Marathi Film Release Date Row: Digpal Lanjekar Responds to Amey Khopkar's Criticism

• A controversy erupted over the release dates of two Marathi films, 'Punha Ekda Sade Made Teen' and 'Ranpati Shivray', which clashed on the last Friday of January.
• Amey Khopkar, producer of 'Punha Ekda Sade Made Teen' and MNS leader, criticized Digpal Lanjekar, director of 'Ranpati Shivray', for allegedly moving his film's release date forward.
• Khopkar claimed his film's release was postponed multiple times to accommodate others, while 'Ranpati Shivray' was suddenly advanced from February 16 to January 30.
• Digpal Lanjekar clarified that he is only the writer-director, and the decision regarding release dates rests with the producers, Panorama Company.
• Lanjekar stated that the producers decided to release 'Ranpati Shivray' earlier to allow more students to watch the Shivcharitra before February exams.

Why It Matters: Digpal Lanjekar clarified that film release date decisions are made by producers, not directors.