MUMBAI: Reliance ADAG’s film production arm BIG Pictures has launched its first Marathi film Samaantar, which is co-directed by Amol Palekar and his wife Sandhya Gokhle.

The film, which is currently under production, revolves around a man-woman relationship. It stars Palekar, Sharmila Tagore, Makrand Deshpande, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Kishore Kadam, Aishwarya Narkar and Radhika Apte.
 
With Samaantar, Palekar returns to acting in a full fledged role after 22 years. His last film was Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Khamosh in 1986. However, he did make a brief appearance in Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra’s Aks.

Post the national award for his English feature film, Quest, Samaantar marks Amol Palekar’s 12th directorial venture. The film has been shot in Pune and Kolkata. Palekar, said, "I feel fortunate with Big Pictures acquiring Samaantar, the film will be promoted and released in a deserving manner."

Commenting on Big Pictures entry into Marathi films, Reliance Big Entertainment president Rajesh Sawhney said, "Cinema speaks a global language; a good film holds no language barrier. We are producing regional films in several languages. Considering the contribution of Marathi cinema, its exceptional performers and the audience response, we felt compelled to be a part of the Marathi film industry. We are proud to bring to audiences ‘Samaantar’, directed by legendary Amol Palekar, coupled with exceptional performances, great music and a heart wrenching story."

Tagore adds, "I was quite apprehensive about speaking Marathi dialogues, but Amol relaxed me all through. I enjoyed performing every scene."