Shoojit Sircar was unfazed when producers refused to invest in Pink
As the critically acclaimed Pink celebrates its 8th anniversary, we revisit the remarkable journey of this National Award-winning feature film. Despite its eventual success, Pink faced significant hurdles before its release, with numerous producers rejecting the project.
Shoojit Sircar, the visionary director and producer, had shared the challenges he faced: “It’s my vision, How do you know about my vision?” He was resolute in his decision to not let a handful of people in a studio dictate the future of his vision.
Creative producer Ronnie Lahiri noted that many believed the film would not succeed given the casting choices and the story’s nature. Ritesh Shah, the film’s writer, mentioned that the skepticism from some studios made Sircar feel as if his credibility as a filmmaker was being questioned.
Faced with repeated refusals, Sircar decided to take matters into his own hands, declaring, “Koi bhi studio ke paas nahin jayenge, khud karenge chahe kuch bhi ho jaye. I wasn’t challenging them, I was challenging myself. I was really pissed off.”
This unwavering resolve paid off. Made on a budget of just Rs. 23 crore, Pink exceeded expectations by grossing over 100 crore at the box office. Pink featured Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu in lead roles. The film was directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury.
As Pink continues to inspire with its powerful storytelling, Shoojit Sircar and Rising Sun Films gear up for their next venture, starring Abhishek Bachchan, which will release on November 15, 2024.
