Patwardhan is known for his activism through social action work on topics such as corruption, slum dwellers, nuclear arms race, citizen activism and communalism.
His notable films include Bombay: Our City (Hamara Sahar) (1985), In the Name of God (Ram ke Nam) (1992), Father, Son and Holy War (Pita, Putra aur Dharmayuddha) (1995), War and Peace (Jang aur Aman) (2002) and Jai Bhim Comrade (2011) which have won national and international awards.
Governor of Maharashtra K Sankarnarayan inaugurated the Festival by lighting of lamp in the presence of I&B Secretary Bimal Julka and several prominent filmmakers.