Nagpur-born storyteller Chhatrapal Anand Ninawe has recently brought cinematic recognition to the Vidarbha region, clinching the Filmfare Marathi Award for Best Story for his acclaimed movie, ‘Ghhath’. This marks a significant milestone for Ninawe, whose film bravely portrays the jungles of Vidarbha in a light never seen before on screen. Ninawe’s journey to this prestigious award is as compelling as his storytelling. After schooling at C P & Berar High School and Shivaji Science, he pursued engineering at Priyadarshini College of Engineering, followed by an MBA in Ahmedabad.

 

However, it was there that his true calling for film-making crystallised. He returned to Nagpur, immersing himself in the craft by self-studying from film-making books imported from the USA and even shooting his own short film, ‘Check of Death’. His ambition then led him to Mumbai, where he sought practical experience within the industry. Inspired by Robert Rodriguez’s low-budget success with ‘El Mariachi’, Ninawe resolved to create his own impactful, cost-effective cinema. He returned to Nagpur, collaborating with friends Anurag Kulkarni, Adil Mohammed, and Prashant Shende to produce the short film ‘Dwand’ for a modest Rs 10 lakh. The film even garnered appreciation from renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. The path to ‘Ghhath’ began when Ninawe shot a short trailer in the Vidarbha jungles, catching the eye of Drishyam Films, who went on to produce the feature. ‘Ghhath’ achieved international acclaim, being showcased at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. Despite his success, Ninawe remains grounded, emphasising that a filmmaker’s vision and experience are paramount, though formal training can certainly expand industry connections.

 

He passionately believes in the untapped potential for authentic stories rooted in Vidarbha, moving beyond common stereotypes. Ninawe’s message to aspiring filmmakers from the region is clear: “Make [sic] keep the stories authentic and rooted in experiences”. He underscores the critical role of local audiences, stating, “Until and unless the viewers in Vidarbha give a positive response to the Marathi movies, there will be little scope for movies based on Vidarbha.” Ninawe’s next project, currently in writing phase, promises to delve into teenage love and student politics within Nagpur colleges during the 90s, showcasing the rich, unexplored narratives of his home region.