B. Mahanteshwar

B. Mahanteshwar’s filmography is a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly. You’ve got Ajoba (2014) kicking things off, and let me tell you, it’s not your run-of-the-mill adventure. The film’s rooted in the real-life journey of a leopard who decides to take a little stroll through the wilds of Maharashtra, turning the jungle and city into his personal playground. The whole thing’s tense, surprisingly moving, and you can’t help but root for the big cat weaving through the chaos of urban life. Mahanteshwar’s work there? It’s got this raw, almost documentary-like vibe but still packs an emotional punch. Fast forward to Phuntroo (2016), and you’re in a whole different universe. Sci-fi, but not the shiny, Hollywood kind. It’s quirky, weird, and unapologetically Indian. The story zeroes in on Vira, a tech nerd with a serious crush, who goes and invents a virtual girlfriend (as one does). Things get trippy, feelings get messy, and you’re left wondering where the line between reality and fantasy actually is. It’s got this youthful energy, with just enough awkward romance and tech gone haywire to keep you guessing. And then there’s Bulbule (2021), which is all heart. The film dives into the everyday dreams and struggles of people who just want a little more out of life. There’s grit, there’s longing, and a kind of hopefulness that sneaks up on you. Through all three films, Mahanteshwar’s fingerprints are all over the emotional beats, the offbeat humor, and the way he never shies away from showing the messiness of real life.