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Bollywood – Nearly two decades after its release, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar says he remains deeply moved by the response to his 2007 film Traffic Signal. As the film marked another anniversary this week, the director revisited the project’s journey and the lasting impression it has left on viewers and on him personally.

Bhandarkar acknowledged that the film’s reception over the years has been both humbling and reaffirming. He noted that the story’s focus on people often overlooked by mainstream society continues to resonate, even years after its theatrical run.

A Film That Gave Voice to the Overlooked

Reflecting on the occasion, Bhandarkar described Traffic Signal as one of those rare projects that found meaning beyond box office numbers. According to him, the film succeeded in bringing attention to lives that exist on the margins, individuals whose struggles are often unseen despite being part of everyday urban life.

The director shared that the social themes explored in the film still feel relevant today. He credited the film’s grounded narrative for helping audiences connect with characters who are usually reduced to the background of city landscapes, rather than being seen as people with their own stories and aspirations.

Gratitude for Cast and Crew

Bhandarkar also took the opportunity to thank the team that helped translate the script into a compelling cinematic experience. He expressed appreciation for the actors who delivered powerful performances and for the technicians whose behind-the-scenes efforts shaped the final film.

He emphasized that Traffic Signal was a collaborative effort, made possible by the commitment of everyone involved. From performances to technical execution, the director believes the sincerity of the team played a crucial role in the film’s continued relevance.

Strong Ensemble Performances

Co-written and co-produced by Bhandarkar, the film featured a diverse ensemble cast led by Kunal Khemmu, Neetu Chandra, Ranvir Shorey, and Konkona Sen Sharma. Supporting roles were played by a wide range of actors including Vinay Apte, Upendra Limaye, Sudhir Mishra, Manoj Joshi, and Naseer Abdullah, among others.

The ensemble approach allowed the film to present a layered portrayal of life around a busy traffic junction, capturing a cross-section of urban existence through multiple perspectives.

Technical Craft and Music

The visual tone of Traffic Signal was shaped by cinematographer Mahesh Limaye, while the editing was handled by Devendra Murdeshwar. Their work contributed to the film’s realistic texture and steady pacing.

Produced under the banners of Madhur Bhandarkar Motion Pictures and Percept Picture Company, the film’s music was composed by Shamir Tandon, complementing the narrative without overpowering it.

Story Rooted in Urban Reality

At the heart of the film is Silsila, portrayed by Kunal Khemmu, a young man who manages activities at a traffic signal and collects weekly protection money from vendors and squatters. Through his story, the film explores informal economies, survival, and the fragile balance that sustains street-level livelihoods.

Traffic Signal earned Bhandarkar the National Film Award for Best Direction, further cementing his reputation for socially conscious cinema.

Looking Ahead to New Projects

Bhandarkar is currently focused on his upcoming film The Wives, which is expected to examine the lesser-seen lives of women connected to the film industry. The project features actors such as Sonali Kulkarni, Mouni Roy, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhatt, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruwala.

As Traffic Signal continues to be revisited by audiences, Bhandarkar’s reflections underline how meaningful storytelling can outlast time, remaining relevant long after the opening credits have rolled.