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Time of India

‘Paani', ‘Phullwanti' rule as Filmfare Awards Marathi celebrates a decade of storytelling

Royal grandeur met grounded realism inside the chandelier-lit ballroom of Mumbai's Hotel Sahara Star on Thursday night. 'Phullwanti', a lavish historical drama set in an 18th-century Peshwa court, swept seven trophies, while 'Paani', a stirring tale about an underdog's mission to secure sustainable water for his drought-stricken village, took home six Black Ladies at the Filmfare Awards Marathi 2025. Jointly with Vaidehi Parshurami ('Ek Don Teen Chaar'), Prajaktta Mali won the coveted Black Lady for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her understated grace as a sought-after court dancer in 'Phullwanti'. 'Paani' — which was also judged Best Film — saw Addinath Kothare, who was also its lead actor, claiming Best Director. "There's paani for you onstage," quipped host Amey Wagh while coaxing Kothare to the podium. Paithani sarees and cocktail gowns, bandhgalas and bowties dotted the red carpet leading to Ruby, the grand ballroom where the 10-year milestone of Filmfare Awards Marathi served up myriad starters apart from conversation starters. Hosted by actor Siddharth Chandekar and a suitcase-toting Amey Wagh ("It's my fifth year here. I live under the podium"), the evening — preambled by the national anthem and the state anthem — unfolded as a heartfelt tribute to the evolution of Marathi cinema and music. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dubai's Next Icon: Experience Binghatti Aquarise Luxury Binghatti Developers FZE Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The highlight reel of the event — coinciding with Guru Purnima — brimmed with impromptu moments. Viral musician Sanju Rathod surprised the audience with a high-octane performance of 'Shaky', joined by actors spanning Amruta Khanvilkar to Priya Bapat. Hindi film star Tabu earned applause by breaking into Marathi before presenting the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) award. On glancing at the winner's name, she couldn't contain her affection. "Manjrekar!" she called out and embraced her first director and friend Mahesh Manjrekar, who won for his restrained performance in 'Juna Furniture'. A moving highlight of the night was veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar, 89, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. The youngest of the Mangeshkar siblings — Lata and Asha Bhosale — Usha began her musical journey in 1954 with a Hindi song. Later, her versatile voice became a staple in Marathi cinema, contributing memorable numbers like 'Tumhawar Keli Mi Marji Bahal' from 'Pinjra' (1972), and many others across multiple Indian languages. A video montage featuring sister Asha Bhosale, Sudesh Bhonsle, and Suresh Wadkar recalled Usha's journey from 'Apalam Chaplam' to 'Mungda', also revealing her private love for painting. "Why did you hide this talent from the world?" asked Sachin Pilgaonkar. "My paintings were just for me," she smiled. "But later, on my sister's insistence, I made a book out of them." Another standout moment came from Rajshri Deshpande, who won Best Actress (Critics) for her role as Savitribai Phule in 'Satyashodhak', a compelling biopic that chronicles the life of social reformer Jyotirao Phule. "When miscreants razed the walls of one of the schools I'm building in Khedegaon, I asked myself 'what would Savitribai Phule have done'?" she said. Citing the spirit of Guru Purnima, Deshpande dedicated her second Black Lady to zilla parishad teachers working in remote corners of Maharashtra. The event was co-powered by Manforce Epic Condoms, Vivz Fashion School, Kamar Film Factory. Other sponsors are skincare partner Greenleaf Foot Care Cream by Brihans Natural Products, social impact partner Tisser Artisans Trust – Hand to Heart, beauty partner Olivia Beauty, telecast partner Zee Talkies, multiplex partner Khushi Advertising, outdoor hoarding partner Bright Media, radio partner Mirchi, audio partner Gaana, trophy partner The Award Gallery, event partner Straightline Solutions, creative direction Manasi Ingale for Surel Creations, scripted by Vishal Bandal and Amol Patil, and education partner Bennett University. (The awards will be aired at 10pm on Aug 3 on Zee Talkies)