‘Our focus is to build a filmmaker friendly ecosystem by reducing red tape,’ says Prashant Sajanikar

Sajanikar added that work is underway to develop new film cities in Nagpur and Nashik. “Grants for Marathi feature films have been increased, benefiting the growth of rural cinema. Films selected at international festivals will receive double grants,” he said. He also spoke about initiatives such as youth-oriented film and television courses and plans to increase the number of theatres.

“Maharashtra has a strong cinematic legacy, and our focus is to build a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem by reducing red tape, expanding infrastructure, and supporting both urban and rural cinema so that good films can reach audiences across the state and beyond,” Sajanikar said.

Speaking at the session, PIFF Director Jabbar Patel said, “As OTT and VR platforms expand, the government should actively support filmmakers in adapting to new formats. While funding is available, it should not restrict creativity by imposing themes. Instead, filmmakers should submit synopses, from which strong ideas can be selected and developed by directors. Such a process can nurture meaningful cinema, especially stories rooted in rural life and lived realities. Workshops are essential to guide this journey.
Biographical films should emerge from genuine research, not trends. If ideas are chosen with vision, Indian films can confidently travel to global platforms like Cannes and Berlin.”