Nikhil Mahajan's 'Taxi Driver' to Launch Anashwar Media at Film Bazaar

Indian entrepreneur Prasanna Ajarekar has founded Anashwar Media and Entertainment, debuting the company with director Nikhil Mahajan's "Taxi Driver" at the ongoing Film Bazaar project market.

The film tells the story of a taxi driver and a thief whose paths cross one fateful night, uncovering an unexpected link from their past. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with a planned release in early 2026.

"I have always been fascinated by the business of cinema," says Ajarekar. "When Shrirang Godbole introduced me to Nikhil and Suhrud, I felt that this was the right association for me, looking at their body of work. I realized that this business is about long-term engagement and collaborations, and my eyes are set for the next few years where I want to create an ecosystem for modern, cutting-edge Indian cinema. ‘Taxi Driver' is just the start."

For Mahajan, whose recent film, the environmental thriller "Raavsaheb," is competing at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, "Taxi Driver" marks a depa….rture in genre from his previous family drama, "Godavari."

"‘Taxi Driver' is one of my dream projects," Mahajan notes. "I am grateful to Prasanna for understanding the potential of this story and for supporting it with so much conviction."

The film continues the collaboration between Mahajan and producer Suhrud Godbole, marking their fourth project together after "Pune 52," "Baji," and "June." Having worked with Mahajan since 2009, Godbole highlights their shared commitment to pushing the limits of Marathi-language cinema. "We're excited to have Prasanna on board, as he truly understands our creative vision," says Godbole, adding that Ajarekar is also an investor in "Raavsaheb."

The project's debut at Film Bazaar builds on the team's established relationship with the platform, which has backed their past ventures in the Marathi film industry.