We sat down with Pragati Deshmukh, the creative powerhouse at Zee Studios, to chat about storytelling, how the film industry is changing, and the buzz around Dhadak 2.
Dhadak 2 Is Making Waves!
The sequel to Dhadak is back with a bang, and people are talking! Early reviews are praising its bold storytelling and the sharp writing of Shazia Iqbal and Rahul Badwelkar.
The driving force behind the film? Pragati Deshmukh, producer and creative lead at Zee Studios. She’s known for championing stories that dare to be different.
“We’re Not About Formulas”
At the recent Content Hub Summit, Deshmukh spilled the beans on her creative philosophy:
“We’re all about backing stories that feel real and have something meaningful to say. Every project is unique, so we ditch the cookie-cutter approach and focus on building trust and staying flexible.”
In her eyes, genuine collaboration is the secret ingredient to great movies, not a bunch of rigid rules.
Navigating the Ever-Changing Film Landscape
Deshmukh also touched on how the lines in the film industry are blurring.
“The old boundaries between language markets are fading away. And the idea of theatrical releases versus digital-first is becoming less clear-cut.”
She emphasized that box office numbers aren’t the only thing that matters anymore.
“Music, how well a film does online, and its performance on streaming platforms all play a huge role in defining success.”
Agility: The Key to Success
Deshmukh pointed to Kaalidhar Laapata as a prime example. Originally planned for theaters, it found huge success as a top-performing OTT hit.
“That’s the kind of adaptability we embrace. We believe in letting the story find its own audience, wherever that may be.”
Looking to the Future with a Purpose
Deshmukh is clear that both creative vision and financial viability are essential.
“The projects we choose to support today shape the stories audiences will see tomorrow. We’re always looking ahead, but we never forget our core mission: to tell stories that truly resonate.”
Zee Studios: Riding a Wave of Success
With an impressive 8 National Film Awards under their belt this year, Zee Studios is on a roll. Films like 12th Fail have solidified their reputation for producing high-quality content.
“True success is when everything comes together – critical acclaim, audience love, and strong financial returns,” Deshmukh concluded.
“And that only happens when you trust the creators and lead with unwavering conviction.”
