MUMBAI: Mahesh Manjrekar, in association with Pune-based realtor Aniruddha Deshpande, has formed a new company. Named Great Maratha Entertainment LLP, it will produce and market films and TV serials in Marathi.

"We wish to make Marathi films that will give returns on investments rather than try to get financial support from the State Government. Over 100 Marathi films are released every year. However, only few of them are able to recover the investment. We wish to change this scenario," observed Deshpande.

Averred Manjrekar, "Though Marathi cinema has explored diverse subjects, it is far from the standards of Bollywood. Probably that is why it still does not enjoy patronage of teenagers and youngsters. Systematic channelisation of investments in Marathi films for having good production values, use of latest technology and intelligent marketing will bring up the overall standard of the Marathi films and will help capture audiences."

The new company is ready with four films scheduled for release over the next six months. The company, which is also adapting the cult Marathi play Natasamrat in a film form, has plans to release around eight films a year.

The company is also planning to set up a modern studio soon and is looking for space between Pune and Lonavala.

While Manjrekar has written, directed and acted in a host of Marathi and Hindi films, Deshpande is the managing director of City Corporation Ltd, a Pune-based real estate company.