Zee Talkies, a leading Marathi movie channel, has announced the launch of the second edition of ‘Talkies Kathayan Chashak,’ a contest aimed at empowering aspiring screenplay writers in Maharashtra.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2021, which saw 800 entries from talented writers across the state, this year’s contest aims to further engage and elevate the local storytelling community.

The contest is open to all individuals aged 18 and above, with no registration or participation fees. Participants are encouraged to submit their creative entries in Marathi, spanning a wide range of genres, including comedy, horror, family drama, romance, motivational stories, devotion, and children’s stories.

The deadline for submissions is set for October 15, 2024. Winners will be announced during the on-ground award ceremony of ‘Maharashtracha Favorite Kon? 2024’ in January 2025. The winner will receive a cash prize and an opportunity to make their debut as a screenplay writer with Zee Studios or Zee Talkies, offering a significant platform for creative talent across the region.

Bavesh Janavlekar, Business Head – Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, Zee Chitramandir, and Zee Studios Marathi, highlighted the channel’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent. He stated, “We want to give an opportunity to every aspiring storyteller. We intend to reach the smallest towns of Maharashtra, where a storyteller resides, and help them tell their story through us. Talent resides in every part, and Zee Talkies gives creative people that opportunity through this initiative. This contest aims to draw out many creative writers who haven’t yet had their break, providing a unique chance to see their stories turned into films.”

Zee Talkies is known for its consumer-centric initiatives and has produced eight original films with direct-to-satellite releases, each of which has received high ratings during its premiere. Following the success of the first ‘Talkies Kathayan Chashak,’ Zee Talkies is looking forward to a larger number of submissions this year, demonstrating the rich pool of storytelling talent in Maharashtra.

The ‘Talkies Kathayan Chashak’ initiative reinforces Zee Talkies‘ mission to scout, promote, and celebrate fresh talent, offering aspiring writers a valuable platform to showcase their storytelling skills. With high expectations for the contest, Zee Talkies hopes to celebrate creativity and cultural expression by discovering new voices from across the state.
By offering this opportunity, Zee Talkies aims to continue its tradition of fostering local talent and enriching Marathi cinema with new and diverse stories.