Madhur Bhandarkar: I feel like the flag-bearer of women-centric cinema

A few glossy calendars that surfaced while he was cleaning his office became a source of inspiration for National Award-winning director Madhur Bhandarkar to make Calendar Girls.

The film revolves around five girls who are calendar models and their showbiz journey from there on. “While flipping through the pages of those calendars, my mind wondered about who these girls were.I was curious about what happened to them after they shot for these calendars. I kept asking myself, ‘Where have they disappeared?’ That was the trigger for me to make my next,” says Madhur, adding, “I set out to research like I usually do. I interacted with many of these girls. While some had become full-time models and some others had become actresses, many had changed tracks.”
READ: Madhur Bhandarkar uncovers his 'Calendar Girls'
The filmmaker, who has so far usually worked with established names, launches five new faces this time around. “My film is a thought-provoking, emotional journey of five girls and I deliberately chose freshers as calendars are usually the platform for new talent. I wanted girls with absolutely no image. My aim was to make the film quickly and with a small budget. I shot the film in Mumbai and Mauritius and completed it in 40 days flat. When I’m convinced about my subject, I want to do it fast,” he says.
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Madhur, who is known for his women-oriented films like Chandni Bar, Page 3, Fashion and Heroine, says, “It is a great time for women-oriented cinema and I feel like the flag-bearer of such films.” Producer Sangeeta Ahir adds, “The film’s like an open diary of five girls. It’s not just about bikini-clad models. It also makes a statement about the empowerment of women; their journey, their struggle, their courage, and what it takes to fulfil their dreams in the face of many odds. It’s an inspiring story.” Calendar Girls is produced by Mangal Murti Films.
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WATCH: Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Calendar Girls' to Release in August