Ultra Jhakaas OTT is marking World Theatre Day with the return of its theatre IP ‘Teesri Ghanta, Punha Ekda’, bringing a curated selection of Marathi plays to digital audiences. The new edition goes live on March 27, featuring over 25 nataks, taking the platform’s total theatre library to more than 75 plays.

According to a press release issued by Ultra Jhakaas OTT, the initiative aims to recreate the essence of Marathi theatre for modern viewers, drawing from the cultural significance of the “third bell” — a moment that traditionally signals the beginning of a live performance and the shared experience between actors and audiences.

For decades, Marathi theatre has held a unique place in India’s cultural landscape, known for reflecting everyday life with honesty, humour and emotional depth. Long before multiplexes and streaming platforms, touring theatre circuits of the 80s and 90s carried these stories across Maharashtra, building a loyal audience base. Plays such as ‘Ithe Latakala Shyam’ and ‘Hya Nari Jhalyach Na Bhari’ became widely popular, running hundreds of shows and turning performers into household names.

This period also shaped a distinctive style of comedy rooted in strong characters and situational humour, popularised by legends like Vijay Chavan, whose performances echoed the spirit of iconic stage productions such as ‘Moruchi Mavshi’.

The latest edition of ‘Teesri Ghanta, Punha Ekda’ brings together a mix of classics and audience favourites, including ‘Shrimant Damodar Pant’, ‘Yada Kadachit 1 & 2’, ‘Jau Bai Jorat’, ‘Buva Tithe Baaya’, ‘Gopala Re Gopala’ and ‘Father Majha Godfather’, along with touring hits like ‘Navra Mhanu Naye Aapla’ and ‘Chor Chor Chalit Chor’. The showcase also reflects the diversity of Marathi storytelling, with regional narratives like ‘Dhumshan’ capturing the flavour of Konkan and Malvani culture.

Comedy continues to remain a strong pillar, with titles such as ‘Mr. Khote Khara Bola’, ‘Bol Bachchan’ and ‘Detective The Great Changu Mangu’, while family-oriented plays like ‘Sasu Varchad Jawai’, ‘Majha Pati Karodpati’ and ‘Aamchya Ya Gharat’ explore relationships and middle-class aspirations. Adding emotional depth, plays such as ‘Adhantar’, ‘Manomani’ and ‘Nishpaap’ delve into complex human dynamics, while ‘Yuge Yuge Kaliyuge’ offers social commentary.

The collection also traces the journey of artists who transitioned from stage to screen. ‘Gopala Re Gopala’, featuring Ankush Chaudhary, reflects his early theatre work before his rise in Marathi cinema. Audiences can also revisit performances by well-known names such as Pradip Patwardhan, Prasad Oak, Atul Parchure, Mohan Joshi and Sayaji Shinde, among others.

Beyond this showcase, the platform continues to build a digital archive of Marathi theatre, drawing from the archives of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group. With a growing catalogue, it aims to preserve and reintroduce this cultural legacy to newer audiences.

Commenting on the initiative, Sushilkumar Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, said the effort is not just about preservation but also about reconnecting younger generations with Marathi Rangbhoomi through accessible digital formats.

With a library spanning over 4,000 hours across 1,500 titles, including films, originals and theatre content, Ultra Jhakaas OTT continues to strengthen its position as a destination for regional storytelling. As the third bell rings once again, the platform invites audiences to experience the timeless charm of Marathi theatre from anywhere in the world.