When Srijit says no to remakes

As Srijit Mukherji starts shooting Padatik – Mrinal sen’s biopic – with Chanchal Chowdhury, Monami Ghosh, and others, his Zee5 venture Janbaaz Hindustan Ke is all set to release on Republic Day. Recently, in an interview with Hindustan Times, Srijit said that he rejected 10 to 12 remake offers in the last two years. 

Srijit said, “I want to make stories on my terms, which I would like to watch as the spectator. The film can be released in the halls or the OTTs. It can even be a short film. I have been strict with my rules since I started work. In the last two years, I have rejected ten to twelve remake offers, some of them under big banners and on big budgets. I want to do something which has its roots in literature or history. Fortunately, I can work in two languages.” 

However, Srijit does not think that people go to halls less in number just because there are lots of remakes. He said, “This is completely the makers’ call. This is not an issue for the audience. Dobara did not do well at the box office, but Drishyam was a blockbuster. Both of them are remakes. You cannot set a thumb-rule.” 

He also said, “I would rather make something which is my own. remaking something means surviving in others' creativity, which is not my cup of tea.” 

Srijit's upcoming film Padatik created a buzz in Bengal. The film, which is a biopic of the legendary filmmaker Mrinal sen, stars Chanchal Chowdhury as the protagonist. the first look of the film is released. Monami Ghosh plays Geeta Sen, Mrinal’s wife.