Madhur Bhandarkar Calls for More Women-Centric Films in Bollywood

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar advocates for the growth of women-centric cinema, emphasizing its importance in mainstream Bollywood storytelling.

Mumbai, December 16: Acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, known for his socially relevant films, has called for more women-centric stories in Bollywood. Speaking at the event 'Cine Srishti: Bhartiya Drishti', organized by Sanskar Bharati, Bhandarkar highlighted the significance of empowering narratives centered on women.

Describing the program as insightful, he said, "It was a very good program organized by Sanskar Bharati. Today’s discussion on women-centric cinema was particularly engaging and much needed.”

Supporting Women-Centric Cinema

Bhandarkar, whose acclaimed films include Chandni Bar, Page 3, and Fashion, urged filmmakers and producers to prioritize women-led narratives.

"There was a good panel discussion here about increasing the representation of women-centric films in Bollywood. I’ve always focused on such topics, whether it’s Page 3, Corporate, Fashion, Heroine, or Babli Bouncer. I believe more filmmakers, producers, and production houses should support such themes to bring them into the mainstream," he said.

The filmmaker was honored during the event for his contributions to Indian cinema.

Insights on IFFI and the Rise of OTT

Bhandarkar, who recently attended the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), expressed his admiration for the platform. "IFFI brings together filmmakers from all over the world and different states of India. It’s a privilege to attend and witness so many remarkable films,” he shared.

Reflecting on the rise of OTT platforms, Bhandarkar discussed the evolving entertainment landscape. "Web series allow for a long-format storytelling that many filmmakers feel more comfortable exploring. Both films and web series will continue to coexist and thrive. While films condense stories into two hours, web series offer the depth and space to explore subjects that need more time. They complement each other beautifully," he noted.

Madhur Bhandarkar remains a vocal advocate for meaningful cinema that challenges norms and brings marginalized voices to the forefront, particularly through the lens of women’s stories.