Marathi filmmaker Dr
Mrunalinni Patil filed a complaint with police against the owner of the City Pride multiplexes for not screening her film
Kay Rao Tumhi, alleging that when she approached him, he misbehaved with her and used abusive language. Her film, a comedy about three senior citizens and their pursuit of a girl, has already released at various theatres across the state. Director Patil told
Mirror, "We wanted to screen Kay Rao Tumhi at City Pride Kothrud, and have been pursuing this issue for two weeks. Authorities there refused to entertain our queries or give us any slots. Hence, I personally visited City Pride Kothrud to request them to screen my film, which is when the
multiplex chain owner, Hrishikesh Chaphalkar, told me that the film is 'vulgar' and they don't wish to show it. The City Pride management is not a censor board — they have no authority to rate a film. When I said this, the owner misbehaved with me and used abusive language." However, Chaphalkar dismissed the claims, saying, "Our multiplex is known for promoting
Marathi movies. We always encourage Marathi filmmakers. I was out of station and don't know who used abusive language." Patil filed the complaint at Erandwane police station on Tuesday, and says she is going to send a letter to the state's Cultural Ministry, detailing how City Pride is discriminating against Marathi films. Meanwhile, the
Maharashtra government's decision to make it mandatory for state multiplexes to screen at least one Marathi film in
primetime slots was announced by state culture minister
Vinod Tawde, who disclosed on Tuesday, "We are in the process of enacting a law to make it mandatory for multiplexes to screen Marathi movies from 6-9 pm." The decision was hailed by several filmmakers from the Marathi film fraternity, who agreed that they have been facing problems trying to avail of precious screening slots in prominent theatres — at the same time, they back the City Pride multiplex chain, saying it is quite a hub for Marathi film screenings. Said filmmaker
Shrirang Godbole, director of the Indian Magic Eye production house that recently released films like
Chintoo, "We often face this problem. The state government's decision is a good one, and will definitely encourage filmmakers. I cannot comment about today's incident at City Pride — personally, I have always had a very good experience with their multiplexes. Chaphalkar always supports Marathi films." Added well-known actor-director
Girish Kulkarni, who has been seen in hits like
Deool,
Valu and
Gabhricha Paus, "Despite an overwhelming response from the public, several Marathi films have been relegated to the background when it comes to preferred screening time slots. A push from the government was necessary to tackle such discrimination. We welcome this decision. As for City Pride, it is a hub for Marathi films, and we have always received support from them. I think there must have been some sort of miscommunication in this case. I doubt Chaphalkar would use abusive language with a Marathi filmmaker." Producer-director
Mrunalinni Patil's Marathi film Kaay Raav Tumhi has become the first beneficiary of the state government's recent controversial move of ordering multiplexes to reserve the a dedicated slot for Marathi films. The rom-com, which was turned down by many chains and released only in single screens last week, is now playing at all the prominent screens in the city. While the jury is still out on whether the step is an unfair move, the audience will definitely get to see more Marathi titles in their favourite multiplex. ==Production==