Five best Marathi films of the 21st century

From critically acclaimed tear-jerkers to award-winning thrillers, the Marathi film industry has produced excellent films in every genre. One only has to think of the National award-winning Court or the tragedy Natsamrat while thinking of exceptionally well-made Marathi films. In this past decade, we've seen Marathi cinema churn out some brilliant content. Here we've picked the best Marathi movies of the 21st century for you to binge-watch.

Jogwa (SonyLIV)

When Suli (Mukta Barve) is forced into servitude following an ancient superstition, an encounter with Tayappa (Upendra Limaye) changes her life. Jogwa essays the lives of Jogta Tayappa and Jogtin Suli, who fight to escape a conformist society. The film was acclaimed not only in the country but also internationally. Jogwa received the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues, while actor Upendra Limaye received the Best Actor award for his powerful depiction of Jogta Tayappa.

Natsamrat (Amazon Prime Video)

Padmabhushan award-winner Kusumagraj's iconic tragedy Natsamrat starring Sriram Lagoo, was remade by Mahesh Manjrekar in 2016. Nana Patekar portrays the role of retired theatre thespian Ganpat Ramchandra Belwalka a.k.a. Appa. Natsamrat literally translates to 'the emperor of acting', and Appa held the title during his acclaimed theatre career. The film garnered overwhelming international success with screenings in the UK, USA, Canada, and Singapore. It was also remade in Gujarati and Telugu.

Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy (Amazon Prime Video, Hungama Play, Vi Movies & TV, Apple iTunes)

An overlooked and victimised Dinkar Bhosale (Sachin Khedekar) encounters Shivaji Maharaj's (Mahesh Manjrekar) voice from the past. Dinkar must change his stuck-up ways to progress through life while protecting his family. Sachin Khedekar's persona as an everyman in Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy resonated with every commoner in the country. The film remained the highest-grossing Marathi film for five consecutive years since its release in 2009.

Katyar Kaljat Ghusali (ZEE5, Vi Movies & TV)

King Vishnuraj (Swapnil Rajshekhar) arranges a singing competition with the winner receiving the status of royal singer. He also gifts the winner the freedom to commit one murder in self-defence with the Katyar (dagger). Katyar Kaljat Ghusli marks the Marathi acting debut of Shankar Mahadevan, while veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar plays the antagonist in the musical drama. It also marks the directorial debut of acclaimed actor Subodh Bhave. The movie is a treat for classical music fans and was a worldwide commercial success.

Court (Netflix)

Vira Sathidar portrays the role of Narayan Kamble, a social activist and protest singer. When a maintenance worker commits suicide, Narayan is held responsible. The critically acclaimed film is a social commentary on the Indian judicial system. Court received numerous accolades, was shortlisted as India's official entry to the 2016 Academy Awards and was adjudged the Best Feature Film at the 62nd National Film Awards.

Which of these best Marathi films will you watch first?