audience are not attracted to theatres by stars.

"Today people are going for content. Today we are in extremely good phase where we can experiment and expect an audience coming in. There was a time when only stars were drawing people and content was secondary. It is very positive time to make films in Hindi," he added.

Drawing difference between Hindi and Marathi cinema, Manjrekar said, "In Marathi cinema people have never ever run after stars, there is no star in Marathi films. People go by content. Like 'Sairat' had nobody and it turned out to be so big."
"It is a simple biopic about a simple man we have not tried to do any stunts or over dramatise scenes. There were lot of anecdotes, things that would bring laughter but we decided not to concentrate on the comic elements of his life alone. The humour game was coming from day to day activities."
"All these are ticks for biopic film but we still made this film. We decided to make a simple film. Audience today like an honest approach to cinema if you try to please the audience they come to know."
"Second part is more emotional and it has lot of variety from his journey on TV to stand-up comedy to his social work to his political work. I feel the second part complements the first one, it is above the first one."