Source: NDTV
Introduction
The journey of filmmaker Devashish Makhija offers a compelling look into the volatile reality of the Hindi film industry. Best known for directing projects such as Gandhari, Ajji, Bhonsle, and Joram, Makhija has weathered profound financial instability, professional roadblocks, and prolonged periods of uncertainty. His trajectory in cinema highlights both the resilience required to survive in the entertainment sector and the severe economic vulnerabilities independent creators frequently face.
From arriving in Mumbai with minimal resources to securing and ultimately walking away from a lucrative multi-film contract with Yash Raj Films, Makhija's path has defied conventional industry norms. His recent reflections shed light on the heavy toll that independent filmmaking can exact, even after achieving critical recognition and securing major streaming platforms for subsequent releases.
What Happened
Makhija recently opened up about his career hardships during an interview with the YouTube channel Rediff Originals. The discussion detailed how the release of his acclaimed film Joram left him facing severe financial losses and mounting debt. Despite being over the age of forty, the director revealed he struggled to pay basic housing rent for nearly five months and described his financial status as bankrupt.
The economic strain extended to his professional life, where prospective projects faced constant threats of cancellation. His most recent directorial venture, Gandhari, nearly met a similar fate during its preparation phase. The production team was forced to repeatedly scale down budgets and reduce shooting days while managing internal departures before the project ultimately made its way to Netflix.
Background
Makhija’s entry into the cinematic landscape began in the 1990s when he relocated from Kolkata to Mumbai. Carrying only 700 rupees and lacking industry connections, he spent his initial three nights sleeping at the Goregaon railway station. His perseverance eventually yielded a breakthrough when he secured a directory of filmmaker contact details and began cold-calling through public payphones.
This persistence led to a pivotal meeting with Anurag Kashyap, who enlisted Makhija to assist with research and script structuring for the film Black Friday. He subsequently worked as an assistant director under Shaad Ali on the production of Bunty Aur Babli. During that tenure, a budding friendship with writer Jaideep Sahni paved the way for a major career opportunity involving a three-film agreement with Yash Raj Films and head Aditya Chopra.
Timeline
| Period / Year | Milestone / Event |
|---|---|
| 1990s | Relocated from Kolkata to Mumbai with 700 rupees; spent nights at a railway station. |
| Early Career | Connected with Anurag Kashyap for Black Friday and assisted on Bunty Aur Babli. |
| Pre-2010s | Signed a three-film deal with Yash Raj Films; spent three years on an animated project that was ultimately shelved. |
| Post-YRF Departure | Traveled across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh to research Adivasi communities. |
| 2017 | Released his debut feature film, Ajji, roughly a decade after leaving Yash Raj Films. |
| Recent Years | Released Bhonsle and Joram, the latter of which resulted in severe financial distress and bankruptcy. |
| 2024 | Revealed a five-month struggle to pay rent and described facing bankruptcy following Joram. |
| 2025 | Discussed production hurdles and near-cancellation events surrounding the release of Gandhari on Netflix. |
Key Details
The initial collaboration under the Yash Raj Films banner was envisioned as an animated feature in partnership with Walt Disney. However, the commercial failure of Roadside Romeo prompted studio executives to scrap the venture entirely, rendering Makhija's three years of active production work obsolete. Rather than waiting for alternative assignments, the director chose to terminate his contract and exit the studio system.
This departure initiated a prolonged period of self-doubt, during which Makhija frequently questioned whether relinquishing the studio deal was a prudent career choice. To gather authentic source material, he spent extensive time traveling through rural regions of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh to document the realities of Adivasi communities. This ground-level investigation ultimately provided the narrative foundation for Joram, which starred Manoj Bajpayee.
Despite critical acclaim, Joram faced immense commercial hurdles. Operating on a modest budget of one crore rupees, the feature generated approximately 16 lakh rupees in financial returns. This substantial deficit directly precipitated the director's subsequent financial struggles, leaving him unable to afford basic amenities like a bicycle despite his mature career status.
Impact
The candid disclosures by the Gandhari director highlight the stark financial disparities within the Indian entertainment ecosystem, particularly for independent auteurs tackling gritty, non-formulaic narratives. While streaming platforms like Netflix provide vital distribution channels for challenging content, the pre-release and theatrical economics often leave creators vulnerable to ruinous debt.
Furthermore, Makhija’s experiences serve as a cautionary narrative regarding the fragility of studio development deals. The sudden cancellation of high-profile collaborative projects can derail years of creative labor, forcing independent filmmakers to rebuild their portfolios from the ground up while absorbing personal financial liabilities.
What Happens Next
Following a turbulent preparation phase characterized by budget cuts and crew attrition, Makhija's latest feature Gandhari is currently streaming on Netflix. Written by Kanika Dhillon and starring Taapsee Pannu alongside Ishwak Singh, the project represents the director's continued navigation of the contemporary digital entertainment landscape.
