Dinesh Vijan Reflects on the Phenomenal Success of 'Stree' and Upcoming Projects
Producer Dinesh Vijan Celebrates Success
Mumbai: Dinesh Vijan, the producer behind hits like 'Stree' and 'Chhaava', is ecstatic about the remarkable achievements of his films, which have inspired him to pursue more adventurous storytelling.
Under his banner, Maddock Films, Vijan has produced several successful titles, including 'Cocktail', 'Badlapur', 'Hindi Medium', and 'Luka Chuppi'.
Reflecting on the past three years, he remarked, "It's been incredible. Who would have thought 'Stree' would become the top Hindi film? Initially, I had to fund 'Stree' myself because no one believed in its title, which many thought would fail."
He continued, "Then 'Chhaava' followed, ranking second. We couldn't ask for more, as this success allows us to take bolder risks with projects like 'Ikkis' and 'Mahavatar'."
The original 'Stree', released in 2018, draws inspiration from the urban legend 'Nale Ba', which gained popularity in Karnataka during the 1990s. The film, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, was directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Vijan alongside Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK.
The sequel, released in 2024, has become one of the highest-grossing and critically acclaimed films, amassing over Rs 500 crore at the domestic box office.
Vijan aims to tell stories that reflect India's culture and people, as seen in his upcoming film 'Mahavatar', starring Vicky Kaushal as Chiranjeevi Parashurama, the eternal warrior of dharma.
"It's crucial to share these narratives to preserve our culture. We need to educate the world about figures like Arun Khetarpal and Bhagwan Parashuram, just as we highlight Shivaji and his legacy," Vijan stated.
"We're now more daring in our approach, and the scale of our projects is larger. It's the right moment to elevate the cinematic experience. 'Ikkis' is set to be a world-class film," he added.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, 'Ikkis' tells the story of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The cast includes Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, the late Dharmendra, Sikander Kher, and Simar Bhatia.
Vijan expressed hope that audiences will embrace the film, which is scheduled for theatrical release on January 1, 2026.
"The outcome is unpredictable in this industry. Many claim to have a formula for success, but I believe that once you think you have it figured out, it's gone," he said.
He emphasized the importance of storytelling over financial gain, stating, "We create films for the narrative, even if it means risking financial loss. Value is what truly matters to me."
Vijan explained that the key to producing a film lies in its ability to resonate with him personally.
"For example, 'Ikkis' is a project I've wanted to pursue for a long time. Uniqueness is essential to me; I avoid repeating themes. 'Ikkis' stands out as it explores the futility of war from a familial perspective," he noted.
Describing Raghavan as a visionary storyteller, Vijan shared his positive experience collaborating with him.
"His storytelling technique is remarkable. When you watch it, you'll understand. He is a master at elevating a film's narrative, taking viewers on a profound journey," he remarked, calling 'Ikkis' Raghavan's most emotional work.
Vijan, along with his team and some industry colleagues, has already screened 'Ikkis' and believes it's among his finest films.
"I showed it to composer Pritam, and after viewing, he bowed his head. I thought he didn't like it, but he expressed how deeply moved he was, as did Mukesh Khetarpal, Arun Khetarpal's brother. That validation means a lot to us," he concluded.