At the Filmfare Awards Marathi 2025, Addinath Kothare won the Best Director trophy for Paani. The actor, who played the lead role in the socio-drama, received the award from Chhaya Kadam and Jabbar Patel at the ceremony held in Mumbai on July 10. Addinath dedicated the trophy to his first Gurus, his parents – Mahesh and Medha Kothare.
Addinath Kothare dedicates Best Director trophy to parents
Addinath said in Marathi, which is loosely translated to, “My father received a Filmfare award in 1986 for his first directorial, Dhum Dhadaka. I could never hold it as a child. Today, on the occasion of Guru Purnima, I dedicate this award to my parents who gave me the wings to dream big and made me capable enough to achieve this. Also, Nitin Dixit, who stood by my side like a rock. He made the toughest task possible for me. There are very few people who go on to become family. He is that for me. We’re brothers; inseparable enough though we fight the most.”
About Paani
Paani is the story of Hanumant Kendre (Addinath M Kothare), who is the ‘jaldoot‘ in the state. The film celebrates his incredible work in the drought-affected areas of Marathwada. While many families in his village migrated due to water issues, this young man chose to stay behind and address the problem. Whether he succeeds in tackling the water crisis in his village and whether he ends up getting married are questions that are answered in the film.
Besides Addinath, who is also the director, Paani also features Rucha Vaidya, Subodh Bhave, Rajit Kapur, Kishore Kadam, Nitin Dixit, Sachin Goswami, Mohanabai, Shripad Joshi, Vikas Pandurang Patil and others in prominent roles. Neha Barjatya, the late Rajjat Barjatya, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Dr Madhu Chopra have produced the film, and Mahesh Kothare and Siddharth Chopra are the associate producers on the project.
The Filmfare Awards Marathi 2025 is co-powered by Manforce Epic Condoms and Vivz Fashion School, with Skincare Partner Greenleaf by Brihans, multiplex partner Khushi Advertising, outdoor hoarding partner Bright Media, Radio Partner Mirchi, Audio Partner Gaana, Trophy Partner The Award Gallery, and education partner Bennett University.