Chalchitra Mandalee

Chalchitra Mandalee
TypePrivate
IndustryEntertainment
Founded2021 (2021)
FounderKshitee Jog
Hemant Dhome
Headquarters
Mumbai
,
India
ProductsFilms

Chalchitra Mandalee (also styled as Chalchitra Company) is an Indian film production company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, founded by actress-producer Kshitee Jog and her husband, filmmaker Hemant Dhome.[1] The banner operates primarily in Marathi-language cinema and is known for producing family dramas and ensemble comedies that centre on themes of relationships, cultural identity, and women's empowerment. Since its first production in 2021, Chalchitra Mandalee has emerged as one of the notable independent production houses in contemporary Marathi cinema.[2]

Background

The name Chalchitra Mandalee is a Marathi phrase roughly meaning "film circle" or "cinema ensemble," reflecting the founders' commitment to collaborative, ensemble-driven storytelling rooted in Marathi culture.[3]

History

Chalchitra Mandalee was founded by actor-producer Kshitee Jog and actor-director-writer Hemant Dhome as a platform for their collaborative work.[4]

In early 2021, the company announced its maiden production, Jhimma, though its release date remained uncertain due to government-imposed 50 percent occupancy restrictions in cinema halls following the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[5][6] The film had completed principal photography in mid-2019 in London and was among the early Marathi films to be extensively shot there.[7][8] Originally scheduled for release in April 2021, Jhimma was postponed because of the second wave of the pandemic and eventually premiered on 19 November 2021.[9][10][11] Despite the uncertainty surrounding theatrical exhibition, the film emerged as a major commercial success, running for over 100 days in cinemas and grossing ₹15.7 crore worldwide against a reported budget of around ₹3 crore.[12][13]It became one of the highest-grossing Marathi films of the year and received widespread critical acclaim.[14] At the 6th Filmfare Awards Marathi, the film received 11 nominations and won four awards, including Best Film.[15] In 2025, it was remade in Gujarati as Umbarro.[16]

Following the success of Jhimma, the company’s second production, Sunny, was released in 2022.[17] Starring Lalit Prabhakar in the title role alongside Chinmay Mandlekar and Jog, the film drew from Dhome’s own experiences of studying abroad, its story follows a privileged young man sent to the United Kingdom for higher studies, where he undergoes a personal transformation.[18][19] Co-produced with Planet Marathi, Creative Vibe Productions, and Crazy Few Films, Sunny was released on 18 November 2022.[20] Although it received positive reviews, its theatrical performance was affected by competition from Drishyam 2 and widespread show cancellations across Maharashtra.[21][22]

On 24 January 2023, Chalchitra Mandalee announced its third production, Jhimma 2, a sequel to Jhimma and the company’s first collaboration with filmmaker Aanand L. Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions, Jio Studios also joined as co-producer.[23] The film reunited much of the original cast while introducing new characters portrayed by Rinku Rajguru and Shivani Surve.[24] Released in November 2023 amid competition from major Hindi releases such as Animal, Sam Bahadur, and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, Jhimma 2 emerged as another commercial success, grossing over ₹14 crore worldwide and becoming the third-highest-grossing Marathi film of the year.[25]

Both Sunny and Jhimma 2 received nominations for Best Film at the 60th and 61st Maharashtra State Film Awards, respectively.[26][27]

The company’s next production, Fussclass Dabhade,was notable for being the first project written solely by Hemant Dhome, without the creative involvement of Irawati Karnik.[28] Announced in September 2024, the film brought together Chalchitra Mandalee, Colour Yellow Productions, and T-Series as co-producers.[29][30] After being postponed from its original Diwali 2024 release window, it was released on 24 January 2025. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews, with praise for its performances and emotional warmth, although some critics noted its lengthy runtime.[31] Commercially, however, it underperformed at the box office.[32]

On Maharashtra Day, 1 May 2025, Chalchitra Mandalee and Colour Yellow Productions announced their third consecutive collaboration with Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam.[33] Written and directed by Dhome, the film explores the decline of Marathi-medium schools in Maharashtra, a subject of cultural and political significance in the state.[34] It marked the Marathi film debut of digital creator Prajakta Koli alongside an ensemble cast.[35] Principal photography took place in Alibaug and was completed by September 2025.[36] Upon release, the film received widespread critical acclaim and strong audience response, grossing ₹32 crore worldwide, with an India net collection of ₹27.35 crore.[37] It became the banner’s highest-grossing production, one of the most profitable Marathi films of 2026, and among the third highest-grossing Marathi film of all time.[38]

Later in 2025, Jog and Dhome announced Jhimma 3 as well as a sequel to Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam.[39][40]

