In this Industry Spotlight with Creative First, award-winning director and screenwriter Amit Masurkar joined Lohita Sujith, Sr. Director, Copyright & Digital Economy, Motion Picture Association, to discuss his evolution in the Indian film industry, from writing Murder 3 to directing acclaimed films like Newton and Sherni.
Amit shared insights into his creative process, emphasizing that he prioritizes authentic storytelling over commercial success, letting character and setting naturally shape his films’ narratives. Reflecting on Film Bazaar’s role in his career, he recounted how the platform brought critical exposure to his work, particularly with his debut Sulemani Keeda, which gained early support and distribution after its feature in the Bazaar’s Work-in-Progress Lab. He highlighted how CPM, one of the key resources of Film Bazaar – Co-Production Market enable filmmakers to connect with producers, sales agents, and festival programmers, establishing industry relationships that can enhance a film’s reach even before release.
Amit praised Film Bazaar’s support for diverse voices, themes, and regional languages, positioning it as a space where filmmakers meet, share work, and form connections crucial for independent cinema. He then shared insights into his latest project, a horror film titled Wax Daddy, which is currently being pitched at Film Bazaar, showcasing his continued commitment to exploring new genres and collaborating with industry partners.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amit Masurkar
Amit marked his film debut as a screenwriter of the 2011 film, Murder 3 and later scripted and directed three films - Sulemani Keeda in 2013, Newton in 2017 and Sherni in 2021. He received the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Screenplay for Newton which was also selected as India’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards. He holds a BA degree in History from Mumbai University.