Mumbai, May 8 (IANS): The National Film Development Corporation’s (NFDC) next Marathi film “Vees Mhanje Vees” (“20 Mhanje 20”) will release across Maharashtra on June 10.

Written and directed by debutant filmmaker Uday Bhandarkar, the film will release with English subtitles across the major cities of Maharashtra, read a statement.

“Vees Mhanje Vees”, the first film from the NFDC’s slate of releases in 2016, narrates the story of a young college student named Shailaja, who returns to her native village to reopen the school that her ailing father -- a retired school teacher -- had started.

The film spans her journey as she struggles through all odds to keep the school running and fulfil the promise made to her father.

“Vees Mhanje Vees” brings together an ensemble cast with Mrinmayee Godbole playing the pivotal role along with child stars Parth Bhalerao (of “Bhoothnath Returns” fame), Mrunal Jadhav (of “Drishyam” fame), Mihir Mule, and Arun Nalawade.

The NFDC spokesperson said: “NFDC has a slate of very interesting films releasing this year starting with 'Vees Mhanje Vees'. It’s a beautiful Marathi film and we are sure that it will strike a chord with the wider audience as we are releasing the film with English subtitles.”

Talking about his debut film as a writer-director, ad filmmaker Bhandarkar shared: “The subject of 'Vees Mhanje Vees' is very close to my heart."

“At a time when small schools in remote villages in India are facing closure simply because they do not have 20 children, 'Vees Mhanje Vees' will bring back the focus to education in its truest sense."