Big Pictures, a Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group company, announced its entry into the Marathi film industry with a film titled 'Samaantar'. The film has been written and co-directed by Sandhya Gokhale along with Amol Palekar. The film stars Amol Palekar, Sharmila Tagore, Makarand Deshpande, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Kishor Kadam, Aishwarya Narkar and Radhika Apte.

Post the national award for his English feature film, 'Quest', 'Samaantar' marks Amol Palekar's 12th directorial venture. The film has been shot in Pune and Kolkata. Amol Palekar, commenting on Big Pictures acquiring 'Samaantar' says, "I feel fortunate with Big Pictures acquiring 'Samaantar', the film will be promoted and released in a deserving manner."

Commenting on Big Pictures entry into Marathi films, Rajesh Sawhney, President, Reliance Big Entertainment said, "Cinema speaks a global language; a good film holds no language barrier. We are producing regional films in several languages. Considering the contribution of Marathi cinema, its exceptional performers and the audience response, we felt compelled to be a part of the Marathi film industry. We are proud to bring to audiences 'Samaantar', directed by legendary Amol Palekar, coupled with exceptional performances, great music and a heart wrenching story."

Amol Palekar returns to acting after a gap of 22 years. "After Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Khamosh' in 1996, I stopped acting because it did not interest me. I found Keshav's role in 'Samaantar' exciting. Directing a film and also acting in it is strenuous. But Sandhya, my co-director, made it easier."

Yesteryear's co-star Sharmila Tagore is sharing the screen with Mr. Palekar. Mrs. Tagore clarifies, "I was quite apprehensive about speaking Marathi dialogues, but Amol relaxed me all through. I enjoyed performing every scene."

Sandhya Gokhale added further, "'Samaantar' reveals lost traces of two persons' impeccable love. Sharmilajee has played a potter's role while Amoljee's character is of an industrialist, a slice of whose frozen past gets scratched accidentally. Their performances are brilliant."