In this special Industry Spotlight, a WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 feature, filmmaker and director Nikhil Mahajan spoke with Lohita Sujith, Sr. Director, Copyright & Digital Economy, Motion Picture Association, about his journey as a storyteller and his experiences at the festival. Nikhil traced his early exposure to cinema growing up in Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), where Bollywood was the primary influence, and described how studying filmmaking in Sydney expanded his understanding of global cultures and cinematic storytelling.

Reflecting on his debut, Pune 52, Nikhil emphasized the importance of following his creative instincts rather than market trends, a principle that continues to guide his work. His deeply personal film Godavari, which won both a National Film Award and Filmfare recognition, was a source of pride not just for him but for his parents, whose support made his unconventional career possible. These accolades also helped establish credibility within the industry.

Nikhil discussed the role of initiatives like the CMOT program, the Screenwriters Lab at NMDC, and the co-production market in providing young filmmakers with mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Highlighting his longstanding relationship with WAVES Film Bazaar, spanning 13 years, he reflected on how the platform has connected him with festival directors, journalists, and collaborators, and described it as both a professional and personal ritual.

He emphasized the unique opportunities WAVES provides independent and regional filmmakers, offering access to global industry veterans that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Offering advice to first-time participants, Nikhil stressed the importance of preparation, clarity of objectives, and tactful networking. Looking ahead, he suggested WAVES could further support the Indian filmmaking ecosystem by balancing arthouse and mainstream projects, ensuring a diverse range of films benefit from the festival’s exposure. For Nikhil, WAVES remains a space to cultivate creativity, forge connections, and celebrate the transformative power of cinema.