Sanjay Leela Bhansali regards “Heeramandi’s” success
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has been an enormously successful venture into the streaming space. As a “global hit for Netflix,” the show has made its way “to second position on the streamer’s worldwide non-English TV chart,” according to Variety. After completing the demanding show’s production, Bhansali considers the response to what he views as his masterpiece while on vacation.
After three years and 350 shooting days, Bhansali can finally express his gratitude for the support his work is receiving on a new platform. “My first OTT [streaming] launch was ‘Heeramandi,’ and I am blessed with all the love the audiences, my technicians, and my actors have given me,” Bhansali stated to Variety. With an eye for extravagant style, the highly sought-after filmmaker thanked Netflix for “making the series available to audiences across 194 countries.”
“It’s very different for a series, compared to a film where immediate feedback comes in the form of box office numbers,” Bhansali said, reflecting on how different it is to work on an OTT project versus a movie. It was intriguing to realize that what we were producing would be shown to a worldwide audience, and the anticipation was full with responsibility as well as joy.
Bhansali went on to describe the responses as “overwhelming and heartwarming,” The fact that viewers have binge-watched “Heeramandi” and have even seen it twice or three times at once definitely caught my attention. Seeing the kind of feedback we’ve gotten on social media and the variety of content individuals from across the globe are producing in relation to the program has been enjoyable.
If the music didn’t catch and fascinate, it wouldn’t be a Bhansali production, and Heeramandi appears to be no exception. The creative storyteller stated, “The series’ music has struck a chord with audiences, which is very rare for an OTT show.” “Seeing how people, regardless of their cultural background, connected with the story, the life of these courtesans, and the emotional journeys of the characters is also reassuring.”
Because they believe a creation is never good enough to be released into the world, creatives frequently labor on it endlessly. Bhansali has no regrets of this kind. He thought, “There’s always a desire to improve and elevate your own work.” But when I think back on ‘Heeramandi,’ I’m pleased with what we accomplished,” Bhansali remarked. “I recall working on the post and revising and re-editing it right up until the last minute before it was delivered. However, looking back at it now, I don’t think there is anything I would alter.
Bhansali is prepared to return to the opulent world of filmmaking after his vacation. His upcoming film, “Love & War,” will star Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, who are husbands. With Vicky Kaushal joining the pair, Bhansali’s productions will now have a strong trifecta. Speaking on the same subject, Bhansali disclosed, “I’m writing a love story after a lengthy hiatus.
A semi-contemporary piece, distinct from the dancing, pillars, architecture, drapery, curtains, and jewelry [of ‘Heeramandi’]. For me, it’s a new language, environment, and atmosphere.”
“As a filmmaker, I needed [it] very much to excite me to do something new, to speak of a different period, a different set of characters, and new circumstances,” he explained further.
Naturally, having an experienced group of megastars, as Bhansali typically does, helps. Bhansali continued, “It’s nice to work with this wonderful cast of Vicky, Alia, and Ranbir.” in reference to the partnership. It will be interesting to observe how well they get along. Additionally, it is a triangle love story, which is uncommon in Hindi cinema these days.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.
