The score: Three crore 'n' more

Marathi film Shivaji Raje Bhosle Boltoy is the big hit of the year so far

Santosh Manjrekar's Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosle Boltoy (MSRBB) which released on April 3 got a phenomenal opening, and has already collected more than three crore all over Maharashtra.

It has broken all previous records in the Marathi film industry.

Trade folk believe that the absence of new B-Town releases has helped the film do roaring business.
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A trade source reveals, "MSRBB has done fantastic business all over and in many places in Maharashtra, it released on the same day as Akshay Kumar's 8X10 Tasveer.

However MSRBB has left Akki's film behind at the B-O takings at many places from day one."

The film is on the lines of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Lage Raho Munnabhai. But instead of Mahatma Gandhi, in MSRBB, Maharashtra's most revered political hero Shivaji appears in this film.

Response

Director Santosh Manjrekar (brother of director Mahesh Manjrekar) says, "When we had set out to make the film, I had an idea that we would do well but I never expected this kind of phenomenal response.
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I believe my film has broadened the horizons of the Marathi movie-going audiences, irrespective of caste and creed."
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When quizzed if the producer's strike helped make his film a success, he says, "No, I think it's because of the strength of the script and word of mouth publicity.
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Though Akshay's film released the same day,u00a0 its shows got reduced. My film's increased and this week it's running in 78 theatres in Mumbai alone."

DIRECTOR SPEAK

'My film has no resemblance to Munnabhai'

What did Mahesh think of the film?
He loved the idea when I narrated it to him. He told me that this film had to be made.

Mahesh is known for his gangster films. What made you have him as Shivaji ?
The fact is that Mahesh has a huge fan base among Maharashtrians. In fact when we recently went on a tour around the state he was mobbed. It was clear that when we were making a film with a character based on Shivaji Raje we couldn't tamper with any material. Mahesh too was very methodical in playing the role. He insisted that he grow his own beard. His role will be remembered for years to come.

What's next on the cards?
I plan to get into Hindi films and am open to doing more Marathi films as well. If a subject appeals to me then I will definitely take it on.

How do you react when people say your film is a copy of Munnabhai?
I find it highly amusing. There is no resemblance or similarity between Munnabhai and my film. There are no scenes in common. Both the concepts and storylines are different.