Bhumi Pednekar has garnered tremendous acclaim through her choice of cinema and progressive roles. She seeks out films and characters that look to leave audiences with a message. In her five-year cinematic journey, Bhumi has entertained us with breathtaking performances in ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’, ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’, ‘Saand Ki Aankh’, and ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare’ among others. All of these films have sparked a conversation about society.
“I think my films should entertain people but at the same time, it does seek to leave audiences with a thought that will hopefully change their thinking for the better. Most of my films have had heavy social messaging but even a film like Pati Patni Aur Woh, which was an out and out entertainer, clearly tells you that you don’t have to succumb to societal pressures of marriage. Staying in the marriage is as much a woman’s choice too,” she says.
When Bhumi picks her films, she ensures that the messaging is never preachy to audiences as, at the end of the day, a film has to entertain. “Every film has a certain set of audiences and for me, a film has to entertain its core audience. If it fails to do so, then it doesn’t achieve its purpose. All my films have reached to its set of audience who have loved what we have tried to say about life, society and women empowerment. That to me is gratifying,” she says.
“There is no formula to say this film will work and that won’t. It’s all a gamble, every film is but you set out to make it with the purest of intentions that it will reach out and entertain people. Thankfully my films have worked, it has gotten me the recognition and helped me get more challenging and creatively satiating roles,” she adds.