Ravi Jadhav returns to lavani with 'Phulwara', in cinemas January 14, 2027

The sound of ghungroos, the beat of the dholki and the flavour of authentic Marathi soil, this is what defines lavani. The film 'Natarang', released 16 years ago, had captivated the whole of Maharashtra. Audiences have not forgotten that film's Guna or its lavani to this day. Now, after just as many years, the same pairing, Zee Studios and director Ravi Jadhav, are bringing another film on lavani, titled 'Phulwara'.

The film's team has now announced its release date. 'Phulwara' will arrive in cinemas on Makar Sankranti, that is, January 14, 2027. The film is being released to coincide with the auspicious occasion of Sankranti. Along with the announcement, a poster has also been released, showing a mask of the goddess Ambabai on a worship platter. The poster carries the line: seek the blessing of Aai Ambabai and give strength to authentic Marathi lavani. This single line indicates the film's subject, that is, authentic Marathi lavani. However, the story and the cast remain a secret for now.

The film's music has been composed by the duo Harsh-Vijay, known for 'The Folk Aakhyan', who are making a strong name for themselves in folk music these days and have a good grasp of folk art. The story, screenplay, dialogues and songs have also been written by Ishwar Tarabai Andhare, the writer of 'The Folk Aakhyan'. The film will bring together a new generation trained in the study of folk art on one hand, and Ravi Jadhav's long experience on the other. It is being said that the film will not just show lavani dance but also the culture and tradition behind it, and how lavani has changed over the present era.

Speaking about the film, Ravi Jadhav said, "Making a film on tamasha again, 16 years after Natarang, truly takes courage, because tamasha is the soul of Maharashtra's folk art, and lavani is the queen of that folk art. Making a film on such a great tradition is a huge responsibility, and it is with that responsibility in mind that we have made Phulwara." He further said, "Natarang's story was set in the 1970s, while Phulwara's story is set in 2015. In these 50-55 years, tamasha has changed a great deal, but even today tamasha artistes are struggling to preserve their authentic Marathi art form. Their struggle and sacrifice for this are immense. We hope people will give as much love to our Phulwara as they gave to Natarang."

Zee Studios' Bavesh Janavlekar said, "We are very happy that this combination of Zee Studios, Ravi Jadhav and lavani is coming together again. We have been excited about this film ever since we heard the story. We are confident that the new year will begin well with Phulwara. Audiences will get to see the true style of lavani." Phulwara will now knock on cinema doors on January 14, 2027. It will be interesting to see whether Phulwara can leave the same mark that Natarang once did.