Nikhil Mahajan quote – It’s a surreal feeling to have won this award for a film that is probably the closest to my heart. This award is for my mom and dad who have tirelessly ensured that I get to live my dream. It is also for Jitendra Joshi who believed in me and stood by my side. It is for my entire cast and crew of Godavari who rallied like champions against all odds and made it happen. It is for Nashik which holds in its heart the mighty Godavari. It is for my producers Jio Studios who ensured that my voice and vision traveled everywhere. It is for Vikram Gokhle who had said I’ll win this on the first day of shoot. And lastly it is for Nishikant Kamat, the director who I made Godavari for. To win a national award for directing this film is truly completing a circle.
Jyoti Deshpande, President – Media Business, RIL, said ” Jio Studios is extremely proud of Nikhil Mahajan for his outstanding direction in bringing Godavari to life. Winning the National Award for Best Direction is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
This achievement resonates deeply with our commitment to nurturing Marathi cinema and its diverse storytelling. Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with _Me Vasantrao _previously clinching a National Award and _Baipan Bhari Deva _emerging as a recent blockbuster.
The team strongly believes in empowering creative voices and fostering both critical acclaim and commercial success. We are honoured to be at the forefront of bringing meaningful Marathi stories to the forefront of Indian cinema.”