Filmmaker Shubhashish Bhutiani’s well acclaimed Mukti Bhawan completed eight years yesterday on April 7. Starring Adil Hussain, Lalit Behl, Geetanjali Kulkarni and Palomi Ghosh, the movie was a moving affair about life and death. On the film’s anniversary, Bhutiani looked back at it in an interview with us.
On 8 years of Mukti Bhawan, director Shubhashish Bhutiani recalls, “Shooting in Varanasi was a beautiful experience. It had its challenges, but that was part of the adventure”
Shubhashish, your neo-classic Mukti Bhawan is eight years old on April 7
It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years. So much of the world and life has changed in that time, and I feel even my relationship with the film has. You don’t realise it while you’re making it, what parts of yourself are quietly finding their way into the story. Looking back now, I feel even more proud of it, in a way that’s deeply personal.
Mukti Bhawan is recognized the world over as one of the best Indian films in recent times
It’s incredibly humbling to see the film continue to find an audience across the world, often in the most unexpected places, to see that it still resonates is the most rewarding feeling. It’s harder than ever to get films of this nature made and seen, so I’m deeply grateful to the cast, crew, everyone who backed it and the audience for giving the film a life far beyond what we imagined.
What was it like shooting this tough film about dying in Varanasi?
Shooting in Varanasi was honestly a beautiful experience. It had its challenges, but that was part of the adventure. We had very limited resources and were often shooting in public spaces without people knowing, but the cast and crew were incredibly committed. Everyone worked purely out of love. The biggest challenge, though, was getting it right on an emotional level. With this cast, that process became something really special.
Adil Hussain, Lalil Behl , Geetanjali Kulkarni… they are best we have
Adilji was just effortless, full of humanity. Lalitji often felt like working with my own grandfather: sometimes sweet, sometimes strict, always playful. Palomi Ghosh and Geetanjaliji brought so much life and vibrancy to every scene. Anil Rastogiji made the role of the manager completely his own with such a thoughtful interpretation. And then, of course, the local cast in Varanasi who brought a grounded normalcy to the film, which was so important. Some were trained in theatre, some just played the parts they play in their own life. They helped us see how, for the people who live in that world, what might seem extraordinary to us is actually just everyday life. Do you know we had some people in the cast who actually live in the homes, and agreed to be in the film?
No, I didn’t know that. The film is suffused with visible and invisible glory
I also want to shine a light on our incredible production design team, Avyakta and her team. Everywhere I go, people are convinced we shot in a real location, but the truth is, we had to take an existing building in Varanasi and completely redesign the rooms and spaces based on our research. I always tell her, ‘If people can’t tell, that means you did a phenomenal job’, but it’s important to acknowledge the immense effort behind that. And Tajdar Junaid’s music… I truly believe it’s the soul of the film. It captures all the unspoken things, the emotional undercurrents that words can’t quite express. People often tell me about the feeling the film leaves them with, and I think so much of that comes from his compositions.
After Mukti Bhawan we are waiting for you to stun us again
I’m working hard on my stories and putting something together. It’s been a challenge, of course. But I’m learning to embrace that as part of the process. I’m honestly feeling optimistic, excited, and hopeful for whatever’s around the corner. I do believe that the stories will find their way. And hopefully, with the right support, we can keep creating films that feels meaningful.
More Pages: Mukti Bhawan Box Office Collection
BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.