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Marathi cinema will have a strong presence at the 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), with one feature film and eight short films selected for this year's programme.

Leading the line-up is Baapya (The Man), starring Rajshri Deshpande . The film explores themes of identity, relationships and contemporary society, continuing Marathi cinema's tradition of tackling socially relevant subjects .


The festival will also screen a diverse slate of Marathi short films . Between Cradles looks at intergenerational relationships , while Bramhakamal (The Queen of the Night) tells a story centred on hope and transformation. Ghamela focuses on the everyday struggles and resilience of ordinary people.


Other selections include Last Night I Dreamed it was Raining Fish, which blends emotion with imaginative storytelling, and Maaybaapache Aashirwaad (Blessings), a film about family ties and tradition.


Photosensitive examines human emotions through a contemporary narrative, while Smriti (Memoria) reflects on memory, loss and the passage of time. Rounding off the Marathi showcase is The Voice of Old , which highlights the experiences and perspectives of older generations.


The selection reflects the range of stories emerging from Marathi cinema, spanning intimate personal dramas, social issues and experimental narratives. It also brings together work from both established filmmakers and emerging voices.

Marathi films have built a reputation for grounded storytelling and nuanced characters, often addressing complex themes while remaining rooted in local contexts. Over the years, the industry has gained recognition at national and international festivals for films that resonate across languages and cultures.

The Marathi line-up is among several regional cinema showcases at this year's Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, offering international audiences a cross-section of contemporary filmmaking from the state.