Films produced

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Title Release Date Director Writer Cast Notes Ref.
Jhimma 19 November 2021 Hemant Dhome Irawati Karnik, Hemant Dhome Suhas Joshi, Nirmiti Sawant, Sonalee Kulkarni, Siddharth Chandekar, Kshitee Jog, Suchitra Bandekar, Mrinmayee Godbole, Sayali Sanjeev co-produced by AVK Entertainment and Crazy Few Films [41]
Sunny 18 November 2022 Irawati Karnik, Hemant Dhome Lalit Prabhakar, Kshitee Jog, Chinmay Mandlekar co-produced by Crazy Few Films, Planet Marathi and Creative Vibe [20]
Jhimma 2 24 November 2023 Irawati Karnik, Hemant Dhome Suhas Joshi, Nirmiti Sawant, Siddharth Chandekar, Kshitee Jog, Suchitra Bandekar, Sayali Sanjeev, Shivani Surve, Rinku Rajguru co-produced by Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions [42]
Fussclass Dabhade 24 January 2025 Hemant Dhome Amey Wagh, Siddharth Chandekar, Kshitee Jog co-produced by Colour Yellow Productions and T-Series [43]
Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam 1 January 2026 Hemant Dhome Sachin Khedekar, Amey Wagh, Siddharth Chandekar, Prajakta Koli, Kshitee Jog, Harish Dudhade, Kadambari Kadam, Pushkaraj Chirputkar co-produced by Crazy Few Films [44]

