Makdee was my toughest film, says Vishal Bhardwaj

For someone who has directed Shakespearean tragedies like Omkara and Maqbool, Vishal Bhardwaj's toughest film is a strange one. Speaking at a panel discussion the director said, "Makdee was the toughest film. After I made the film, the children's society rejected it and I had to release it on my own." 

The film starring Shabana Azmi went on to win the National Award in 2002. Bhardwaj also pointed out that though appreciated, his films have never been box-office successes."No film of mine has worked at the box-office. They never made money... none of my films. Haider'just recovered money. Not even Omkara I was told. But it doesn't bother (me)," he said. 

Bhardwaj is currently working on Rangoon, a period epic during World War II with Kangana Ranaut, Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. However, the director's failure to make a 'big film' has not deterred him. Speaking further, he said, " I have chosen to make such kind of films. I don't expect a big dhamaka. If it ever happens, I will probably introspect." 

Bhardwaj need not fret though. His films have received far more than simply financial success, they have received appreciation all across festivals. Recently, Haider, starring Shahid Kapoor and Irrfan Khan won the People's Choice Award at the Mondo Genere of the Rome International Film Festival. The film was also a National Award winner in 2015. 

For now though, the director seems to be happy with making films that get him ovations from critics, home and away.