At the 14th edition of Rajnigandha Presents Jagran Film Festival, acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar opened up about the unpredictable journey of filmmaking, the challenges of working as an independent filmmaker and the enduring relationship between cinema and its audience. Reflecting on his years in the industry, Bhandarkar said, “No one knows what will work at the box office. And when it will work. And what the audience will like.” He also spoke about his approach to filmmaking, emphasising the importance of taking time to research, understand the world he wants to portray and tell stories that continue to resonate with audiences.
Speaking about his journey, Bhandarkar said, “No one knows what will work at the box office. And when it will work. And what the audience will like.” He also spoke about the challenges of making films outside established industry circles, saying that as independent filmmakers, “we are not in a lobby or a gang or a coterie.” Looking back at films such as Chandni Bar, Page 3, Traffic Signal, Fashion and Heroine, Bhandarkar highlighted his commitment to exploring different worlds and bringing stories rooted in society to audiences. He shared that he often takes two to three years between films to research and understand the world he wants to portray. He also credited OTT and YouTube for giving his films a new life, allowing younger audiences to discover them years after their theatrical release. Reflecting on the lasting impact of Chandni Bar, he said, “Our wealth is the audience. Because of the audience, we are here. They love us. People remember us.” For Bhandarkar, that continued appreciation, even 20 or 25 years later, represents something more meaningful than box-office success, “There is a strong bonding between a filmmaker and an audience.”
For Bhandarkar, the true measure of a filmmaker’s journey ultimately lies beyond box-office numbers — in the memories and connections a film creates with its audience. Reflecting on the continued appreciation for films like Chandni Bar, even decades after their release, he said, “Our wealth is the audience. Because of the audience, we are here. They love us. People remember us.” As younger audiences continue to discover his work through OTT and YouTube, Bhandarkar believes this enduring connection is what gives filmmaking its greatest meaning: “There is a strong bonding between a filmmaker and an audience.”
