Encouraging the Young Generation in Cinema: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Vision

May 16
18:54

2024

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a name synonymous with grandeur and emotional depth in Indian cinema, is embracing a new wave of innovation. By collaborating with young filmmakers and exploring diverse genres, Bhansali is not only evolving his craft but also nurturing the next generation of cinematic talent.

A New Direction for Bhansali

Traditionally known for his opulent and emotionally charged films,Encouraging the Young Generation in Cinema: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Vision Articles Sanjay Leela Bhansali is now venturing into uncharted territories. His recent projects, such as "Rowdy Rathore" and "My Friend Pinto," reflect his commitment to staying relevant in an industry that is rapidly evolving. Bhansali acknowledges the fresh perspectives and revolutionary ideas that young filmmakers bring to the table.

"I want to do a lot more things. I want to be a part of the younger generation that is revolutionizing cinema in a unique way. There are some young filmmakers who are doing great cinema nowadays. The younger generation is getting newer ideologies to cinema, a newer point of view to look at films. It is very intriguing to be in touch with the new generation," Bhansali shared in an interview with IANS.

Diverse Projects on the Horizon

Bhansali's upcoming productions showcase his willingness to experiment with different genres. "Rowdy Rathore," starring Akshay Kumar, is an action-packed film, while "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi," featuring Boman Irani and Farah Khan, is a romantic comedy about a Parsi couple. "My Friend Pinto," directed by debutant Raghav Dar and starring Prateik Babbar and Kalki Koechlin, is a comedy set to release on October 14.

Bhansali's Role as a Producer

When asked about his transition from director to producer, Bhansali admitted, "I’m a very selfish director. The director in me is always very alive. First, when I was going through the scripts, I contemplated why am I not doing work on my own directorial? But when I finally concluded to produce the films, I put in conscious efforts trying not to intervene. Thus resulting in the selection of scripts which weren’t of my forte, so that I can supervise and guide from a distance."

"My Friend Pinto": A Refreshing Change

Bhansali's enthusiasm for "My Friend Pinto" is palpable. "It was a script that was filled with smiles, packed with unusual characters, created with an unusual point of view, which had humor in the weirdest of situations. I just found the entire take very fabulous and fascinating," he said. This project marks a significant departure from his previous works like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," "Devdas," "Black," and "Guzaarish."

"It moved me a lot on the basic premise – learn to respect a friend. Also, this is a film I would have never made. I’m not artistically capable to make a film like this; it’s not my genre. But it’s a great endeavor producing it. We are paying tribute to Kundan Shah in this film because Raghav is a great fan of his," Bhansali added.

Spotlight on Prateik Babbar

Bhansali is particularly impressed with Prateik Babbar, the 24-year-old actor and son of Raj Babbar and the late actress Smita Patil. "Prateik has grown up; he is a man now who can take responsibilities. He doesn’t have to rely or depend on people. He boasts a lot of talent, coming with a clean slate image and fits into any character. The innocence on his face and the way he talks just incorporated into the character," Bhansali noted.

"He is extremely spontaneous and he has consanguinity. He resembles his mother in acting. One cannot stray their attention from him when he performs," Bhansali added.

Future Plans

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is eager to return to directing. He has completed the script for his next film and plans to finalize the cast and crew soon. "I’ll start shooting my next film in June next year and will announce the cast next month," he revealed.

Interesting Stats

  • According to a report by FICCI-EY, the Indian film industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% to reach INR 238 billion by 2024. Source
  • A study by the Motion Picture Association revealed that the global box office revenue for 2019 was $42.5 billion, with India contributing significantly to this figure. Source

By embracing new ideas and collaborating with young talent, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is not only evolving as a filmmaker but also contributing to the dynamic landscape of Indian cinema. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and support diverse projects is a testament to his enduring passion for storytelling.