'Many issues need to be told through women-centric films'

Trendsetter

Director Madhur Bhandarkar, known for making women-centric films, feels a number of issues still need to be told through such movies. Bhandarkar, who started the trend of films women protagonists through Chandni Bar, Page 3, Fashion, Corporate, Heroine, also expressed happiness over the trend of making women-centric movies gathering momentum in Bollywood and the top actresses getting their due.

"I am happy (that) a lot of other people are making women-centric films. I feel that in our country there are a lot of issues that need to be told through our point of view of women. It is a great moment for all of us. There are audience who are watching for this kind of cinema," Bhandarkar told PTI in an interview here.

Though actresses have proved themselves by delivering hit films but in terms of pay scale there is still a disparity between them and their male counterparts. "It is male dominant industry, be it Hollywood or Bollywood, it happens everywhere," Bhandarkar said.

However, he feels that the trend is changing now with at least top actresses getting their due.

"But slowly and gradually a lot of actresses are taking position like Deepika Padukone. Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif have reached a level where they are getting good pay and due what they wanted. It is a good thing," he said.

Bhandarkar is looking forward to the release of Calendar Girls. He recently launched the trailer of the film. "Whosoever has seen the trailer is saying good things about the film. Everybody is interested to watch the movie," he said.

For Calendar Girls Bhandarkar cast five newcomers. "This movie required newcomers.'Calendar Girls' is the platform of new girls," he added.

Bhandarkar found working with newbies easy. "It was very easy directing the newcomers. I auditioned them and told what I am expecting from them. I am happy with the casting," he added.

Considering the subject and reality of the films he has made, Bhandarkar has often got embroiled into controversies. To this, he said, "I am here to make my audience happy. Whenever I do films I want to be true to reality. I am being upfront and honest in showing reality of life. Like when I was making 'Heroine' I did not develop cold feet. I wanted to show reality of films."

Calendar Girls, co-produced by Sangeeta Ahir and Bhandarkar Entertainment, is scheduled to release next month.