Sooraj Barjatya says he feels responsible for showcasing family values in his films: ‘It might fail at the box office, but…’ | Hindi Movie News

Renowned filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, celebrated for his iconic family-oriented films like ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain‘, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’, and ‘Vivah‘, is set to make his OTT debut with ‘Bada Naam Karega‘ on February 7. Ahead of the release, he spoke about his unwavering commitment to showcasing family-centric narratives in his projects.
In a recent interview with The Indian Express, Sooraj was asked about his venture into the streaming world. Barjatya revealed that he had been waiting for the right opportunity. Initially, they faced challenges as streaming platforms were perceived to favour thrillers, action, and urban-centric content over traditional family dramas. However, the current OTT platform recognised the demand for wholesome, family-oriented storytelling and approached the production team to create a show that resonated with audiences of films like ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ and ‘Vivah’. This led to the conceptualisation and development of the show during the pandemic.

Despite changing relationship dynamics, Barjatya remains confident in his storytelling approach in ‘Bada Naam Karega’. “I will take you 20 years back. When I made Vivah, a journalist asked me, ‘Live-in ke time pe kaun yeh dekhega?’ I asked her, ‘Ma’am, how many people are aware of the term live-in?’ She said, ‘I don’t know. I was asked to ask you, so I did.’ Even at that time, these questions were being raised, but the box office proved them all wrong.”
He cited the continued popularity of ‘Vivah’ on television. He highlighted the diversity of audiences in India (Bharat) while stressing that, at the core, people share similar values. Instead of trying to impress or cater to every preference, he believes in creating authentic narratives that resonate with viewers. Discussing ‘Bada Naam Karega’, he describes the lead characters, Rishab and Surbhi, as fun-loving yet deeply rooted in family values. Confident in the show’s appeal, he acknowledges that not everyone will like it but maintains that quality content will naturally find its audience.
Sooraj acknowledges the shifting dynamics of family structures while emphasising the importance of traditional values. He recognises that modern lifestyles often require people to move away for work, making it difficult to live under one roof. Comparing generational differences, he notes how communication has evolved—while his generation hesitated to question parental decisions, today’s youth are more vocal and inquisitive. Despite these changes, he firmly believes that the essence of family remains intact. Through his storytelling, he aims to depict how families, even if physically apart, should prioritise togetherness during festivals and special occasions to sustain emotional bonds.
Despite changing audience preferences, Barjatya remains steadfast in his vision. “I feel very responsible for showing these family values. It might fail at the box office, but someone will be able to see the good part of it,” he stated.
He finds immense joy in seeing younger audiences bring their parents and grandparents to theatres, reinforcing the intergenerational appeal of his films. As he grows older, he feels an even stronger urge to preserve and revive the essence of traditional family bonds in storytelling. He is actively working to nurture new directors who can carry forward this legacy.