For Matondkar and her fellow collaborators, ‘Kaun?’ represents not just a milestone in their careers, but a testament to the power of daring filmmaking.
Urmila Matondkar and Manoj Bajpayee in 'Kaun?'
Urmila Matondkar, the acclaimed actress, is marking a special milestone in her career as she celebrates 25 years of the psychological thriller ‘Kaun?’. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma and released in 1999, the film, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Sushant Singh alongside Matondkar, has left an indelible mark on cinema enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the journey of making ‘Kaun?’, Matondkar shared intriguing insights into the film’s creation, describing it as a convergence of “a bunch of crazy people.” Recalling her own role, she humorously dubbed herself “the craziest of all.” Despite the film’s experimental nature and unconventional storytelling, it resonated deeply with audiences, introducing them to a distinct style of filmmaking.
Matondkar expressed her desire for a re-release of the film, eager to witness the audience’s response firsthand. However, she candidly addressed the commercial performance of ‘Kaun?’, acknowledging its modest box office returns. In interviews, she emphasized that the film was never intended to emulate blockbusters like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ or ‘Judaai’, citing differences in mindset, budget, and intent.
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The actress reminisced about the risks involved in the project, particularly for her co-stars, Bajpayee and Singh, who were relatively new to the industry at the time. In contrast, Matondkar, with her established reputation, faced greater scrutiny. Her portrayal of a “nameless” woman, with a shocking twist in the climax, remains one of the film’s defining features, eliciting praise for its unpredictability.
As ‘Kaun?’ celebrates its silver jubilee, Matondkar’s reflections offer a glimpse into the creative process behind this cinematic gem. Beyond its commercial reception, the film’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to challenge conventions and captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling. For Urmila Matondkar and her fellow collaborators, ‘Kaun?’ represents not just a milestone in their careers, but a testament to the power of daring filmmaking.
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