Kissa Shuru Talkies has launched what it describes as India’s first same day theatrical distribution platform designed for rural Maharashtra. The platform, called Kissa Shuru Talkies Home Cinema, aims to provide access to newly released films in areas that have limited or no cinema infrastructure. According to the company, the service is intended to reach more than 41,000 villages, over 150 talukas and around two crore households across the state.
The platform was formally inaugurated by Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra. Veteran actor, director and producer Shri Sachin Pilgaonkar attended the event as Guest of Honour.
Kissa Shuru Talkies Home Cinema allows audiences in rural areas to watch films on the same day they are released in theatres through a digital distribution network. The company says the initiative is intended to improve access to cinema for audiences outside urban centres while creating an additional distribution channel for filmmakers and producers.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, said, “This technological experiment is a game-changer for Marathi cinema. It bridges the gap for viewers in towns and villages who want to watch new movies right upon release, creating a win-win ecosystem where audiences, directors and actors all benefit together.”
The launch event was hosted by Suntosh S. Berajdar, Co Founder and Managing Director, Abhishek Pramod Jathar, Chief Executive Officer, and Shirish G. Shinde, Co Founder and Technical Director of Kissa Shuru Talkies.
Suntosh S. Berajdar, Co Founder and Managing Director of Kissa Shuru Talkies, said, “Cinema has always been a collective experience, but millions of families in rural Maharashtra have been excluded from that joy. With Kissa Shuru Talkies Home Cinema, we are rewriting that story. Our mission is to ensure that every household, regardless of geography, can access the same films on the same day as urban audiences. This is not just about entertainment, it’s about cultural inclusion, empowerment and giving rural communities a front row seat to India’s cinematic journey.”
Abhishek Pramod Jathar, Chief Executive Officer of Kissa Shuru Talkies, said, “Our vision is simple yet powerful. Every home deserves the joy of cinema. This platform is not just about movies; it’s about inclusion, access and the celebration of storytelling.”
Sachin Pilgaonkar, veteran actor, director and producer, said, “People in Maharashtra often travel 40 to 50 kilometers just to watch a film. This initiative brings Marathi cinema to areas without theaters, expanding reach without competing with existing owners. ‘Kissa Shuru Talkies’ is a bold, essential step toward making Marathi cinema bigger and accessible to every corner of the State.”
According to projections shared by the company, the platform could generate annual revenues of up to ₹2,085 crore if expanded across India. In Maharashtra, projected revenues could reach nearly ₹185 crore by the second year of operations. The company stated that 50 percent of revenues would be directed to film producers. Family screenings on the platform are expected to be priced at ₹99.
Kissa Shuru Talkies is an entertainment platform focused on delivering Indian films to rural and semi urban households through digital technology and local partnerships. The company says its model combines film distribution with digital delivery to serve audiences that may have limited access to conventional cinema channels.
The platform operates through a Managed Service and Device as a Service (DaaS) model. Under this system, selected films are synchronised online every Thursday night with local village partners. These partners function as local operators who facilitate access to content within their communities while generating income opportunities. The company says the model is designed to support the distribution of regional cinema in underserved areas while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.