20 Years Later: Madhur Bhandarkar Reflects on ‘Corporate’ and Its Impact on Workplace Culture

Corporate (2006) celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 7, and director Madhur Bhandarkar reflects on the film as his favorite. Starring Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Raj Babbar, and Rajat Kapoor, the film was praised for its engaging narrative, shocking climax, and strong performances. Despite its complex themes centered around the corporate world and stock market, audiences found the story accessible and relatable. On this milestone, Bhandarkar shared intriguing insights about the film’s creation and impact.

The Inspiration Behind Corporate

Bhandarkar revealed that “Corporate was a film which was ahead of its time.” At the time of its conception, he did not have a specific story in mind but was captivated by the title. He collaborated with writer Manoj Tyagi, who brought valuable knowledge of the corporate sector to the project. Bhandarkar noted, “After Page 3, I received a lot of backlash from the corporate people and socialites,” as many felt the previous film exposed the darker side of high society. This backlash made it challenging to gain access to corporate environments for research.

Despite these hurdles, Bhandarkar conducted extensive research, meeting various individuals in Mumbai and Delhi. The film’s narrative focused on the rivalry between two soft drink giants, incorporating real-life incidents and character traits. He explained, “The film was 70% inspired by real life,” highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that went into crafting the story.

Casting Bipasha Basu

When it came to casting, Bhandarkar immediately thought of Bipasha Basu for the lead role. At the time, she was known for her glamorous image, particularly after her breakout in Jism (2003). Bhandarkar decided to present her in a different light, stating, “I was going to make her fully clothed from head to toe, that too in a suit-boot!” Despite initial skepticism from others, he was confident in her ability to deliver a strong performance. He remarked, “To date, Corporate is a landmark film in Bipasha Basu’s career.”

Basu herself used the film as a showcase of her talent, sharing that she would hand out DVDs of Corporate to filmmakers as a form of a showreel. Bhandarkar expressed happiness for her success, noting the film’s lasting impact on her career.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Corporate was well-received, becoming a significant hit in multiplexes. However, some organizations criticized the film for portraying the corporate world negatively, fearing it would deter potential MBA students. Bhandarkar shared that many prominent business figures praised the film, with one stating, “I felt as if you have put a camera in my office and shot the film. It is so real!”

The film even prompted some companies to declare half-days for employees to watch it, marking a unique moment in corporate culture. Bhandarkar recalled receiving numerous messages of appreciation on his Nokia phone and noted that Bipasha Basu was inundated with bouquets and positive feedback. The success of Corporate was celebrated with a party hosted by Sahara and Percept, where he was gifted a Pajero car.

Looking ahead, Bhandarkar acknowledged the ongoing interest in a sequel, stating, “A lot of people have been asking me this since the release of Corporate.” He believes that the corporate landscape has evolved significantly and that a sequel could explore new themes and perspectives.

The film’s relevance continues, as it is even studied at IIM Ahmedabad, where students noted the importance of making practical decisions in the corporate world. Bhandarkar reflected on the lasting impact of Corporate, saying, “It’s been a great journey for me and even after 20 years, people connect with the film.”

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