In a monumental moment for Indian regional cinema on the global map, the French Riviera witnessed a powerful display of Marathi pride as the iconic state anthem, “Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza”, echoed through the Bharat Pavilion at the ongoing 79th Cannes Film Festival.
The anthem was proudly played during the grand international unveiling of Abhijat Marathi OTT, a brand-new digital ecosystem exclusively dedicated to Marathi cinema, heritage, and entertainment. The video of the attendees standing in solemn pride as the song played immediately went viral, sending waves of goosebumps across social media.
The launch comes as a timely celebration following the Government of India officially granting Marathi the status of a Classical Language—a monumental recognition of its centuries-old literary, artistic, and cultural legacy.
Led by Kedar Narahar Joshi, Founder and Owner of Abhijat Marathi OTT, the high-profile launch was attended by an elite delegation of Marathi film industry veterans and popular personalities. Legendary actors Ashok Saraf and Nivedita Saraf, alongside prominent names like Prajakta Mali, Jayanti Waghdhare, and Ankita Walawalkar, were present to witness regional storytelling transition onto an international platform.
Abhijat Marathi OTT is envisioned as a holistic platform that bridges tradition and technology. Its content catalog is set to feature:
- Premium Marathi films and original web series.
- Dedicated streams for regional devotion, lifestyle, and infotainment.
- Innovative, next-generation AI-led digital storytelling.
Speaking at the launch, founder Kedar Joshi expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for paving the way for regional language promotion. “The unveiling of Abhijat Marathi at Cannes 2026 is a proud moment for Marathi cinema and culture. Through this platform, we hope to take authentic Marathi storytelling and unmatched local talent to global audiences,” Joshi stated in a press release.
As the prestigious festival continues, the resounding presence of the Marathi film fraternity at Cannes stands as a testament to the rising global demand for authentic, rooted Indian narratives.