Laxman Utekar

Laxman Utekar is an Indian film director and cinematographer who works in Hindi and Marathi cinema. Born in a village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, he moved to Mumbai as a child and rose from odd jobs — selling eggs, running a vada pav stall and sweeping a sound studio — to the camera department, shooting films such as English Vinglish and Dear Zindagi. He turned director with the Marathi film Tapaal (2014) and made Hindi hits including Luka Chuppi (2019), Mimi (2021) and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023). His 2025 historical epic Chhaava, on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, grossed over ₹800 crore and became one of the biggest Hindi films of the year, with a biopic on folk legend Vithabai among his reported upcoming projects.

From humble beginnings in a village in Maharashtra to directing some of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema, Laxman Utekar’s journey is one of grit, talent and relentless ambition. Laxman Utekar, a name now associated with commercially successful and emotionally resonant films, started life far from the glitz of film sets. He grew up in a small village in Raigad district, Maharashtra, then moved to Mumbai with his uncle at a young age.Before entering mainstream filmmaking, he did odd jobs, sold eggs and even ran a vada pav stall to get by.

Today, Laxman Utekar is celebrated for directing films such as Luka Chuppi, Mimi, and the blockbuster Chhaava — marking him as one of the most bankable names behind the camera in Hindi cinema. In this biography we will explore his early life, his rise in the film world, his major works, personal stories, and what lies ahead for Laxman Utekar.

Laxman Utekar’s story begins in a village in Raigad district, Maharashtra. As a child, he moved to Mumbai with his uncle when he was around 4 years old. His early life in Mumbai was marked by survival-jobs: selling boiled eggs outside a bar at age 6, running a vada pav stall at Shivaji Park, working odd-jobs and even sweeping studios.

These humble beginnings instilled in him a strong work-ethic and a hunger to be part of films. From sweeping floors at a sound studio, he started observing film crews, camera work, editing and gradually moved into cinematography.

His cinematography credits include films like Dear Zindagi (2016) and English Vinglish. In 2014, Utekar made his directorial debut in the Marathi film Tapaal. Over the years he shifted to Hindi mainstream: in 2019 he directed the commercial hit Luka Chuppi, followed by Mimi (2021), Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023), and the historical drama Chhaava (2025) which broke the ₹800 crore barrier at box-office.

Throughout, his story reflects a transition from behind-the-camera craftsman to front-line filmmaker making cinema that blends commercial success with social relevance.

Early Career & Cinematography:

Utekar began as a director of photography around 2007.

Notable cinematography works: English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi, Hindi Medium, 102 Not Out.

Directorial Milestones:

Tapaal (2014) – Marathi film debut.

Lalbaugchi Rani (2016) – Marathi slice of life drama.

Luka Chuppi (2019) – Hindi romantic comedy featuring Kartik Aaryan & Kriti Sanon; commercial success.

Mimi (2021) – Hindi film addressed surrogacy, starred Kriti Sanon & Pankaj Tripathi.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) – Hindi comedy-drama with small-town setting.

Chhaava (2025) – Historical action film based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, grossing over ₹800 crore.

Upcoming Projects:

Biopic on folk legend Vithabai¹ – titled Eetha, directed by Utekar with Shraddha Kapoor in lead.

Next film with Kartik Aaryan & Kriti Sanon is reportedly in development.

Laxman Utekar’s journey itself stands as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers from non-film backgrounds. His films often focus on relatable societal contexts: small-town India, live-in relationships (Luka Chuppi), surrogacy (Mimi), historical valor (Chhaava). By blending commercially viable cinema with meaningful themes, he has contributed to diversifying Hindi-cinema narratives.

He also represents the idea that film-industry access is not limited to legacy families: his path from odd-jobs to director is motivational.

Laxman Utekar has carved a distinct space in Indian cinema — a filmmaker who emerged from walking studio floors and selling vada pav to helming blockbuster films. His style combines commercial storytelling with roots-based narratives and a keen eye for cinematography. From his debut Marathi film to major Hindi blockbusters, his trajectory shows resilience, craft, and vision.