The Marathi film “Ilu Ilu 1998” was released in theaters. Directed by Ajinkya Bapu Phalke, this romantic drama explores the tender emotions of first love through the eyes of a young student. “Ilu Ilu 1998” tells the story of Aniket Surve, a 14-year-old boy attending a Marathi medium boys’ school.
His life takes a turn when Madhuri Pinto, a modern and charismatic English teacher, joins the school. Aniket becomes infatuated with her and goes to great lengths to impress her, including studying diligently and watching English films. As Valentine’s Day approaches, he plans to confess his feelings. However, the discovery of a sketch of Madhuri in the school toilet leads to unforeseen consequences, altering the course of events.
Title | Ilu Ilu 1998 |
Director | Ajinkya Bapu Phalke |
Writer | Nitin Sindhuvijay Supekar |
Producers | Balasaheb Phalke, Hindavi Phalke |
Actors | Nishant Bhavsar as Aniket Surve, Elli AvrRam as Madhuri Pinto, Veena Jamkar, Shrikant Yadav, Mira Jagannath, Ankita Lande, |
Music | Rohit Nagbhide |
Cinematography | Yogesh Koli |
Editing | Nitesh Rathod |
Production House | Phalke Films Entertainment Productions |
Language | Marathi |
Genre | Romantic Drama |
Release Date | January 31, 2025 |
Storyline
The film centers on Aniket Surve, a young student who experiences the pangs of first love when Madhuri Pinto becomes his English teacher. Eager to win her attention, Aniket immerses himself in his studies and English cinema. His innocent admiration leads him to plan a heartfelt confession on Valentine’s Day. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when a drawing of Madhuri is found in the school restroom, leading to unexpected challenges for Aniket and those around him.
Cast
In “Ilu Ilu 1998,” Nishant Bhavsar portrays Aniket Surve, a 14-year-old student navigating the complexities of first love. Elli AvrRam makes her Marathi film debut as Madhuri Pinto, the charming English teacher who becomes the object of Aniket’s affection. Veena Jamkar plays Sangeeta Surve, Aniket’s caring mother, while Shrikant Yadav takes on the role of Milind Surve, his supportive father. Mira Jagannath appears as Hema, adding depth to the school setting, and Ankita Lande plays Nisha Dekhane, contributing to the unfolding drama. The ensemble cast also includes Kamlakar Satpute as Jadhav Saheb and Vanita Kharat as Jadhav Bai, who play pivotal roles in the storyline.
Review
Upon its release, “Ilu Ilu 1998” received praise for its heartfelt portrayal of adolescent emotions and the challenges of young love. Nishant Bhavsar’s performance as Aniket was lauded for its authenticity, capturing the innocence and earnestness of a teenager in love. Elli AvrRam’s debut in Marathi cinema as Madhuri Pinto was well-received, with critics noting her graceful portrayal of a teacher who becomes the center of a young boy’s world. The film’s direction by Ajinkya Bapu Phalke was commended for its sensitive handling of a delicate subject, balancing humor and drama effectively. The supporting cast, including Veena Jamkar and Shrikant Yadav, provided strong performances that added depth to the narrative. The music by Rohit Nagbhide complemented the film’s mood, enhancing the emotional resonance of key scenes. Overall, “Ilu Ilu 1998” was appreciated for its nostalgic charm and relatable storytelling.
Screenshot

Rating
“Ilu Ilu 1998” has garnered positive ratings from both audiences and critics. On IMDb, the film holds a commendable score, reflecting its engaging narrative and strong performances. While specific ratings from Rotten Tomatoes are not available, early reviews suggest a favorable reception. The film’s exploration of first love, combined with its nostalgic setting and relatable characters, has resonated with viewers, contributing to its positive ratings.
FAQs – Ilu Ilu 1998
Who are the leading actors in “Ilu Ilu 1998”?
The leading actors in “Ilu Ilu 1998” are Nishant Bhavsar, who plays the role of Aniket Surve, and Elli AvrRam, who portrays Madhuri Pinto. This film marks Elli AvrRam’s debut in Marathi cinema.
Who directed this film?
“Ilu Ilu 1998” was directed by Ajinkya Bapu Phalke. He has crafted a narrative that sensitively explores the theme of adolescent love.
What is the film’s rating according to Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb?
As of now, “Ilu Ilu 1998” holds a positive rating on IMDb, reflecting its engaging storyline and commendable performances. Specific ratings from Rotten Tomatoes are currently unavailable, but early reviews indicate a favorable reception from audiences and critics alike.
Is Ilu Ilu 1998 Marathi movie available in Hindi dubbed?
As of now, Ilu Ilu is not officially available in a Hindi-dubbed version. However, the film remains one of the most cherished Marathi films, with its original Marathi version still being widely appreciated by fans of regional cinema.