MUMBAI: After 11 years of service with Zee, Nikhil Sane has joined Viacom18 Motion Pictures. Sane has been appointed as the business head to lead its enhanced focus in Marathi cinema. He will report to Viacom18 Motion Pictures COO Ajit Andhare.
Andhare said, “Viacom18 Motion Pictures is the only studio that operates in all the three Hindi, Hollywood & Regional segments. Our success in Hindi & Hollywood is well established. Our endeavour is to make a similar impact in regional cinema. As a first step we are going after Marathi Cinema which has tremendous potential & clear synergy with our broadcast business. Nikhil with his keen understanding of this market will be an asset to spearhead our move.”
In 2006, Sane joined Zee Marathi and Zee Talkies as the programming head, and was later elevated as the business head of the channels. In 2013, Zee promoted Sane as the head of Marathi film division as Essel Vision.
Sane’s producer credits have some of the Marathi industry’s most commercially successful films which includes the biggest box office grosser in Marathi cinema ever - ‘Sairat’. The other prominent films include Natsamrat, Lai Bhaari, Time Pass, Katyar Kaljat Ghusli & Duniyadari and critically-acclaimed award winning films such as Natarang, Fandry, Killa & Elizabeth Ekadashi. During his career spanning 18 years, Sane has contributed immensely to the notable growth of the Marathi entertainment genre by bringing innovative content that has carved a niche for Marathi TV and cinema in the regional space.
Speaking about the new position, Nikhil Sane said, “Marathi film industry is going through an amazing phase of resurgence and evolution. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best talent in the industry. With Viacom18, I intend to combine the strength of the organisation’s experience in the Hindi & English film industries with the remarkable strength of the Marathi film industry in storytelling and experimentation. I look forward to channelising my best efforts and strengths into taking the next big leap in Marathi cinema.”
