'It tested my resolve': Sumo Didi director Jayant Rohatgi on film's delayed release

Shriyam Bhagnani in the film; (right) Jayant Rohatgi. Pics/Instagram

For director Jayant Rohatgi, Sumo Didi's release last week ended a wait that began in 2023 when the film premièred at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival. Since then, even as the biopic on Indian sumo wrestler Hetal Dave travelled to various film festivals, it took time to secure a release at home. "It tested my resolve. The difficult thing was seeing people connect with the film internationally and still having to wait to share it with the audience at home," said the director.

Why women-led films still struggle to find industry backing

The long road from the première to the movie's release on Zee5 also raises questions about the industry's willingness to back stories centred on women. It becomes harder when they don't feature stars, like in the case of Sumo Didi that is led by Shriyam Bhagnani.

Questioning the industry's scepticism, Rohatgi said, "It becomes a hurdle when the term ‘woman-led' starts functioning as a verdict on a film's commercial potential before its story has been considered. In fact, an unfamiliar protagonist or a lesser-known sport can also be a reason for people to watch. Discovery is part of the pleasure of cinema."