“It is fantastic for a film like ‘Bhonsle’. A small film like this would not have so many eyeballs and reach in the theatres as much as it will get on an OTT platform. So OTT release is a blessing in disguise for ‘Bhonsle’, even though we had initially planned to release it in the theatres in April. Because of the lockdown, the plan got cancelled.”
“I have been screaming it from the rooftop for so many years that the box office does not define the quality or merit of cinema, but now small films have started losing their relevance in the industry and for the producer. Because everything which makes 100 crore and above is a good film and small films don’t get attention. We have started losing. The whole independent film movement has only gone down in the last few years because we have stopped getting mentorship from the producers, distributors and exhibitors. I just hope the OTT platform keeps that avenue open and does not go the way the theatre owners and conventional producers have gone.” Manoj Bajpayee was found making the above statements during his interview.
He also says that the digital platforms are unbiased where there is no discrimination between a big and small banner. The audience simply accept whatever is being offered irrespective of whether or not there exists a well known face and Bajpai hopes that the OTT continues to be the same.
Lastly, talking about his character, Manoj Bajpai said that his character is unsatisfied and angry with the way the world and the society is functioning. Ganpat Bhonsle (the character played by him) is deeply angered and prefers to be left undisturbed.
This film released on 26th June 2020 on Sony LIV and received exceptionally good reviews!