‘Courage’ Must Reach More People, Says Actress Sanskruti Balgude at Special Felicitation Event in Pune

Pune, April 10: The Marathi film industry took a proud leap onto the global stage as ‘Courage’, a feature film based on a true story, was recently screened at the prestigious Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles. Speaking at a special felicitation event organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal, lead actress Sanskruti Balgude passionately emphasized the importance of taking meaningful cinema to wider audiences.

“Everyone faces sorrow in life, but how we face it defines us. ‘Courage’ conveys this powerful message and deserves to reach as many people as possible,” said Balgude in a heartfelt on-stage interview conducted by writer-critic Raj Kazi.

Marathi Talent Goes Global Through ‘Courage’

The film ‘Courage’, though produced in English, is the brainchild of Marathi creators — including producers, directors, and actors — marking a proud moment for the regional industry. Highlighting the significance of this achievement, Sanskruti Balgude said, “The global recognition being given to a film made by Marathi artists in English proves that we can break language barriers while staying rooted in our identity.”

The exclusive screening of ‘Courage’ at Warner Bros. Studios—one of the most iconic names in world cinema—has become a milestone not just for the film itself but for the entire Marathi film fraternity.

A Real-Life Story of Love and Sacrifice

The movie narrates the emotional and inspiring journey of Rajarani Sharma, a woman who courageously donated her kidney to save her husband’s life. According to Balgude, the film combines the emotional depth of a heart-warming love story with the realism of a socially relevant issue, striking a balance that has resonated with international film festival audiences.

“It’s not just a story of medical sacrifice, it’s about the inner strength that every individual holds. The journey shown in ‘Courage’ is as much spiritual as it is emotional,” Balgude shared during the interaction.

Honouring Excellence: Mahamandal’s Role

The felicitation ceremony held in Pune by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal was attended by dignitaries from the film fraternity. Meghraj Rajebhosale, President of the Mahamandal, expressed immense pride in the success of the film and Sanskruti Balgude’s performance.

“At the Mahamandal, we are committed to supporting new ideas and fresh talent. ‘Courage’ proves that Marathi filmmakers, artists, and technicians are capable of creating cinema of international standards. Sanskruti is one of Pune’s own, and it is our duty to encourage and recognize her contribution,” he said.

The Mahamandal, known for consistently uplifting regional cinema through innovative initiatives, has been at the forefront of promoting films that dare to break the mold and connect with global audiences.

A Growing Footprint on the Global Festival Circuit

While ‘Courage’ has already made waves with its Warner Bros. screening, the film is also touring various international film festivals, where it is receiving rave reviews and enthusiastic audience responses. This growing appreciation signals a positive shift for regional Indian cinema that is stepping onto global platforms without losing its soul.

Sanskruti Balgude noted that the support from audiences across countries has been both humbling and motivating. “When people from different cultures connect emotionally with a story rooted in our reality, that’s when cinema becomes truly universal,” she said.

A Turning Point for Marathi Cinema

The success of ‘Courage’ signifies more than just a film’s journey — it marks a turning point for Marathi cinema’s global relevance. It shows that stories rooted in truth, told with sincerity, can transcend boundaries of language and geography.

As the audience applauded the interaction, one thing became clear — Courage is more than just a film. It’s a movement. A powerful reminder that cinema can heal, inspire, and unite, regardless of where it’s made or in what language it’s spoken.