Tracing Anushka Sharmas journey as a producer from NH10 to Bulbbul

Anushka Sharma’s journey in Bollywood has been mostly about success, both in acting or production. After establishing herself well enough in Bollywood as an actor, she went on to create  her production house Clean Slate Films. In 2015, her debut production NH10 proved that she was not going to stick to generic Bollywood films, but rather be more inclined towards thrillers and darker narrative. 

Here is a look at her creations.

NH10 (2015)

The actress entered the league of film production with an important issue in hand– honour killing. Co-starring Neil Bhoopalam, Anushka Sharma’s NH10 addresses issues which are so intricately secured with the social fabric, keeping Haryana as the background. The active participation of the police in honour killings, the traditional way of bringing down women and the violence practised by males are horrifyingly portrayed in the thriller which will surely make one’s heart race. The dark, brutal scenes were not something Indian cinema was too familiar with at that point, making NH10 stand out among other movies.

Pari (2018)

Anushka Sharma’s love for dark themes became clearer with the release of Pari, the movie produced by Clean Slate Films after Phillauri. Phillauri was not exactly like her other movies, though it had an element of supernatural with Anushka playing the role of a ghost. In 2018 Pari retained the supernatural side of it, while being as dark as NH10, if not more. The actress shed off her glamorous image to fit into the role of Rukhsana, a cross between a human and a spirit. The movie is much more than just a jump scare and beautifully couples horror with violation of women.

Paatal Lok (2020)

After big screen, Anushka Sharma shifted to over the top (OTT) platforms with her debut series Paatall Lok which drew a lot of attention. Her debut web series released on Amazon Prime in May and received positive reactions from both audience and critics. Anushka Sharma chose to be even bolder with Paatal Lok, this time staying off screen. The series covers a range of issues  politics, religion, corruption, violence– enough to have complaints filed against it.  

Bulbbul  (2020)

With Bulbbul, the actress turned producer further addresses various social issues on the backdrop of a supernatural theme. The film released on Netflix recently throws light on sexual violence, child marriage, patriarchy and domestic abuse about others. Despite set in late 19th century, the film is fiercely feminist and relevant even in today’s context.

Anushka Sharma has come a long way from her first film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, to her latest venture Bulbbul. Here is hoping she continues to delight her audience with quality content in the future.