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Red FM’s Marathi Film Festival returns to Pune for Its fifth edition
Mumbai: The private radio and entertainment network, Red FM announced Season 5 of the celebrated Marathi Film Festival. This cinematic celebration has become a tradition in Pune and this year is scheduled to take place at NFAI Law College Road, Annabhau Sathe Sabhagruha, and Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha from 8 March – 10 March 2024.
Over the years the Marathi Film Festival has become a bedrock event for cinema enthusiasts. This year, with a theme centred around ‘Charcha Tar Honarçh’ (Going Gaga Over It), the 3-day festival will screen a total of 25 films, including 15 feature films, 10 short films, and 3 premieres. In addition, the legendary actor Dr Mohan Agashe will be felicitated with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Jayant Somalkar’s Sthal, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the NETPAC award, will be the opening film for the event on the 8 March. Popular films like Baipan Bhari Deva, Zhimma 2, Ekda Kay Zhala and Panchak along with acclaimed films like Savanik Kaur’s documentary Against the Tide, and Zhende, on Madhukar Zhende the renowned cop who arrested Charles Shobhraj, will be screened, Several cast and crew members from these films will be present for the screening. Aankhi Ek Mohenjo Daro, directed by national award-winning film critic Ashok Rane, will also see its world premiere at the festival, along with Kurla Te Vengurla and Dharmasya There will also be a special screening of Dhoom Dhadaka, for which Mahesh Kothare will be present. This year, the festival is also showcasing some remarkable Marathi short films by some very talented young filmmakers.
Speaking on the announcement, RED FM and Magic FM director & COO Nisha Narayanan said “Two months into the new year and a wave of curating experiential festivals preserving the regional heritage of India has taken over Red FM. With multiple other IPs in action, we are pleased to announce season 5 of the Marathi Film Festival, a celebration of the age-old Marathi cinema thriving beyond the confines of an otherwise commercially driven film industry. It is incredibly meaningful for us as a brand with a purpose to support cinema with a purpose which the Marathi cinema continues to be. With the Marathi Film Festival, we are looking forward to reinforcing the connection between our listeners and the rich cinema of Maharashtra.”
Red FM continues its tradition of bringing together the audience and celebrities by honoring the oldest film industry of Indian cinema. Apart from the screening, attendees are also in for exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and engaging discussions with industry experts, making the Marathi Film Festival a must-attend experience for cinephiles and enthusiasts alike.
Stay tuned to Red FM for more updates and announcements regarding Season 5 of the Marathi Film Festival. The event will be free and non-ticketed. Attendees can register and avail passes on the official website, www.marathifilmfestival.in.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
