Mumbai: Celebrated filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has opened up about his emotional journey with Satya, his iconic 1998 film starring JD Chakravarthy and Manoj Bajpayee. Marking 27 years since the film’s release, Varma recently revisited the masterpiece and shared a heartfelt note, pledging to focus on impactful storytelling in his future projects.
“Watching Satya after 27 years brought tears to my eyes—not just for the film itself but for the memories and emotions tied to its making,” Varma wrote on social media. “It made me realize how far I’ve drifted from the standards I once set as a filmmaker. Satya is not just a film; it’s an emotion, a benchmark I failed to uphold in my subsequent works.”
In his post, Varma reflected on how he lost track of meaningful cinema in pursuit of sensationalism. “I allowed success and arrogance to cloud my vision. I prioritized gimmicks and shock value over storytelling. Watching Satya reminded me of the greatness I once achieved and the immense trust the audience placed in me.”
The filmmaker admitted regret for not using Satya as a guiding standard for his career and vowed to rectify that going forward. “From now on, before I embark on any project, I will rewatch Satya to remind myself of what filmmaking should truly be. I want to dedicate the rest of my career to creating films that earn respect, both for me and for the art of cinema.”
Varma concluded his post with a powerful commitment. “I may not be able to make another Satya, but if I don’t at least strive for its level of storytelling, I will consider it a betrayal of cinema. I still have half my life ahead, and I am determined to make it meaningful.”
Satya, a landmark film in Indian cinema, is regarded as one of the finest gangster dramas ever made, credited with redefining the genre and launching Manoj Bajpayee into stardom. Varma’s promise to return to his cinematic roots has stirred anticipation among fans and the industry alike.