References

  1. ↑ "क्षिती जोग साकारणार नवी भूमिका; 'झिम्मा'च्या माध्यमातून निर्मिती क्षेत्रात प्रवेश - Marathi News | Marathi Actress Kshiti Jog Entering In Production Zimma Is Her First Film As Producer Kpw 89 - Latest Maharashtra News at Loksatta.com". Loksatta (in Marathi). 18 March 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  2. ↑ "'Jhimma 2' to go on floors". Mid-day. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  3. ↑ "अभिनेत्री क्षिती जोगसाठी 'झिम्मा' चित्रपट ठरणार खास; कारण..." Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "actor hemant dhome shared special post for upcoming marathi movie sunny". Loksatta (in Marathi). 17 November 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  5. ↑ "Hemant Dhome: Big releases will bring audience back to cinema halls". The Times of India. 10 February 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "Marathi films affected by COVID-19". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Kambli, Prerna Prasad. "'Jhimma' Team Wraps Up The Shoot In London | SpotboyE". www.spotboye.com. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  8. ↑ Kambli, Prerna Prasad. "These 8 Marathi Films Are Levelling Up With International Shoot Locations | SpotboyE". www.spotboye.com. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  9. ↑ "Hemant Dhome confirms Jhimma's theatrical release". The Times of India. 4 November 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  10. ↑ Jha, Lata (14 November 2021). "Marathi film 'Jhimma' to release in cinemas on 19 November". mint. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  11. ↑ "Hemant Dhome postpones 'Jhimma' release; makes the announcement in a special video". The Times of India. 7 April 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "'Jhimma' team celebrates 100 successful days at the box office; Hemant Dhome express gratitude towards fans". The Times of India. 28 February 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  13. ↑ team, abp majha web (7 January 2022). "'झिम्मा'चे रेकॉर्डब्रेक अर्धशतक! पन्नास दिवसात बॉक्स ऑफिसवर कोट्यवधींची कमाई". ABP Majha (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  14. ↑ "Jhimma review: A must-watch slice-of-life film with excellent performances by its solid ensemble cast". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  15. ↑ "6th Planet Filmfare Marathi Awards 2021: 'Dhurala' to 'Jhimma'; Nominees for the Best Film". The Times of India. 28 March 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  16. ↑ Gaur, Trisha (29 January 2025). "Umbarro Box Office: Is Jhimma Remake Only 1.34 Crore Away To Deliver The Second Gujarati Success Of 2025?". Koimoi. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  17. ↑ "'Sunny' teaser poster! Lalit Prabhakar announces his next with Hemant Dhome". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  18. ↑ "पुणेकरांनी करुन दाखवलं! मराठी सिनेमाबाबत पहिल्यांदाच घडलं असं काही". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  19. ↑ "Hemant Dhome's Next Film Sunny Takes Large Chunks from His Personal Diary | Exclusive". News18. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  20. 1 2 "Lalit Prabhakar starrer 'Sunny' to hit screens on November 18, 2022". The Times of India. 22 August 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  21. ↑ "मराठी प्रेक्षकांसोबत घडतोय संतापजनक प्रकार; हेमंत ढोमे भडकला- 'सिनेमा कसा अन् कधी मोठा होणार?'". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  22. ↑ प्रतिनिधी (21 November 2022). "Marathi Movie: 'मल्टिप्लेक्सवाल्यांना पुन्हा धडा शिकवण्याची वेळ' असं का म्हणाले अमेय खोपकर?". marathi.freepressjournal.in (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  23. ↑ "'झिम्मा'नंतर आता हेमंत ढोमे घेऊन येतोय 'झिम्मा 2': पुन्हा रंगणार आनंदाचा खेळ, खास व्हिडिओ शेअर करत चित्रपटाची घोषणा". Divya Marathi (in Marathi). 24 January 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  24. ↑ "'Jhimma 2': Rinku Rajguru and Shivani Surve to star in Aanand L Rai's Marathi venture". The Times of India. 25 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  25. ↑ "'अ‍ॅनिमल', 'डंकी' ते 'सालार' बॉलीवूडच्या बड्या चित्रपटांना टक्कर देतोय 'झिम्मा २'! हेमंत ढोमे म्हणाला, "हक्काचा प्रेक्षक..."". Loksatta (in Marathi). 21 December 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  26. ↑ Bharat, E. T. V. (27 June 2025). "६१व्या महाराष्ट्र राज्य मराठी चित्रपट पुरस्कारांची नामांकने जाहीर!". ETV Bharat News (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  27. ↑ "साठाव्या राज्य मराठी चित्रपट पुरस्कारांच्या प्राथमिक फेरीची नामांकने घोषित, राज्य शासनातर्फे यावर्षीपासून आंतरराष्ट्रीय दर्जाचा मराठी चित्रपट महोत्सव- Ashish Shelar". Time Maharashtra (in Marathi). 28 January 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  28. ↑ "लोकप्रिय कलाकार, कौटुंबिक गोष्ट अन्...; 'फसक्लास दाभाडे'मध्ये उलगडणार खुळ्या भावंडांची इरसाल स्टोरी, पाहा टीझर". Loksatta (in Marathi). 23 December 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  29. ↑ IANS (5 September 2024). "'Jhimma 2' makers next Marathi film 'Fussclass Dabhade' to release on November 15". IANS News. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  30. ↑ "'माझं आणि क्षितीचं चौथं बाळ...' हेमंत ढोमे झाला भावुक; सोशल मीडियावर शेअर केली खास पोस्ट". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  31. ↑ "बॉलिवूडचे निर्माते, जोरदार प्रमोशन...कसा आहे फसक्लास दाभाडे सिनेमा?". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  32. ↑ narayan, kimaya (5 February 2025). "Fussclass Dabhade : सिनेमाचं प्रोमोशन उत्तम करूनही प्रेक्षकांचा थंड प्रतिसाद ; दोन आठवड्यात दाभाडेंनी केली निव्वळ इतकी कमाई". Marathi News Esakal (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  33. ↑ Network, Bollywood Hungama News; Hungama, Bollywood (1 May 2025). "Aanand L Rai's Colour Yellow and Chalchitra Mandalee announce third film Krantijyoti Vidyalay – Marathi Madhyam". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  34. ↑ Pande, Shreyas (31 December 2025). "Hemant Dhome interview: On 'Krantijyoti Vidyalay' and reinvigorating Marathi cinema". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  35. ↑ Network, Bollywood Hungama News; Hungama, Bollywood (16 September 2025). "Prajakta Koli makes Marathi film debut with Krantijyoti Vidyalay: "Feels like coming home"". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  36. ↑ narayan, kimaya (23 August 2025). "'क्रांतिज्योती विद्यालय-मराठी माध्यम'च्या शूटिंगला सुरुवात ! आदिती तटकरे यांच्या हस्ते मुहूर्त सोहळा संपन्न". Marathi News Esakal (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  37. ↑ Madaan, Jishika (2 February 2026). "Krantijyoti Vidyalay Box Office: Beats Dharmaveer Within 24 Hours, Now The 4th Highest Marathi Post-COVID Grosser!". Koimoi. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  38. ↑ More, Shalmesh (21 February 2026). "Krantijyoti Vidyalay Box Office: Completes A Glorious 50-Day Run, Enjoys An Unbelievable 584% Returns". Koimoi. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  39. ↑ वेमूल, स्वाती (29 June 2026). "'तिसऱ्या झिम्मा'च्या ट्रिपची जागा ठरली; ओळखू शकलात का तुम्ही? हेमंत ढोमेनं दिली हिंट". TV9 Marathi (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  40. ↑ "खुशखबर! मराठी शाळेतली मुलं पुन्हा घडवणार क्रांती, क्रांतिज्योती विद्यालय मराठी माध्यम २ ची घोषणा". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  41. ↑ "'Jhimma': Reasons to watch Hemant Dhome's multi-starrer film". The Times of India. 19 November 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  42. ↑ डेस्क, एबीपी माझा एंटरटेनमेंट (25 November 2023). "'झिम्मा 2'चा खेळ हाऊसफुल्ल! रिलीजच्या पहिल्या दिवशी केली कोटींची कमाई". ABP Majha (in Marathi). Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  43. ↑ बोडके, चेतन (23 December 2024). "'फसक्लास दाभाडे' मध्ये इरसाल दाभाडे कुटुंबीयांची धमाल गोष्ट, चित्रपटाचा धमाकेदार टीझर रिलीज". Navarashtra (in Marathi). Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  44. ↑ narayan, kimaya (16 September 2025). "'क्रांतिज्योती विद्यालय-मराठी माध्यम' मध्ये दिसणार हे मराठी कलाकार ! सिनेमाचं चित्रीकरण पूर्ण". Marathi News Esakal (in Marathi). Retrieved 29 June 2026.
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