YouTuber and actress Prajakta Koli is thrilled to be making her debut in Marathi cinema with the film Krantihoti Vidya Marathi Mahyam. For Prajakta, this project feels like a true return to her cultural roots. She expressed, “It definitely is like coming back to my roots. Marathi is my mother tongue, it’s the language I speak at home. I had always wanted to do a Marathi film but was waiting for something that felt secure, safe and exciting.”
Prajakta credits the internet’s ability to break down language barriers as a key factor in her decision. “The reach of content today is incredible. Stories in every language are now accessible across states and even countries, and that’s great for creators. The soul of our film is universal—it will resonate with audiences everywhere,” she explained.
The 32-year-old actress also highlighted the audience’s role in the growth of regional cinema. “They are consuming more regional content, sharing it and talking about it, which encourages producers, directors and writers to invest further. A lot of credit goes to the audience for this trend,” she noted.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Prajakta mentioned her transition from her YouTube career, which began around six years ago, to acting in 2019 with Mismatched. She feels this Marathi film has arrived at the perfect moment in her burgeoning acting career. “I stepped out of my YouTube universe six years ago and started acting in 2019 with Mismatched. So I’m still fairly new, still learning. This film has come at the perfect time.”
The experience of filming in Marathi provided Prajakta with a unique sense of belonging. “Usually on sets, I look for fellow Maharashtrians to chat with in Marathi. This time, everyone spoke the language—it instantly felt like home,” she recalled. She also shared her appreciation for the film’s portrayal of women, stating, “One of the reasons I was excited to work on this film was of how the makers and their vision to show portray female characters—progressive, equal and relatable. After watching First Class Jabbaade, I even told them that if she ever made another film, I’d love to audition. That’s how this opportunity came to me. So, I do feel opportunities for women are getting better.”