The Marathi film industry has long been known for its rich storytelling and diverse genres. Among these, comedy-horror films once enjoyed significant popularity when actor-director Mahesh Kothare released his blockbuster film ‘Zapatlela‘ in 1993, blending spine-chilling elements with humorous narratives that entertained audiences.
However, in recent years, this genre has seen a decline, leaving fans yearning for more. Given the evolving tastes of moviegoers and the potential for creative storytelling, the Marathi comedy-horror genre is ripe for a revival.
The appeal of comedy-horror films
Comedy-horror films hold a unique place in cinema, offering a mix of laughter and suspense. The ability to create tension with eerie sequences while simultaneously providing comic relief makes these films special. Marathi cinema has delivered several memorable comedy-horror films in the past, proving that this genre can resonate well with audiences. With a strong tradition of humour and folklore, Marathi filmmakers can breathe new life into this genre by incorporating modern storytelling techniques and advanced visual effects.
Today’s filmmakers don’t spend much time on the script
Actor-director Addinath Kothare is currently gearing up for his highly anticipated horror-comedy ‘Zapatlela 3’. In a conversation with ETimes, he expressed his thoughts on the genre and its significance in Marathi cinema. He stated, “My father, Mahesh Kothare, was a pioneer when it came to directing horror-comedy films. Zapatlela was a game-changer for the Marathi film industry when it was released in 1993. I feel that it is a very important genre, and people love watching such content on the big screen.”
Mahesh Kothare’s ‘Zapatlela’ remains one of the most iconic films in Marathi cinema, blending horror and comedy seamlessly. The film, which featured a ventriloquist’s dummy possessed by an evil spirit, became a cult classic and paved the way for similar films in the industry. Its success led to a sequel, ‘Zapatlela 2’, which was India’s first Marathi 3D film. Now, ‘Zapatlela 3’ aims to bring back the magic of this beloved franchise while introducing fresh elements to captivate modern audiences.
Addinath further emphasized the importance of strong storytelling in the genre, saying, “I think today’s filmmakers don’t spend much time on the script. They need to work on the script before it goes to the shoot.” He believes that well-crafted narratives are crucial for a film’s success, and the horror-comedy genre, in particular, requires a perfect balance of humour and thrill. With Zapatlela 3, he hopes to revive the legacy of Marathi horror-comedy and reignite interest in the genre.
The future of horror-comedy in Marathi cinema: A promising revival?
Film Trade Expert Girish Wankhede shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of horror-comedy in Marathi cinema. Reflecting on the genre’s golden era, he shared, “the iconic films like ‘Zapatlela’ and ‘Pachadlela ‘ which thrived due to their strong ensemble casts. The unbeatable combination of legends like Sachin Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Kothare, Ashok Saraf, and Laxmikant Berde created magic on screen. However, as the industry transitioned, newer actors like Siddharth Jadhav, Bharat Jadhav, and Ankush Choudhary focused more on solo projects rather than multi-starrers, which affected the genre’s appeal.”
Wankhede pointed out that the shift from ensemble-driven comedy to individual performances disrupted the charm of horror-comedy films. He said, “The novelty factor that once captivated Marathi audiences has diminished due to increased exposure to diverse content on OTT platforms and Bollywood. Unlike earlier times, when Marathi cinema offered a fresh alternative to traditional social dramas, the industry is now struggling to align itself with evolving audience preferences.”
Despite these challenges, Wankhede remains optimistic about the genre’s future. He highlighted how ‘Munjya’, directed by Marathi filmmaker Aditya Sarpotdar, found success, proving that audiences still appreciate horror comedies. He shared that Marathi cinema needs a breakthrough film to rekindle interest in the genre, much like how Hindi cinema has embraced horror-comedies with films like ‘Stree’, ‘Munjya’, and the revival of Ramsay-style horror. According to him, a Marathi horror-comedy will make a comeback—it just needs the right film to set the momentum.
Exemplary films that set the bar high
‘Ek Daav Bhutacha’ (1982)
Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982) is a Marathi horror-comedy film directed by Ravi Namade. The story centres on Master Sadashiv Deshmukh, a sincere school teacher assigned to the village of Tegwadi. After punishing the village head’s son, he faces retaliation and is forced to vacate his home when a dance troupe arrives. Seeking refuge in a dilapidated mansion, he encounters the ghost of Khandoji, a Maratha soldier cursed for separating lovers. It also starred Mohan Joshi, Raghavendra Kadkol, Mohan Kotwan and Sulochana Latkar in pivotal roles.
‘Zapatlela (1993)’
Directed by Mahesh Kothare, ‘Zapatlela’ is a Marathi horror-comedy classic. The film follows notorious gangster Tatya Vinchu, who, after being fatally shot by inspector Mahesh Jadhav, uses a mantra to transfer his soul into a ventriloquist’s puppet. This possessed doll inadvertently ends up with Lakshya, a ventriloquist (played by Laxmikanth Berde), leading to a series of humorous and bizarre events as Tatya Vinchu attempts to regain human form.
Pachadlela (2004)
Pachadlela (2004), directed by Mahesh Kothare, is a Marathi horror-comedy that follows three friends Bharat, Ravi, and Sameer, who are transferred to a village and assigned to live in a mansion with a haunted history. Soon after moving in, Bharat becomes possessed by multiple spirits, leading to a series of humorous and supernatural events as the trio navigates the challenges posed by these ghostly inhabitants.
Altun Paltun
Altun Paltun is a Marathi horror-comedy featuring Ashok Saraf and Bhalchandra Kadam. Brothers Dhananjay and Yashwant are delighted to buy a house at a bargain price. However, their happiness turns into fear when they realize the house is haunted. What follows is a hilarious yet spooky adventure as they deal with unexpected paranormal events.
‘Zombivli‘
Director Aditya Sarpotdar’s Zombivli is a unique Marathi horror-comedy that brings zombies to the streets of Mumbai’s suburb, Dombivli. Blending humour with thrilling moments, the film follows residents as they battle a sudden zombie outbreak. It starred Amey Wagh, Vaidehi Parshurami, Lalit Prabhakar and Janaki Pathak in pivotal roles. With its fresh concept and engaging storytelling, ‘Zombivli’ offers an entertaining mix of scares and laughter.
Marathi comedy-horror films have a rich legacy that deserves to thrive. With innovative storytelling, advanced production techniques, and fresh narratives, the genre has the potential to captivate audiences once again. A revival is not just possible—it’s essential. By blending humour with spine-chilling moments, these films can offer an entertaining experience that appeals to both horror and comedy lovers alike.