Renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has openly admitted that he remains profoundly humbled by the powerful impact of his 2007 release 'Traffic Signal', even as the film marks its 19th anniversary. Reflecting on the drama's release date, Bhandarkar emphasized that the project continues to successfully illuminate the untold stories of individuals often overlooked and undervalued in society.
A Legacy of Social Relevance
In a heartfelt statement, the director shared, "National Award winning film #TrafficSignal has had an impact I'm still humbled by, shedding light on lives that are too frequently ignored. 19 years later, its socially relevant theme still resonates with audiences." This enduring connection underscores the film's ability to address pressing societal issues that remain pertinent today.
Gratitude to Cast and Crew
Bhandarkar further expressed deep gratitude towards the talented ensemble that brought 'Traffic Signal' to life. He acknowledged, "I'm grateful for the powerful performances of all the actors & the dedicated technicians whose craftsmanship brought this story to life." The collaborative effort of the team was instrumental in creating a narrative that has stood the test of time.
Star-Studded Ensemble and Production Details
Co-written and co-produced by Bhandarkar himself, 'Traffic Signal' features a compelling cast led by Kunal Khemmu, Neetu Chandra, Ranvir Shorey, and Konkona Sen Sharma. The supporting roles are portrayed by a talented array of actors including:
- Vinay Apte
- Upendra Limaye
- Sudhir Mishra
- Gopal K Singh
- Kapil Rajput
- Madhu Sharma
- D. Santosh
- Manoj Joshi
- Sandeep Kulkarni
- Naseer Abdullah
Behind the scenes, Mahesh Limaye handled the cinematography, while Devendra Murdeshwar oversaw the editing. The film was backed by Madhur Bhandarkar Motion Pictures and Percept Picture Company, with music provided by Shamir Tandon.
Plot and Accolades
The drama revolves around Silsila, played by Kunal Khemmu, who manages a traffic signal and collects weekly protection fees from various squatters and vendors, offering a gritty glimpse into urban struggles. Bhandarkar's directorial prowess was recognized with the prestigious National Film Award for 'Best Direction', cementing the film's critical acclaim.
Looking Ahead: 'The Wives'
Currently, Bhandarkar is immersed in his upcoming project titled 'The Wives'. This new drama is anticipated to explore the hidden lives of women in Bollywood, featuring a primary cast that includes Sonali Kulkarni, Mouni Roy, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhatt, Saurabh Sachdeva, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruwala. Fans eagerly await another socially conscious narrative from the acclaimed director.
