The CATALYST
Filmfare|July 2023
WRITER AND DIRECTOR SUPARNS VARMA TALKS TO DEVESH SHARMA ABOUT WHAT MAKES HIM TICK
DEVESH SHARMA
The CATALYST

Sir Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, which was based on a rogue godman’s evil ways and the notorious court case which followed when he was charged under POCSO act, took the OTT world by storm. The film got a thunderous response by the audience. There was even a campaign where viewers demanded it to be released theatrically. Suparn S Varma, who served as a creative producer on it, is ecstatic by its success. Suparn is also one of the writers for The Family Man and also directed half the episodes of season 2 of the series. He directed another thriller series, Rana Naidu this year and has also helmed the courtroom drama, The Trial, starring Kajol. Excerpts from an engaging interview with the multitalented director.

Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai became such a hit on OTT that viewers demanded it be released in the theatres.

I’m overwhelmed by the love and support pouring in. It’s historic indeed. People loved it so much that the makers decided to give it a limited release in select theatres. There’s nothing but gratitude in my heart for this kind of reaction.

Why didn't you opt for a theatrical release earlier?

Making a film for OTT gives you a certain creative leeway. You’re free to structure it the way you like and not think of an intermission point. You can tell the story without any compromise as you’re not answerable to the suggestions of the producer who might tell you to change or dilute certain things, keeping the box office in mind. It reached out to 190 countries in the world and got a good response everywhere. It was one of the highest-watched films the first three days of its release on the platform.

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Filmfare.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Filmfare.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FILMFAREView All
Shatrughan Sinha's Rapid fire
Filmfare

Shatrughan Sinha's Rapid fire

Rapid fire

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
Women's era
Filmfare

Women's era

Kiran Rao, Payal Kapadia and Shuchi Talati are redefining contemporary Indian cinema by placing women at the centre of their narratives, offering a refreshing perspective through the female gaze. Their films, Laapataa Ladies, All We Imagine As Light, and Girls Will Be Girls, not only explore women-oriented stories but also challenge the traditional male-dominated lens of storytelling, creating nuanced portrayals of women's experiences, aspirations and struggles.

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
BACK WITH A BANG
Filmfare

BACK WITH A BANG

DANUBE PROPERTIES FILMFARE OTT AWARDS RETURNS FOR A BLOCKBUSTER FIFTH EDITION

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
GLITZ, GLAMOUR, GLORY
Filmfare

GLITZ, GLAMOUR, GLORY

AMAR SINGH CHAMKILA AND THE RAILWAY MEN WON BIG AT THE DANUBE PROPERTIES FILMFARE OTT AWARDS 2024. DEVESH SHARMA NOTES THE HIGHLIGHTS.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
MAHAKUMBH 2025 AT PRAYAGRAJ
Filmfare

MAHAKUMBH 2025 AT PRAYAGRAJ

A CELEBRATION OF SPIRITUALITY, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
BONEY KAPOOR'S BOLD REINVENTION
Filmfare

BONEY KAPOOR'S BOLD REINVENTION

A HAIR-TRANSFORMING JOURNEY WITH EUGENIX

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
LAND OF WONDERS: UTTAR PRADESH
Filmfare

LAND OF WONDERS: UTTAR PRADESH

UTTAR PRADESH CAME ON BOARD AS AN ASSOCIATE PARTNER FOR FILMFARE OTT AWARDS 2024

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
GOLD STANDARD
Filmfare

GOLD STANDARD

THE DANUBE PROPERTIES FILMFARE OTT AWARDS 2024 WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS. DEVESH SHARMA PROFILES THE WINNERS

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
REMEMBERING SHYAM BENEGAL
Filmfare

REMEMBERING SHYAM BENEGAL

LEGENDARY FILMMAKER SHYAM BENEGAL (DECEMBER 14, 1934-DECEMBER 23, 2024) IS NO MORE. DEVESH SHARMA TAKES A BRIEF LOOK AT HIS LIFE AND CAREER

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
WINNING HEARTS
Filmfare

WINNING HEARTS

HYUNDAI MOTOR INDIA LIMITED ANDFILMFARE OTT AWARDS 2024:A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025