Women Power Takes the Lead in Marathi Cinema with ‘Lagna Ani Barach Kahi’

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

Whether it’s the political or social landscape, conversations about women’s empowerment are everywhere today. Big slogans are raised, but the truth about how much real work is being done in this direction is not hidden from anyone. However, Indian cinema has always valued women—not through slogans, but through storytelling. Legendary filmmaker B.R. Chopra portrayed women as strong and dignified in almost all his films. Now, filmmaker Vedanti Dani has taken a remarkable step forward for women’s empowerment with her Marathi film Lagna Ani Barach Kah whose muhurat (inaugural ceremony) took place on the occasion of Dussehra.

Read also: FICCI Frames 2025: Anil Kapoor and Pratik Gandhi Meet Kapil Mishra at Star-Studded Event

All Women Film: Pooja Sawant Leads India’s First Fully Female Crew

The most remarkable aspect of this film is that it is made entirely by women—from the cast to every department of production. Yes, you read that right! All technicians and artists involved are women. The film is produced by Dr. Sanjana Suresh Pai and Anjali Nanjkar, written by Yashashree Masurkar, with Smita Nirmal as the cinematographer, Vaishali Samant as the music composer, Bhakti Mayalu as the editor, Sumati Shetty as the PRO, Mugdha Kulkarni as the production designer, Supriya Shinde handling beauty and styling, and Ashmiki Tikekar managing digital marketing. The leading roles are played by Pooja Sawant and Sharmila Rajaram Shinde. 

Read also:Sunjay Kapur Will Controversy: Karisma’s Son’s Name Mistaken in Papers

The film explores the delicate emotions, experiences, dreams, and struggles of women. After marriage, a woman’s life doesn’t just open doors to new responsibilities—it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with changing relationships, new family dynamics, and evolving aspirations. Through ‘Lagna Ani Barach Kahi’, Vedanti Dani aims to bring these layers of a woman’s journey to the screen.

Read also: Thamma Song Poison Baby Launch: Ayushmann & Rashmika Set Mumbai on Fire!

Director Vedanti Dani needs no formal introduction. A graduate in Film Production and Direction from Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, she grew up in several towns across Maharashtra, which gave her a deep understanding of local cultures and landscapes—one of which comes alive in this film.

Vedanti’s Filmmaker Journey: From Child Actor to Storyteller Behind the Camera

Vedanti inherited an artistic environment. Both her parents were involved in theatre, and she grew up watching them perform on stage. “Watching my parents rehearse and transform into different characters was magical,” she recalls. “I was just two and a half years old when I first stood on stage. But my real acting experience came unexpectedly. During a rehearsal, I innocently said something silly, and the playwright found it funny enough to add a small role for me! I was barely five, but that moment changed everything. My parents realized I had a natural inclination toward performing arts. Later, we moved to Mumbai—a life-changing decision inspired by my interest in acting. But once there, I focused more on my studies. My parents continued theatre, and understanding my passion, my mother enrolled me in a filmmaking course. For the first time, I saw the world behind the camera—and it was eye-opening. That intense film workshop made me realize that acting wasn’t my true calling. I discovered I loved being behind the camera more than in front of it. Thankfully, I turned toward storytelling, directing, and production instead.”

Read also: Dolly Javed Opens Up on Chhoriyan Chali Gaon: Anita Is Like a Motherly Figure to Me

Over the last seven years, Vedanti has directed 32 short films, some of which have been widely acclaimed—
Ghalin Lotangan (3 minutes/long take/Special Mention at MAMI 2015)
Raakh (11 minutes/Diploma film/Best Screenplay, 2016)
Inkblot (60 minutes/Horror film/Premiered at Jaipur International Film Festival 2017).

Scheduled for release in theatres on International Women’s Day 2026, Lagna Ani Barach Kahiis set to be a celebration of women’s creativity, strength, and spirit. The film promises to make history in Marathi cinema as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment—both on-screen and behind the camera.

Lagna Ani Barach Kahi release date | Women-centric Marathi film | Vedanthi Dani director profile | Pooja Sawant starring role | Sharmila Rajaram Shinde cast | Narrative writer Yashashri Masurkar | Music by Vaishali Samanat

Translated By Priyanka Yadav