Filmmaker Abhishek Chaubey doesn’t sugarcoat reality in his movies. From the drug-soaked streets of Udta Punjab to the dusty rebellion of Sonchiriya, he brings deep, gritty stories to life.
Right now, he’s working on a series set in Bihar, mixing social drama with thriller vibes. He’s also cooking up a historical thriller set 120 years ago—something with action and a lot of old-world charm.
Chaubey learned the ropes under Vishal Bhardwaj. He was an assistant director on films like Omkara and The Blue Umbrella, and says those early days shaped him both as a filmmaker and a person.
For him, everything starts with writing. That’s when he figured out that film isn’t just pretty shots—it’s about emotion, theme, and creating a real world people can feel.
He refuses to add flashy item songs just to boost box office numbers. “If I have to break my vision to make a film popular, then it’s not worth it,” he says.
Money’s tight for filmmakers like him who stray from the standard formula. Still, Chaubey believes the tide will turn, and raw, honest stories will always find viewers willing to listen.