Starting August 18, auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra must possess functional Marathi skills. Non-compliant drivers face a show-cause notice and a one-month grace period to learn the language before potential license suspension or revocation.
Maharashtra plans to make working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for taxi, autorickshaw, and app-based cab drivers by August 15, with non-compliance risking license suspension or cancellation.
Veteran Marathi theatre director, actor, and producer Vijaya Mehta, a pivotal figure in modern Marathi theatre, died at 91. Known as "Bai", she co-founded the Rangayan group, pioneered experimental theatre, and directed landmark productions. Mehta also had a notable career in parallel cinema and received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri.
Maharashtra government makes teaching Marathi mandatory for all schools (Class 1-10) from the 2025-26 academic year. Non-compliant schools face a ₹1 lakh fine and potential derecognition, with examinations to be conducted for every class.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut defended his controversial remarks against suspected rebel MPs, stating they are common Marathi usage and not abusive in Maharashtra's cultural context. He questioned criticism, arguing wrongdoing should be punished, and vowed to resist attempts to weaken the party.
Raja Shivaji, a Marathi historical drama directed by Riteish Deshmukh, has become the highest-grossing Marathi film ever, earning Rs 93.10 crore nett in India and Rs 114.80 crore worldwide gross. The film's success marks a significant milestone for Marathi cinema.
'Raja Shivaji', directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has delivered the greatest opening week in Marathi cinema history with Rs. 52.65 crore India net in Week 1 and is chasing the Rs. 75 crore India net target as its second weekend begins. Released on Maharashtra Day (May 1, 2026), the Rs. 100 crore historical epic — the most expensive Marathi film ever made features Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh and the debut of Rahyl Deshmukh, with Salman Khan's still-viral surprise cameo as Jiva Mahala continuing to drive footfalls.
Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' has concluded its first week with impressive box office numbers, crossing the Rs 60 crore gross mark. Despite initial audience skepticism, Deshmukh's portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has garnered widespread acclaim. The historical drama, which he also wrote and directed, continues to draw crowds, with its Marathi version performing particularly strongly.
'Raja Shivaji', directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is on the verge of crossing Rs. 50 crore India net in its first weekm a historic first for Marathi cinema. Released on Maharashtra Day (May 1, 2026), the Rs. 100 crore production set the highest-ever Marathi first Monday (Rs. 5.60 crore) and delivered an extraordinary weekday hold throughout its opening week. The film features Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh and the debut of Rahyl Deshmukh, with Salman Khan's viral surprise cameo as Jiva Mahala, Ajay-Atul's music and Santosh Sivan's cinematography.
Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut 'Raja Shivaji', based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has collected Rs 21.90 crore net in India over two days. The Marathi version is outperforming the Hindi version, with day 1 Marathi at Rs 8 crore and day 2 at Rs 7.15 crore, compared to Hindi's Rs 3.35 crore and Rs 3.40 crore respectively. The total gross collection stands at Rs 26.06 crore.
Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut 'Raja Shivaji', a historical drama about the Maratha warrior, has collected Rs 21.90 crore in two days across Marathi and Hindi versions. The Marathi version recorded a record-breaking Rs 8 crore opening and Rs 7.15 crore on day 2 (total Rs 15.15 crore), while Hindi earned Rs 3.35 crore and Rs 3.40 crore respectively (total Rs 10.55 crore). The film aims to reach Rs 30 crore by the end of its opening weekend.
'Raja Shivaji', directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has crossed Rs. 12.21 crore India net on Day 2 of its theatrical run, driven by extraordinary audience response in the Marathi-speaking belt and the viral impact of Salman Khan's surprise cameo as loyal warrior Jiva Mahala. Made under a budget of approximately Rs. 100 crore, the film features Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Vidya Balan as Badi Begum, Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Maharaj, Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Fardeen Khan as Shah Jahan, Amole Gupte as Mohammed Adil Shah and Genelia Deshmukh as Saibai, with music by Ajay-Atul and cinematography by Santosh Sivan.
Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has put on hold the decision to cancel licences and permits of auto and taxi drivers from May 1 over non-compliance with the Marathi language requirement, opting instead for a phased campaign on awareness, verification and training. From May 1 to Aug 15, the government will conduct a survey across 59 RTOs to determine how many drivers are Marathi-speaking and detect fake licences and permit irregularities. Non-Marathi-speaking drivers will be guided to training centres. The earlier decision for reading and writing tests has been withdrawn in favour of a short curriculum focused on practical use.
Tanvi Kolte emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Marathi 6, lifting the coveted trophy after an intense season filled with drama, emotions, and fierce competition. Raqesh Bapat secured the position of first runner-up, winning hearts with his composed gameplay. The grand finale celebrated the contestants’ journeys, marking the end of a memorable and highly successful season.
