What Was Hansal Mehta's Vision Behind ‘Citylights’?

Mumbai, May 30 (NationPress) Filmmaker Hansal Mehta revealed that his 2014 creation “Citylights” was not just a film but a personal and heartfelt endeavor, crafted with dedication and struggle. Despite facing compromises from a studio, its essence has remained impactful.

As the film celebrated its 11th anniversary in Hindi cinema on Friday, Hansal took to Instagram to post several stills from the movie, which is a remake of the BAFTA-nominated 2013 British film Metro Manila.

He shared: “Eleven years ago, it began as a remake. I’ve never watched Metro Manila, and I still haven’t. I’ve heard it might be superior—perhaps it is. But Citylights became our own. Ritesh Shah’s screenplay provided a foundation, and we constructed our own narrative upon it. While it wasn't flawless, it was deeply personal.”

Mehta disclosed that the film was shot with a modest crew of just 25 in live “compartments, on bustling platforms, in the heart of a city.”

“We filmed on faith. With merely 25 crew members—but the fervor of 250. Trains were not just symbols—they were our shooting locations. We recorded in live compartments, on thriving platforms, at the center of a city that felt both indifferent and intimate. (sic).”

The filmmaker elaborated: “Every scene utilized sync sound. Each frame captured borrowed light. Just a few tubes, a portable generator, and a strong determination to narrate this story. @devagarwal_dp portrayed the city not as a postcard, but as a wound—raw, flickering, alive. @apurva_asrani infused soul and rhythm into the edit, crafting something profoundly human from our chaos.”

“@vinraw—my casting director, my collaborator, my brother on this journey—discovered authenticity in the faces that passed us. My son @jaihmehta, then my chief assistant, supported me through every turmoil with wisdom and resilience beyond his age. @mandarjkulkarni ensured that not a single scene was dubbed—an incredible achievement. Let’s not forget the outstanding music by @jeetganngulimusic and @therashmivirag.”

He mentioned that the director’s cut was “vulnerable, unrefined, deeply felt. However, the studio chose not to release it.”

“And throughout this journey was Bhatt Saab. Mahesh Bhatt. Not merely a mentor—but a parent, a guide, a beacon of light.

We created a director’s cut—vulnerable, unpolished, deeply felt. But the studio opted for another version; one deemed safer and more ‘acceptable’.”

“A version born from insecurity. That cut was approved. And I’ve carried the burden of that compromise ever since. Nevertheless—what remains, lasts.”

He praised the performances of actors Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa, and Manav Kaul.

“@rajkummar_rao delivered what I still consider his most subtle yet powerful performance. @patralekhaa as Rakhi—so composed, so haunting, a portrayal that lingers in my mind. And @manavkaul—not only did he make an entrance, he announced himself with authority,” shared Hansal.

Reflecting on the film, he stated: “Citylights tells the story of those forgotten by the city. The migrants. The unseen. The individuals who construct the skyline yet sleep on its sidewalks. Their narrative remains real. Still painful. Still essential. Some films infiltrate your life. Citylights never departed.”

“Citylights” was directed by Hansal Mehta and presented by Fox Star Studios in collaboration with Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt. The film narrates the tale of a poor farmer from Rajasthan who migrates to Mumbai seeking a better livelihood.

“Citylights” follows Deepak Singh, an ex-army personnel from Rajasthan, who relocates to Mumbai with his family in search of improved living conditions. However, upon arrival, he discovers that the reality is far from the anticipated ease.