Director's Note
When I was asked to narrate a script that’s original, something that I would be proud of, something that may not be ‘safe’ and something that I genuinely wanted to create… the only story which came immediately was ‘Ek Marathi Manus’. I had narrated the story without having written even one word of it and was asked to submit the one-liner the same week.

I wrote the story overnight…and realized that we have woken up a…well…a monster, so as to say. One that would consume us for the next year almost, one that would stretch us till the maximum of our ability and one that would want more from us, of us.

After writing a couple of scripts for other directors, and saying no to offers to make quick copies of ordinary films I met these producers/financiers who wanted to genuinely make a film. I at first didn’t believe that such a clan existed still, but later found out that I was wrong. Morpheus Media backed me on this ambitious venture totally.

Before even the budget was made out, we had a team in place which definitely cannot be got again. Prasanna (more than EP) was the first to be on board, after Shirish. Anna got with him experience and discipline, more than I had ever experienced. Then came Dilip (more than ART DESIGN), whom we met casually in barista. And he came with ideas which seemed impossible to create in the budget and time allotted, but soon showed us that the ‘more’ in his surname was actually meant in English, with his abilities. Then was Rahul (ideas, advice, fun, daring and yes…MUSIC). He was the one who made us believe that we are as good as we imagined ourselves to be, by getting Shankar and Ashabai and setting a mark. Now followed Baylon (creating visuals with SOUND) and Deepa and Subodh (putting in to shape what we shot). They brought technique, style, glamour and a whole new dimension to the team. Shirish, Gauri, Tushar were always a part of the team and I gave commitments and promises, knowing that they would deliver. Ravi and Deepak added words to the visuals and made the silence also speak. Milind, Anand, Ranjeet, Ganesh, Parag, Nitin…some new additions and some old warhorses made the team formidable by filling in and covering whatever base that may have been left out.

The budget was then made out and approved in a few minutes by MMV. Their support made us approach and sign new talents like Sarang, Radhika and Odya, as he is called. Suhasini Mulay, Satish Pulekar, Suhas Palshikar, Achyut Potdar, Ameeta Khopkar and Ramesh Vani brought the colour, flavor and got the essence of the film out.

My family once again supported me, through this trial. My health did not. Mother and wife (Sheetal, though a tough nut) nursed me and brother took care of the rest. Well, what can I say…nothing is possible without them, ever. Everything for them, with them, because of them.

Now, standing, almost 8 months since this ‘mission’ started, I reflect on the past and look towards the future…seeing all the ‘Manus’ within each one of us stand up to be counted…and I thank god for making us so.

More on the film and website to follow.
- Jatin Satish Wagle.