Mahesh Kothare

Mahesh Kothare (Marathi pronunciation: [məɦeːʃ koʈʰaːɾe], born 28 September 1953), is an Indian actor, director, producer, and screenwriter widely regarded as a revolutionary figure in Marathi cinema. He began his career as a child actor in Hindi films during the 1960s, appearing in classics such as Raja Aur Runk, Chhota Bhai, and Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani. In the mid-1980s Kothare became a pioneering filmmaker in Marathi cinema, introducing several technological innovations such as Dolby Digital sound and 3D formats. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has received numerous accolades, including the Maharashtra State Film Award and the National Film Award for Best Children's Film.

Kothare made his directorial debut with Dhum Dhadaka (1985), a box-office hit that set the tone for his signature style—mixing comedy, fantasy, and action. He followed it with successful films like Thartharat (1989), De Danadan (1987), Dhadakebaaz (1990), and Zapatlela (1993), which introduced the iconic villain Tatya Vinchu, a ventriloquist’s dummy that became a cultural phenomenon. His sequel Zapatlela 2 (2013) was the first Marathi film shot in 3D. Kothare is credited with pioneering several technological advancements in Marathi cinema, including the use of CinemaScope (Dhadakebaaz), Dolby Digital sound (Chimani Pakhar), and 3D filmmaking (Zapatlela 2). These innovations elevated the production standards of regional films and expanded their audience reach.

Over his career, Kothare has received numerous accolades, including the Maharashtra State Film Award and the National Film Award for Best Children's Film for Chimani Pakhar (2003). He is founder of Kothare Vision, a production company primarily focused on creating mythological television series. Kothare published autobiography Damn It Ani Barach Kahi in 2023.