Maharashtrian middle-class is being victimised by outsiders: Mahesh Manjrekar

Says filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar in a no-holds-barred interview with Vivek Sabnis. Manjrekar's Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosle Boltoy, which is believed to have some subtle overtones of the theory that's been propagated by Shiv Sena and MNS, is expected to hit cinema halls tomorrow

Noted Bollywood filmmaker and actor Mahesh Manjrekar's Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosle Boltoy, which is expected to release tomorrow in around 170 cinema halls across the state, can ruffle some feathers. That's because a few political parties feel that the film may have subtle political overtones of the theory that's been propagated by Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in the state.

Denying the assertion, Manjrekar said, "Especially when the Lok Sabha elections are approaching, I would like to make it clear that the film doesn't promote any political party. Manjrekar, who's not only the scriptwriter of the film, but also plays the lead role of Shivaji, speaks to MiD DAY about the film and the controversies surrounding it.
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What's your take on the hullabaloo about the Marathi manoos and outsiders?
I strongly feel that the Maharashtrian middle-class is being victimised by outsiders. The situation is worse in Mumbai, where a Maharashtrian feels like being cornered. Mumbai is the economic capital of India but the despair amongst the middle-class is growing.
The situation is somewhat similar in Pune and Nashik where the Maharashtrians are made to feel inferior.u00a0

You have planned to release the film amidst general elections.u00a0
The film was due for release in January but we had to postpone it following some budgeting and marketing troubles. Though the film is being released at the time when elections are approaching, let me make it very clear again that the film does not propagate the ideology of any political party.

But you had called Raj Thackeray for the music release of the film.u00a0
This does not mean that I am tackling the issue of the Marathi manoos the way Raj is. I had also invited Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Uddhav Thackeray to some other functions. I think Marathi and Maharashtrians have a wider outlook than any other political belief.
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Does the film make any comment on the present political scenario in the state? And does Shivaji have any relevance with today's democratic set up?
Like Shivaji, even I'm proud to be a Maharashtrian. I have depicted Shivaji's thought that works like a conscience in the film. His thoughts, which I tried to put forth in this film, are not an agenda for any political party. Besides, this film makes some valid comments on today's democratic set-up and the right to vote.
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Will the film be released by any political bigwig?
So far I haven't invited any political leader for its premiere. Also, I intend to hold its premieres on a large scale in Pune and Mumbai for which the entire cast and crew of the film will be present.

About the film
Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosle Boltoy is a fictional film and highlights the plight of a Marathi manoos, who is being troubled by outsiders. That's when Chhatrapati Shivaji makes an appearance to boost the waning spirit of a Maharashtrian