National Award-winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has commenced the shoot of his upcoming film, "The Wives," today in Mumbai. Known for his hard-hitting and socially relevant films, Bhandarkar is set to explore the lives of Bollywood star wives, promising to reveal the hidden realities behind their glamorous facade.

Bhandarkar, who has previously directed critically acclaimed films like "Chandni Bar," "Page 3," "Fashion," and "Traffic Signal," is known for his unflinching portrayals of different segments of society. With "The Wives," he aims to peel back the layers of Bollywood's high society and showcase the struggles, secrets, and resilience of women who are often seen but rarely heard.

"With 'The Wives,' I want to peel back yet another glamorous layer of society and show what really lies beneath," Bhandarkar stated. "This film will be a bold, unapologetic look at the secrets, struggles, and resilience of women who are often seen but seldom heard”.

The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Sonali Kulkarni, Mouni Roy, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhatt, Saurabh Sachdeva, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruwala. The storyline is expected to be filled with scandal, gossip, power struggles, and eye-popping luxury, offering an unfiltered look into the lives of Bollywood's elite. Bhandarkar's signature eye for detail and authenticity will likely provide audiences with a captivating and insightful experience.

"The Wives" marks Bhandarkar's second collaboration with producer Pranav Jain of P J Motion Pictures, following their successful project "India Lockdown". "Collaborating with Madhur sir again is truly exciting," Jain said. "The Wives is a powerful story that's both timely and eye-opening”.

The film was initially announced in October 2024, under the working title "Wives of Bollywood". Bhandarkar had previously expressed his fascination with the subject, noting the curiosity surrounding the lives of Bollywood star wives. He aims to bring untold stories inspired by real incidents to the big screen.

There was a minor controversy in 2020 when Karan Johar used a similar title, "Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives," for a web series. Bhandarkar had expressed his disapproval at the time and requested Johar to change the name.

Madhur Bhandarkar's films are known for their gritty realism and exploration of complex social issues. "The Wives" is expected to follow in this tradition, offering a bold commentary on the lives of women in Bollywood and the challenges they face.

While specific plot details are still under wraps, "The Wives" is anticipated to be a provocative and engaging film that will resonate with audiences. The film is produced by Bhandarkar Entertainment and P J Motion Pictures.