YouTuber-turned-actor Prajakta Koli is all set to make her Marathi film debut with Krantihoti Vidya Marathi Mahyam, a project that she describes as a return to her cultural roots.
“Marathi is my mother tongue—it’s the language I grew up speaking at home. I always wanted to do a Marathi film, but I was waiting for the right story that felt safe, exciting, and meaningful,” Prajakta shared in a recent interview.
The Power of Regional Cinema in a Global World
For Prajakta, the decision was also influenced by how the internet has transformed cinema consumption. “Today, stories from every corner of India—be it Tamil, Telugu, or Marathi—are reaching audiences not just across states but across countries. The language barriers have almost disappeared, and that’s a win for creators,” she explained.
She further credited the audience for the rise of regional cinema, noting how people are increasingly consuming and sharing stories in different languages. “This demand is what encourages producers and directors to invest in regional storytelling. The shift is audience-driven, and it’s powerful,” she added.
From YouTube to Mismatched to Marathi Debut
Prajakta first stepped out of her YouTube universe six years ago and entered mainstream acting with Netflix’s Mismatched in 2019. Despite being relatively new to films, she feels her Marathi debut has come at just the right time.
“I never feel out of place on a film set, but this project gave me a deeper sense of belonging. Everyone on set spoke Marathi—it felt like home. It’s something special that I’ll always carry with me,” she recalled.
Strong Female Characters at the Core
One of the biggest reasons Prajakta signed this film was the way women were being portrayed. “The makers’ vision stood out to me. They write female characters that are progressive, equal, and relatable. After watching First Class Jabbaade, I even told them that if they made another film, I’d love to audition. That’s how this opportunity came to me,” she revealed.
She believes opportunities for women in regional films are steadily improving and is excited to contribute to that shift. “This is just the beginning of my journey. I’m still learning every day, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my Marathi film career.”
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