Mumbai, January 7, 2026 – The Marathi film “Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam,” directed by Hemant Dhome, has emerged as a box office success story in the early days of 2026. Released on January 1, the movie posted a healthy extended opening weekend total of ₹3.90 crore across 265 cinemas, despite facing competition from other Marathi releases like “Dhurandhar” and several Hindi films. The breakdown shows Thursday earnings of ₹78 lakh, Friday ₹48 lakh, Saturday ₹1.10 crore, and Sunday ₹1.54 crore. Industry observers note a solid hold on weekdays, with expectations of a significant jump in collections during the second weekend.
The film centers on a struggling Marathi-medium school threatened with closure due to dwindling student numbers and societal preference for English-medium education. It follows the principal, played by Sachin Khedekar, who harbors a deep passion for the institution, alongside former students and teachers who rally to save it. Key cast members include Amey Wagh, Prajakta Koli, Siddharth Chandekar, and Siddharth Chirputkar, with Jitendra Joshi in a cameo as an education minister. The narrative blends nostalgia for school days with a poignant commentary on the challenges facing Marathi language and culture in modern society.
Critics have praised the movie for its heartfelt emotional moments and grounded direction, calling it an eye-opener for parents and a battle cry to preserve Marathi schools. While some reviews point out a didactic tone and uneven pacing in the first half, the second half’s strong climax and overall message have resonated widely. Audience feedback echoes this sentiment, with viewers highlighting the nostalgic throwback to simpler times, over-the-top yet charming acting, and the film’s ability to evoke laughter, silence in key scenes, and deep reflection on language pride.
This success marks a promising start for the Marathi film industry in 2026, following a slowdown in previous releases. Director Hemant Dhome’s effort has been lauded for reigniting interest in regional cinema, encouraging parents to consider Marathi-medium education and prompting discussions on cultural preservation. With packed houses reported and positive word-of-mouth spreading, the film is poised to inspire more such stories that celebrate Maharashtra’s heritage.