Samantar, starring himself and Sharmila Tagore in lead roles, is being produced by Big Pictures, a division of the Reliance Big Entertainment of the ADAG group. The film marks the foray of Big Pictures into Marathi film industry.

The film talks about life and man-woman relationship. It takes yet another look at the relationship which is intriguing, fascinating and challenging, Palekar told reporters.

To a question on why he decided to cast Sharmila in the film, Palekar said he was a huge fan of hers and worked with her in a Bengali film. Besides being a powerful performer, she brings to her character, her natural poise, grace, dignity and charm.

Expressing happiness at the strides taken by Marathi cinema in recent years, Palekar said regional industry was always overshadowed and burdened by Bollywood.

"No other regional film industry has suffered this kind of unfair treatment. It lacked good marketing and distribution. But, the entry of Subhash Ghai's Mukta arts, Zee group and now Reliance Big pictures is a healthy sign. I am confident that they will take Marathi cinema not just to Maharashtra but also outside the state," he added.

Palekar said Marathi has a strong theatre culture. There is a strong generational shift and the audience now wants to see good Marathi films.

"There are 52 multiplexes in the state and it gives audiences ample opportunities to see movies of their choice," he added.

He said his last film Anahat starring Sonali Bendre and Anant Nag was the first Marathi film to be screened in a multiplex.

Palekar said, Sharmila had lot of apprehensions initially whether she would be able to speak Marathi. But after getting over those apprehensions, she agreed and I am sure that the film will be another feather in her already studded cap. Marathi audiences will also get to see a fine actress and a brilliant performer.

To a question on why he chose to comeback as actor with Samantar, Palekar denied that the film was his comeback as an actor.

"I had never said that I will not act again. I was always around. But, no good roles came my way. I concentrated on filmmaking. But when I went through Samantar script written by my wife Sandhya Gokhale, my instant reaction was that only I can do justice to the character," he said.

"Being a producer, director and an actor is a stressful situation. I managed only due to her firm support which took the burden off my shoulder. She was also my co-director," he said.

The film has been shot in Pune and Kolkata. It is currently under production and is slated for an early 2009 release.

Commenting on Big Pictures' entry into Marathi films, Mahesh Ramanathan CEO of Big Pictures said the film will be promoted and released in a deserving manner.