Sooraj Barjatya on Embracing Creative Authenticity: “I Am Not In The Rat-Race Anymore”

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, celebrated for his iconic family-oriented films and recently honored with a National Award for his film Uunchai, has shared his evolving perspective on filmmaking and industry trends. Barjatya, known for creating heartwarming narratives that resonate with audiences, has made it clear that he is no longer focused on the competitive race for commercial success.

“I am not in the rat-race anymore,” Barjatya declares, emphasizing his decision to focus on creating meaningful and rooted stories rather than chasing market trends. “Audience will come, of course they will. There is an audience for every movie and every subject, the population is huge.” This statement reflects his belief in the enduring appeal of diverse genres, including family dramas.

As Barjatya matures in his career, he acknowledges a shift in his priorities. “Now when I am maturing, I think there is huge responsibility that someone else also needs to make movies like these,” he says. His remarks highlight a sense of duty to continue producing films that celebrate traditional values and family themes, even if it means stepping away from the competitive pressures of the industry.

Addressing the ongoing misconception that audiences have lost interest in family-oriented dramas, Barjatya points to the lasting popularity of his own films. “Today all sorts of movies are being made, and this is also the kind of movies that needs to be made. Why would Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain generate so much TRP on television if people weren’t interested?” His observations underline that there is a substantial audience for family-centric films, countering the notion that such stories have become obsolete.

Barjatya's commitment to creative integrity is further demonstrated in his approach to filmmaking. “See, I will make what I want, I would not follow the market trend,” he asserts. He acknowledges the role of marketing and promotion but emphasizes that the core of filmmaking lies in the creative process. “All that jazz about marketing, promotion and God knows what, it is there, but at the back, on the forefront, you have to understand it’s a creative process,” he explains.

He also notes that the most successful films are often those that defy expectations and surprise audiences. “If you look closely, all the movies which are hits are those movies which surprised the audience, movies which people thought can’t be made, which were next to impossible, and those are the ones which are ruling the market,” Barjatya reflects.