Girish Wankhede
In a groundbreaking move for the Marathi film industry, seasoned marketing strategist Girish Wankhede has successfully orchestrated an unprecedented brand collaboration for the recently released film "26 November." This ambitious project, directed by Sachin Urade and Produced by Anilkumar Jawade and Nilesh Onkar, marks a significant milestone, showcasing the potential for synergistic partnerships between films and brands in regional cinema.
With the film's release on May 9 across 143 screens in Maharashtra and select locations in Bangalore, Wankhede's vision has led to a remarkable media collaboration worth â¹3 crores, a first for any Marathi film. His extensive experience, spanning over two decades in the cinema marketing landscape, has allowed him to forge strategic alliances that not only amplify the film's visibility but also provide brands with a unique platform to engage their target audience.
Wankhede, who previously held the position of National Marketing Head at PVR Pictures, has a proven track record of successful brand collaborations in both Hollywood and Indian cinema. Notably, his work on the marketing of blockbuster films such as "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Expendables 2" involved innovative partnerships that set new benchmarks in film marketing. For "Expendables 2," he secured collaborations worth â¹5.5 crores, significantly enhancing the film's promotional reach through strategic placements and partnerships with major media and consumer brands.
For "26 November," Wankhede has replicated this success by engaging multiple brands, including Hathway , Den Movies and NDTV Marathi, which contributed significant media assets, including trailer showcases, L-bands, and promotional spots on their channel. This comprehensive approach not only elevates the film's marketing strategy but also provides brands with direct access to a captive audience, thereby creating a win-win situation for both parties.
The film itself, featuring a talented cast including Aniket Vishwasrao, Sayaji Shinde, Bharat Ganeshpure, Ganesh Yadav, and Dr. Jui Javade, delves into themes surrounding the Constitution and its values, resonating deeply with audiences and positioning itself as a meaningful cinematic experience.
Wankhede emphasizes the immense potential for brand collaborations within the Marathi film sector, stating, "Marathi films have traditionally operated on a marketing budget of â¹1 to â¹1.25 crores. However, with strategic brand partnerships, we can amplify this visibility to â¹3 to â¹4 crores, which is a game-changer for producers. My goal is to ensure that this innovative approach benefits Marathi producers and brands alike, fostering a symbiotic relationship that enhances both film marketing and brand visibility."
With a slate of six upcoming films poised for distribution and marketing through brand collaborations, Wankhede is committed to elevating the Marathi film industry and showcasing its potential to engage audiences across diverse demographics. "26 November" stands as a testament to this vision, and Wankhede is eager to continue driving meaningful partnerships that resonate with audiences and brands alike.
