In a coincidence of sorts, two Marathi films by two former classmates were screened as the opening films of the Indian panorama section of the 34th International Film Festival of India in New Delhi on October 11.

Calling it a "significant day for Marathi cinema," Amol Palekar, whose period saga Anaahat was shown along with Narayan Gangaram Surve, a documentary made by his schoolmate Arun Khopkar, said Marathi films rarely get this kind of recognition.

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"It is not very often that Marathi films get this kind of spotlight. May be a new day will soon dawn for Marathi cinema," said Palekar, whose Anaahat is set in 10th century B C in the Malla kingdom and deals with the issue of Niyoga -- the selection of a mate whose task it is to impregnate a married woman whose husband is incapable of fathering a child.

Anaahat, which has already released in Maharashtra, stars Anant Nag, Sonali Bendre and Deepti Naval in the lead roles and was shot in 18 days flat. "The film may be set in 10th century BC, but it deals with issues -- of a woman's sexuality and impotency -- that are relevant even today," he added.

The Indian panorama section was inaugurated by the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ravi Shankar Prasad. He appealed to private television channels to show films presented in this section and provide them with audience.

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