Manoj Bajpayee's movie 'Bhonsle' has released today. The actor, most remembered for his role in 'Satya', went on to talk about the difference in the era of the cult film and his latest release 'Bhonsle'. While he revealed that no corprote house was backing the film, the actor, who is also co-producer on 'Bhonsle', went on to call his latest release the last of his trilogy on loneliness.

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Manoj said that according to him he has worked on three movies about loneliness which could be termed as a trilogy on loneliness. He said 'Bhonsle' was the third film after 'Aligarh' and 'Gali Guleiyan'. The actor also spoke about spending quarantine with his family and his upcoming works, while also exploring more in the digital world.

Here are some excerpts from his interview:

What inspired you to take up the character of Bhonsle?

The script, migrant and local crisis and the loneliness of the old man is mixed up and woven so well that it not only talks about the migrants but also post-retirement life and the loneliness that comes with it. The backdrop, Ganpati visarjan, all of it attracted me towards the script. It compelled me to take it up.

Was the movie looking for a theatrical release?

When we were making the film, we thought about the theatrical release, but when no corporate house backs you then independent producers have to put in money from their own pocket. We were thinking of releasing it in March, but the lockdown happened and interestingly we got a huge interest from Sony Liv. So it was win-win for us. With the audience they guarantee, I think we are in a better situation today.

Bhonsle is your second movie outing on a digital platform after Mrs Serial Killer. What is the kind of response you are looking forward to?

After 'Mrs Serial Killer', my performance was appreciated quite a lot. That was a thriller and this is a socio-political film that also talks about loneliness. I have kind of done a trilogy on loneliness from 'Aligarh', 'Gali Guleiyan' and 'Bhonsle'. I'm expecting a huge number of people to switch on the TV and watch the film.

You played a loveable gangster in Satya and now are going be seen as a dreaded cop in Bhonsle. Do you think the audiences' perception of characters has changed throughout the years?

When 'Satya' released, that was the time of single theatre, when it became a blockbuster and eventually a cult film. At the time of 'Bhonsle's release, the world and entertainment industry has changed. The avenues have increased. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a dream because 'Satya' days feel so surreal. With the boom in theatres, mall, cineplexes, OTT platforms, it all just feels like we are living in a dream world. So yes, it has changed completely. The generation and exposure is no more the same.

Any plans to pursue the digital world further, since you have been loved in 'The Family Man' and are looking forward to a season 2 as well now.

The digital world has become so big that you can't really ignore it. There are far many offers and some of them are really good but I have not decided on anything. It is also because I have been very busy with The Family Man series and its seasons. I'm still quite indecisive about the second one, but I will let you guys know.

How have your days been under the quarantine?

We had been shooting in Uttarakhand and my family joined me because it was my daughter's spring vacation. They came here with three pair of winter clothes. While they were intending to stay for only five days, we are now stuck because of the lockdown. However, we explored more about the locals there. My baby was inolved when a cow was delivering a baby. We were filled with activities whole day and could do everything without a mask because there was actually nobody except us around. It was an amazing time for us.

We have reached Delhi and are thinking about when we could leave for Mumbai. I'm not a greedy person and my needs are very limited. But all I would say is that if the world doesn't learn a lesson from the pandemic, then they have to be ready for a bigger one. We have to respect the plan and environment. We need to make the environment and Earth our first priority.

What is the update on Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari? Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?

'Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari' is in post-production. Two days of shooting is left. There was a song which the director wanted to shoot. I don't know the latest delevelopment and would find out when I go back to Mumbai. The shooting was filled with laughter. I just pray that the film releases this year. Once everything settles down, I think the producers will be worry-free to release the film in theatres, mainly because the film is meant for theatres.