Son Pari actor Mrinal Kulkarni's best performances in Marathi cinema

If you are a 90s baby, you've probably watched Son Pari – the children's fantasy series headlined by Mrinal Kulkarni. But did you know that Mrinal is an acclaimed Marathi actor with several power-packed performances to her credit? Mrinal made her acting debut at the young age of 16 with the historical Maratha drama Swami. She also essayed the role of Jijabai Bhosale in Digpal Lanjekar's film trilogy on Shivaji Maharaj. While Mrinal's latest film, Pawankhind – the final film in the Shivaji trilogy, is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, we examine five of her best performances in Marathi Cinema.

Maza Saubhagya

Mrinal plays Sumati in the 1994 family drama Maza Saubhagya. Sumati marries Anant (Vijayendra Ghatge), who succumbs to a major heart attack on their wedding day. In an attempt to comfort Sumati, her father-in-law proposes a plan that impacts the life of Avinash, Anant's younger brother. You can watch Maza Saubhagya on MX Player and ShemarooMe.

Vishwas

Shekhar (Aadesh Bandekar) is an engineer and Sangeeta (Mrinal) is a doctor. Shekhar's family opposes their desire to marry due to a family myth. Shekhar and Sangeeta are highly educated and choose to tie the knot without paying heed to the family's beliefs. But sinister events unfold that makes the duo question their faith... and science. Watch Vishwas on Hungama Play or Vi Movies & TV.

Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asta

The Marathi drama Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asta is extra special for Mrinal as it also marks her directorial debut. In the film, Mrinal plays a single mother who lives with her mother-in-law despite being abandoned by her husband (Sachin Khedekar). Mrinal's subtle performance as the middle-aged mother was highly appreciated by critics. The film also stars Marathi stalwarts Pallavi Joshi and Sunil Barve in pivotal roles. You can stream Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asta on Amazon Prime Video.

Rama Madhav

Rama Madhav tells the tale of a young couple, child bride Rama (Parna Pethe) and her Peshwa husband Madhavrao I (Alok Rajwade). In this yet another self-directed film, Mrinal essays the central role of Gopika bai, Madhavrao's mother, who takes on the task of grooming the young Rama to embrace the life of a Peshwa warrior's wife – rife with courage and sacrifice. You can watch this period piece on Disney+ Hotstar.

The Shivaji Maharaj Trilogy

Acclaimed Marathi filmmaker Digpal Lanjekar envisioned Mrinal Kulkarni as the perfect actress to play the iconic Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale, the mother of the great Maratha warrior Shivaji Raje Bhosale. Mrinal originally played the role in the first film of the trilogy, Farzand, and reprised her role in the subsequent films, namely Fatteshikast and Pawankhind. While you can stream Farzand on Disney+ Hotstar and Fatteshikast on ZEE5 and Vi Movies and TV, Pawankhind is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

What an extraordinary actress Mrinal Kulkarni is. Don't you agree?