Addinath M. Kothare On Winning Big With Paani, Juggling Acting And Directing, And What’s Next

Following a remarkable night at the Filmfare Marathi Awards, where his film Paani won 10 trophies, including Best Film and Best Director, Addinath Kothare says he refuses to slow down. Over a candid chat, he opens up about why Paani struck such a chord, how he balances life on both sides of the camera, and why, despite all the accolades, he feels he's only just begun.

Congratulations on sweeping the Filmfare Marathi Awards with Paani. How does it feel a few days later?
Thank you so much! Honestly, it's still sinking in. Paani was born out of genuine passion to tell relevant stories and from a place of real concern about something that affects so many lives. To see that story resonate with audiences was already the biggest reward for us. And then for it to be celebrated like this at Filmfare, with so many of our departments recognised, is deeply fulfilling. It feels like all the struggles and sleepless nights were worth it.

The film picked up Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, among others. What do you think connected so strongly with people?
I believe it was the honesty. We didn't set out to make a message heavy film or glamourise the issue. Water scarcity is a harsh, everyday reality for countless people, and we tried to portray it with empathy and respect. Also, the entire team gave it their all, from Priyanka, Madhu, my father, Siddharth, and every single person on set, there was utmost dedication to telling the story. There was so much heart poured into every frame by every single one, I think audiences can sense that sincerity.

We learnt you're now wrapping up Bena which is your next and are also developing another film. What excites you most about these new projects?
Both are very different from Paani, which is what I love. I'm drawn to stories rooted in human struggles, but I also want to explore different genres and larger canvases. Bena which I am also producing, apart from acting in it, is in post-production now; it's a beautiful, intimate film that's very close to my heart. The next one is still taking shape. Pushing my own boundaries is what keeps me going. I think I'm just scratching the surface, there's a lot more I want to be doing.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, you have some major projects, Ramayana with Nitesh Tiwari and there's another major untitled Hindi feature? How do you balance both worlds?
(Laughs) It's tough but exhilarating. Acting feeds a different creative hunger than directing. When I'm acting, I surrender to someone else's vision and that's liberating in its own way. Directing is about building a world from scratch, guiding every little detail. I just try to be fully present in whatever I'm doing at that moment. And I have an incredible support system at home, which helps me stay sane through it all. I'm super excited about Ramayana, it is a honour to be working with such brilliant minds on what is undoubtedly the grandest film we have seen in Indian cinema. The other film I unfortunately cannot speak on, but yes, I just wrapped up filming on it in Delhi and again is very exciting.

You will soon reprise your popular role in Zapatlela 3. It feels like you're seamlessly moving between Marathi and Hindi cinema.
It's exciting to have that kind of variety. At the end of the day, language is just a medium. Good stories and good characters are universal. Whether it's Marathi, Hindi, or even something beyond that someday, I just want to be part of narratives that move people. I did my first Malayalam film and that was exciting too.

From Acting to Directing , what keeps you grounded?
My family. Always. They remind me every day that all of this is fleeting, that you have to keep your feet firmly on the ground. And also just the sheer realisation of how much there is still to learn. There's a long, long way to go, and that thought keeps me humble and hungry.