Dibakar Banerjee speaks on Tees being shelved, compares it to Khosla Ka Ghosla struggle: “Everyone would say, ‘What a film!’ But nobody would buy it”

Filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee has opened up about his film Tees being shelved by Netflix, comparing the ordeal to the struggle he faced with his debut film Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006). What is Tees about, and why has its release been halted? The movie, starring Naseeruddin Shah and Manisha Koirala, explores the personal, ideological, and sexual history of a Kashmiri family. Initially slated for a 2022 premiere, the film was held back by Netflix, reportedly citing that it wasn’t the right time for its release. Now, Banerjee is actively searching for a producer to acquire the film from the streaming giant.

The director expressed his frustration in a chat with PTI, stating, “Tees is a film that is suppressed. I considered it my best before LSD 2. It’s made for the audience of Khosla Ka Ghosla, the same audience that started my journey. We are trying desperately [to find a producer].” Searching for a New Home for Tees Banerjee reflected on the similarities between this experience and his early career struggles. “It’s almost like my Khosla Ka Ghosla experience being repeated. We went around showing that film to every distributor for two years and everyone would say, ‘What a film!’ But nobody would buy it. It took Ronnie [Screwvala], UTV, and Sid [Siddharth Roy Kapur] to release it.” The filmmaker remains hopeful that Tees will find the right platform and reach audiences who appreciate his unique storytelling style.

While grappling with this setback, Banerjee has been focusing on new projects. He is currently co-writing three scripts, each exploring different time periods in India—contemporary, historical, and futuristic. “The need to start from zero is very important. Otherwise, I’ll become a senior filmmaker. I don’t want that,” he shared. Despite his disappointment over Tees, his passion for storytelling remains undeterred. Future Endeavors and the Filmmaker’s Perspective Banerjee’s upcoming projects continue his signature style, incorporating dark humor as a key narrative element. “I’m not making a funny film. But all my films have humor. I can’t tell stories without it,” he explained. His dedication to experimenting with storytelling ensures that his films remain fresh and relevant, despite industry roadblocks.

Also Read: Dibakar Banerjee criticises Bollywood’s commercialisation: “It is not really a place where variety can exist”

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