Maharashtra Shahir

Maharashtra Shahir is an Indian Marathi-language musical-biographical film based on the life of Padma Shri Shahir Sable, a Maharashtrian singer, playwright, performer and folk theatre producer and director. It is directed by Kedar Shinde and produced by Sanjay Chhabria and Bela Shinde. It features Ankush Chaudhari and Sana Kedar Shinde in the leading roles. The film's screenplay was written by Pratima Kulkarni and Omkar Mangesh Datt. It was theatrically released on 28 April 2023.

Synopsis
The musical-biography chronicles the life and times of the legendary Shahir Sable, an iconic figure in the Marathi theatre and music industry.

Cast

 * Ankush Chaudhari as Shahir Sable
 * Devdatta Dhone as Young Shahir sable aka Kisna
 * Sana Kedar Shinde as Bhanumati Sable
 * Ashvini Mahangade as Radhabai Sable
 * Shubhangi Sadavarte as Laxmibai Sable
 * Nirmiti Sawant as Krishna's Grandmother
 * Mrunmayee Deshpande as Lata Mangeshkar
 * Dushyant Wagh as Balasaheb Thackeray
 * Atul Kale as Yashwantrao Chavan
 * Amit Dolawat as Sane Guruji
 * Ankush Prashant More as Devdatta Sable
 * Parinita Dilip Ghone as Shejarin
 * Swapnil Parjane
 * Harish Baraskar
 * Yugesha Omkar as Vasundhara Sable

Pre Production
Kedar Shinde along with Pratima Kulkarni, Vasundhara Sable and Omkar Mangesh Dutt, started working on the story in 2019 and spent nearly two years in conducting research on Shahir Sable and finalising the screenplay. Additionally, Shinde and team conducted extensive research on storyboarding scenes, selecting locations and designing looks and costumes to recreate the period from 1920s to 1980s. The film was, formally, announced by Shinde on his social media account on 3 September 2021, the birth anniversary of Shahir Sable.

Casting
A promotional video announcing the casting of Ankush Chaudhari in the titular role was released by Raj Thackeray at Maharashtra Day rally on 1 May 2022 at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. A poster announcing the casting of Sana Shinde as Bhanumati Sable was released on 3 September 2022.

Filming
The shooting of the film began on Vijayadashami on 5 October 2022 at Krishnarao Sable's village Wai. Shinde chose the hills of Satara for the shoot, including Pasarni Ghat. The second schedule was filmed in and around Mumbai. The third schedule was shot in Baku, Azerbaijan to present Russia (then USSR) in 1980s. The location was moved from Russia to Azerbaijan due to Russia-Ukraine War. The filming wrapped up on 27 February 2023 after shooting final scenes in Mumbai.

Marketing
The film's official motion poster was released by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde at his official residence on 15 February 2023. The film's first song, "Baharla Ha Madhumas" was out on 27 February 2023, which became a viral hit on social media. The official teaser was released on 20 March 2023 by Raj Thackeray in a media event. The official trailer was released on 11 April 2023.

The film's title track, "Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha", was released alongside a promotional video featuring 18 lead actors from Marathi film industry in a media event by veteran politician Sharad Pawar at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Mumbai on 25 April 2023.

Soundtrack
Songs and background score of the film have been composed by Ajay-Atul. Several original songs of Shahir Sable have been reprised and a set of new songs have also been added to the film. Lyrics of the reprised songs are credited to Shahir Sable, Bhanumati Sable and Raja Badhe whereas the lyrics of the new songs are written by Guru Thakur and Ajay Gogawale.

Release
Two months prior to the film's release, MLC Sachin Ahir requested on the floor of Maharashtra Legislative Council to declare Maharashtra Shahir as tax-free in the state on 9 March 2023.

Theatrical
The film was theatrically released on 28 April 2023.

Home media
It was released on OTT platform Amazon Prime Video on 2 June 2023.

Critical reception
Maharashtra Shahir movie received positive reviews from critics. Kalpeshraj Kubal of Maharashtra Times gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Ajay-Atul's music and the voices of Ajay and all the other playback singers have made the cinematic Madhumas blossom. But, some of the 'tunes' in the background song remind us of Ajay-Atul's old works (music). The rest of Shahir's songs and bharoods are easily brought into the film by the screenwriter, director and music director". Vinod Ghatge of ABP Majha gave 3 stars out of 5 and says "Of course, although there are some technical things, this movie will definitely give you a great experience as an audience. Kedar Shinde and his team have worked hard to create this work of art, a must see to salute that Maharashtra Shahir, to bow down to her contribution". Devendra Jadhav of Sakal wrote "Ajay Atul's music is beautiful. Songs in movies carry the story forward. The movie picks up after the interval. Many old popular songs of Shaheer can be heard and can be seen. The events of Shahir's popular play can be seen on the screen. Khanderaya of Jejuri, one can learn the story behind how Lokdhara of Maharashtra was created". Akhilesh Nerlekar of Loksatta said "This movie is definitely a must see. Although it is a biopic, Kedar Shinde has presented a masterpiece without any compromise in terms of story, screenplay, everyone in Maharashtra must watch the movie at least once".

Box office
Maharashtra Shahir collected ₹3.33 crore on the six day. The film registered an increase in collections on Monday, earning ₹1.03 crore. The film earned ₹1.65 crore in its three-day opening weekend. The film grossed over ₹10 crore at the box office in India. Despite received positive reviews from critics film underperformed at the box-office.