Besides backing several hit Bollywood films, PEN India LTD has also been proficient in backing regional cinema in the country. After backing Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Gujarati films, PEN chairman Jayantilal Gada and his sons – Dhaval and Akkshay – are set to venture into Marathi cinema.
Titled Maaza Agadbam, the film is a sequel to Agadbam, starring Trupti Bhoir. Asked what encouraged them to set foot in Marathi films and Jayantilal Gada says, “After collaborating with regional filmmakers from the South, we decided to back our mother tongue, Gujarati. We are always looking for opportunities to associate with big films. And considering Marathi cinema has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years, it was only wise to explore that side of Indian cinema. When this film came to us, we immediately got on board as its first part, Agadbam, did well at the box office. Also, the film is backed by a popular house and has huge production value.”
The next three months are packed for PEN, considering they have four back-to-back releases — Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se (August 31), Helicopter Eela (October 12), Namaste England (October 19) and Majha Agadbam (October 26). “For us, Bollywood or regional doesn’t matter. What matters is a film’s content. If the story is good, we don’t mind investing money,” he says, adding that uplifting regional cinema is among PEN’s many objectives as a filmmaking company.
Collaborating with Trupti Bhoir is a delight for Gada. She not only plays the protagonist in Maaza Agadbam, but has also directed and produced the project. “She is an all-rounder. Agadbam released eight years ago, but it continues to be fresh in viewers’ minds. Working with her was a delight. The film was shot in Mumbai and the storyline revolves around an obese woman,” Jayantilal Gada signs off.
